Podcasts about reflection questions

The most famous fresco in the history of western art is in the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo. It depicts the stirring moment when God created humans, with God and Adam, arms outstretched, making contact. Just as moving is the stunning entryway doors to the Baptistery of St. John in Florence, Italy by Giberti, which depics the story of creation in incredible, gilded detail. The creation story is a fitting starting point in our Lenten journey, reminding us of our inherent nature as made in the image of God, and calling us to return to a full reflection of God's character, as we reach out and touch the divine.   Reflection Questions:1. How might you begin to read the Bible with multiple physical senses? 2. When has a work of art opened your eyes to wonder? 3. How do these two works of art give you deeper appreciation for the creation story? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Brian Priebe | Executive Pastor | February 22, 2026 Referenced Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-4a, Luke 4:18-21, Luke 10:29b, Matthew 25:42-46 Reflection Questions:1. What's one thing that stood out to you from the sermon and why? 2. How would people close to you rate your protection of the vulnerable on a scale of 1-10? 3. What motivates you to protect the vulnerable? Can you share an experience of protecting the vulnerable that was meaningful to you? 4. What are Biblical examples of Jesus protecting the vulnerable? 5. Do you find that protecting the vulnerable comes to you naturally? Why or Why not? What things make it challenging for you? 6. Brian's focal point was that Jesus sought to bring justice to earth by protecting the vulnerable. Do you agree or disagree? Why? 7. Read Matthew 25:31-46. What differences do you see between how the sheep and the goats are described in the parable? 8. Are you naturally bent more like the sheep or the goats? What would it take in your life to serve more like the sheep than the goats? 9 What would the church look like if everyone took the sheeps posture of protecting the vulnerable or helping those in need? 10. Brian referenced the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) sacrificed his comfort, time and money to protect the vulnerable. Which of those is hardest for you to sacrifice and why? Which is easiest for you to sacrifice? What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:00) - What Do You Do About A Homeless Person's Sign?(00:02:04) - What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?(00:11:00) - The Parable of the Good Samaritan(00:17:44) - Jesus on Protecting the Vulnerable(00:21:15) - Examples of People Who Protect the Vulnerable(00:27:36) - Count the Cost of what it Takes to Protect the Vulnerable(00:33:55) - God's call to help the vulnerable(00:35:40) - All About It

 This week on the Finding God Podcast, we're stepping into a tender and deeply important conversation: how to reconnect with God after experiencing religious trauma. If you've ever felt afraid of God, unsure how to pray, or disconnected from your faith because of harmful church experiences, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a gentle path forward.Religious trauma can distort your view of God, your sense of safety, and your ability to trust. But trauma does not have the final word. In this episode, Keana walks with you through what religious trauma is, how it affects your nervous system, and why your struggle to reconnect with God is a normal trauma response not a spiritual failure.Drawing from the work of leading trauma researchers like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Diane Langberg, Dr. Kristin Neff, and Dr. Stephen Porges, this episode blends psychology and faith in a way that honors both your story and God's heart.✨ In This Episode, We Explore:1. What Religious Trauma Really IsHow spiritual abuse, fear‑based teachings, and shame‑driven environments impact your relationship with God.2. How Trauma Distorts Your View of GodWhy your nervous system may associate God with fear, disappointment, or pressure — and how to gently untangle that.3. What Reconnection Actually Looks LikeA slow, non‑linear, compassionate process rooted in safety, honesty, and God's gentleness.4. Practical Ways to Reconnect With GodTrauma‑informed spiritual practices that don't rely on rituals, pressure, or performance.5. Signs You're Reconnecting (Even If It Feels Small)How to recognize subtle shifts that show your heart is healing.6. Reflection Questions for Your JourneyPrompts to help you explore your beliefs, fears, and hopes with God.

This is the 100th episode of The Discomfort Zone Podcast — and it almost never happened. In this solo milestone episode, Anna reflects on the journey from sitting on the idea of a podcast for years to surpassing 50,000 downloads — and the single insight that finally helped her take the leap. That insight came from one paragraph in Hidden Potential by Adam Grant, where he describes three kinds of courage that accelerate growth: The courage to abandon your tried-and-true methods The courage to step into the ring before you feel ready The courage to make more mistakes than others make attempts Through stories from whitewater kayaking, launching her first instructional DVD for women, and navigating the fear of publishing a podcast, Anna shares how leaning into discomfort shaped not only her career — but her life. In this episode, you'll explore: Why discomfort is the gateway to growth How to peel out of your "eddy" and take action Why mistakes are essential for mastery How paddling mirrors the way we show up in life Reflection questions to help you move toward what matters most If you've ever felt stuck, hesitant, or unsure whether you're ready, this episode is your reminder that growth starts exactly there. The river doesn't wait for you to feel ready. You peel out of the eddy anyway. And that's where transformation happens.

In this episode of Make Your Message a Movement, Tiffany explores the foundational role of trust in building authority and attracting high-level clients. Moving away from the "hustle and be everywhere" marketing model, Tiffany argues that trust is the ultimate conversion metric, something that is established long before a sales page is opened or a call is booked.She introduces her proprietary framework, The 4 Cs of Trust-Based Authority, designed for coaches, authors, and speakers who want to lead with presence rather than pressure. Tiffany discusses why "social media optional" strategies are becoming more effective, how to maintain authority in the age of AI, and why self-trust is the prerequisite for gaining the trust of others.Key TakeawaysThe Shift from Hustle to Presence- Trust as Conversion: Conversion isn't a single marketing event; it is the final step in a long process of building safety and understanding.- The Hustle Myth: Being "everywhere" can actually erode trust. People are drawn to leaders who are grounded and intentional, not those who seem "hungry" for validation or constant visibility.- The "Social Media Optional" Advantage: You don't need to be loud to be relevant. Leaders who prioritize deep, consistent messaging over vanity metrics often see higher profit margins and deeper client loyalty.The 4 Cs of Trust-Based Authority1. Coherence: Does your message make sense? Trust begins when your message stops fighting itself. If your positioning, offers, and point of view aren't aligned, the audience's nervous system senses fragmentation and pulls away.2. Consistency: This refers to reliability, not frequency. It's about being a steady presence over time so people know what to expect. It creates psychological safety, signaling that you aren't chasing the next "shiny thing."3. Conviction: This is where authority becomes magnetic. It's about having a unique point of view and the courage to stand by it. Conviction stems from lived experience and deep integration, which is why "borrowed language" or raw AI-generated content often falls flat.4. Calm: Perhaps the most underrated signal. Calm communicates that you are not desperate for the sale. It shows you are leading from clarity and direction rather than urgency and pressure.Trust in the Era of AI- The Rarest Currency: In a world of synthetic personalities and infinite content, human trust is the most valuable asset.- IP over AI: Use AI to help shape your Intellectual Property (IP), but ensure the "soul-level" connection and conviction come from you.- Beyond Proof: Testimonials and case studies aren't enough anymore. Because "proof" can be manufactured, people now look for energetic and emotional alignment—how you make them feel in your presence.Reflection Questions for LeadersTo integrate these concepts, Tiffany invites listeners to ask:- Where does my brand feel calm, and where does it feel rushed or "off"?- What signals might I be sending that could accidentally break trust?- Am I showing up as a self-led leader before asking others to follow?Connect with Tiffany:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyneuman/Email: tiffany@tiffanyneuman.comRate, Review, and Follow on Your Favorite Platform! If you loved this episode, leave us a review. And always make sure you're following the podcast so you never miss an episode. Follow now!

“How do you affair-proof your marriage?”It's a question we all want a simple formula for, but the reality is much more sobering. An affair is rarely a sudden impulse; it is usually the final chapter of years of quiet neglect. Marriages don't collapse overnight—they erode when wounds are ignored, needs are unmet, and hearts are left unattended.In today's message, “Building A Lasting Marriage,” we look at the "Rise and Fall" of David. While we often focus on his failure with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11, the cracks in the foundation started a decade earlier. By looking at the volatile interaction between David and his wife Michal in 2 Samuel 6, we discover the warning signs of a marriage losing its connection.From the danger of "calcified bitterness" to the "dashboard indicator" of sarcasm, we explore how unresolved conflict creates a chasm that leaves us vulnerable. Whether you are in a season of bliss or feeling the chill of a distant spouse, this message offers a candid look at how to choose your spouse every day and protect the covenant you've built.In this sermon, we discuss:The Myth of the Sudden Failure: Why affairs are often the result of long-term neglect.The Michal Complex: How unresolved bitterness turns into contempt.The Sarcasm Warning: What your tone of voice says about the health of your heart.The "Homecoming" Test: What it looks like to return home to "bless your household" versus being "met with a mood."Vulnerability & Validation: The danger of seeking honor from others when you don't feel it at home.Reflection Questions for Couples:Use these to spark a conversation on your next date night:What are some disappointments that have accumulated over time in our relationship?Does our home feel like a place of blessing or a place of "moods" and tension?How can we move from being "stiff-necked" to being tender with one another again?Scripture References:2 Samuel 6:14-23; 2 Samuel 11:1-3; Deuteronomy 17:17Website: https://impact.church Facebook: https://facebook.com/ImpactChurchHome Instagram: https://instagram.com/ImpactChurchHome YouTube: https://youtube.com/@impactchurchhome TikTok: https://tiktokcom/@impactchurchhome

Revelation may seem like an odd choice to include in a series on listening, but the oracle is founded on a witness from John to Christians who needed to listen better. Beginning with the indictments to the seven churches, the book is filled with words of comfort and courage to people under distress. When we learn to “silence all voices but God's voice,” (Henri Nouwen) we can learn to hear God's will for us to move forward with conviction.   Reflection Questions:1. Where in your life right now do you most need discernment — and what makes that situation hard to navigate?2. When you're making decisions, what practices actually help you listen for God, and what has that looked like in real life?3. Jesus warned about being “lukewarm.” Where do you notice spiritual complacency in yourself or our culture — and what might wholehearted faith (zeal and repentance) look like instead?

Top 10 Mental Skills Every Athlete Needs to Master Grab the list here: https://t.co/yoaXVzPw9H-This Episode is Brought to you by:Champions Adjust Use code CAPod10 for 10% OFF

REFLECTION QUESTIONS1. What kinds of “foolish controversies” or distractions are most likely to pull you away from gospel priorities? How can you intentionally guard your heart and speech to promote unity rather than division?2. Do Paul's instructions in verses 10 and 11 sound harsh to you? Why are they necessary? What would it look like for a church to live out these instructions in a Christlike way?3. In what ways are you tempted to approach church primarily as a consumer rather than a contributor? What is one concrete step you could take to shift toward being devoted to good works and serving others in the church or community?4. Paul highlights meeting “cases of urgent need.” Who is one person or situation God may be placing in front of you right now that needs care, generosity, or practical help? What specific action can you take this week to respond in a gospel-shaped way?

Will we ever fully know and understand God? And if we could … would that even be God? In this final episode of our Unexpected Divine conversations, Revs. Brittany and Hannah explore John 1:18: “No one has ever seen God. It is God, the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.” Through their conversation, the female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego use poetic theology, humor, and real-life reflection to wrestle with: What it means that Jesus “exegetes” (reveals) the heart of God Why mystery is not a weakness of faith, but its depth How Jesus reshapes our understanding of transcendence Why not knowing everything about God doesn’t excuse us from justice Whether Christocentrism is compatible with Jesus’ own ministry How diversity in religions may reflect the vastness of the Divine From TikTok analogies to the Grand Canyon, from Mary & Martha to Sankofa, this conversation invites us into a faith that is expansive, relational, and beautifully unfinished. Reflection Questions: What does Jesus show us about God? Which ideas about God have shaped my faith, and which no longer help me grow? What does it mean that God is not “seen” but is still “made known”? Join the conversation by sharing this episode, reflecting with someone you trust, or connecting with the Perspectives community online through Patreon and in person at the weekly Convergence Discussion Group. Limited on time? Jump ahead to these pivotal moments. Timestamps: 00:00 Opening Question – Can We Ever Fully Know God? 00:46 “No One Has Ever Seen God” – What Does John Mean? 02:51 Jesus as the “Exegesis” of God 06:28 Have We Seen God Through Jesus? 12:32 Jesus Wept – The Heart of God Revealed 16:52 If We Can Explain God, Is It Still God? 20:57 Is Christocentrism Compatible with Jesus? 24:53 Reflection Questions & Final Thoughts

You're not behind. You're just running too fast. Most leaders think the answer to overwhelm is speed—more efficiency, tighter schedules, faster execution. But what if the real problem isn't that you're doing too little? What if it's that you're running at an unsustainable pace that's hurting you, your family, your work, and your team? In this final episode of our Five Spheres of an H2 Leader series, we're tackling pace, how fast you're running, why you're running that fast, and what it's costing you. Most leaders execute from anxiety and shame, not focus and clarity. They're running FROM something instead of running TO something. And when you run too fast for too long, everything suffers—your health, your relationships, your creativity, and your team's culture. Alan breaks down the difference between personal activation (how fast you're running) and communal activation (how fast you're driving your team to run). And he introduces the concept that changes everything: effectiveness over efficiency. What You'll Learn: Why most leaders execute from anxiety and shame instead of focus and clarity—and how to shift from running FROM something to running TO something Personal activation vs. communal activation: how your pace directly impacts everyone around you (whether you realize it or not) The efficiency trap: why focusing on "doing all the things as fast as possible" kills creativity, presence, and quality Peter Drucker's definition of effectiveness: doing the right things well—not all the things quickly How to identify if you're running at a sustainable pace: the 1-10 self-assessment and why most leaders overestimate their capacity Four things that suffer when you run too fast: your health (cardiac issues, stress, sleep), those you love (presence, connection), your work (creativity, quality, enjoyment), and your team (culture, morale, burnout) The seasonal awareness principle: why some sprint seasons are okay—but only if you know they're seasons with a beginning and an end Why hurry is literally killing you: the science on how chronic rushing impacts everything from heart health to weight to sleep quality The communal cost of your pace: how your speed becomes your team's speed—and why your anxiety cascades down the org chart Sabbath as the killer app: one day a week where you get to just be human, not a leader—and why this weekly rhythm recalibrates your entire pace The scarcity mentality test: if you find yourself saying "there's never enough time to ___," you're running from scarcity, not toward clarity How to move from efficiency (doing all things fast) to effectiveness (doing the right things well) Why you're probably not behind: the lie that you need to run faster, and the truth that you need to run smarter The Right Side Up Journal: a 10-minute daily practice to focus your day, prioritize what matters, and remember that your son's basketball game tonight is more important than your task list Key Insight: You have way more influence than you think. The people around you are watching how you run, feeling your anxiety, and absorbing your pace. When you slow down, you give your team permission to breathe. When you focus on effectiveness over efficiency, you create space for creativity, presence, and quality. When you Sabbath weekly, you remind yourself—and your team—that the world runs just fine without you grinding 24/7. Reflection Questions: How sustainable is the pace you're running at right now? (1-10) What would your family say about your pace? What would your team say about the pace you're setting? Are you running FROM something (anxiety, shame, scarcity) or TO something (purpose, clarity, mission)? What are the 3-4 right things you should be doing right now—and are you doing them well, or just fast? Series Context: This is the fifth and final episode in our Five Spheres of an H2 Leader series. The five spheres are: Influence - How you wield your relational and positional power Health - How you live integrated and aligned to values and needs Self-Awareness - How your emotions, assets, and liabilities impact others Design - How you maximize your talents and abilities Pace - How you move and drive others to move If you haven't listened to the full series, go back and start with Episode 1. These five spheres work together as a tapestry—below-the-surface aspects of leadership that won't show up on scorecards or P&L statements, but deeply affect you, your family, your team, and your organization. Resources Mentioned: Right Side Up Journal (available on Amazon) - 10-minute daily planning tool, 90-day process, 4th edition coming soon Peter Drucker's work on effectiveness vs. efficiency The Five Spheres Recap: This series has been about things below the surface—aspects of leadership that don't show up on websites or win columns, but shape everything. The higher you are on the org chart, the more these spheres impact the people around you. We've covered influence (your power), health (your integration), self-awareness (your emotional impact), design (your unique wiring), and now pace (your speed and sustainability). These aren't destinations. You don't arrive and get a trophy. You're in direction of becoming a healthy, high-impact leader. And that's the journey we're on together. Want More? We believe you are designed by a Designer who invites you to co-design your life with Him. If you don't believe that, you'll just get pulled along by your life—by social media, email, news cycles, and other people's urgency. But we believe it's intelligent, personal, and purposeful. You are invited to collaborate in your own life. For coaching, consulting, and resources to help you lead as a Healthy + High Impact leader, visit h2leadership.com.

In this episode, Keana explores a freeing and deeply healing truth: you can hear God's voice without rituals, pressure, or spiritual performance. Many of us were taught that God only speaks when we pray a certain way, behave a certain way, or follow a specific formula. But God's voice isn't earned, it's received through relationship.This conversation builds on last week's episode, Recognizing Legalism in the Church, and continues the journey of releasing fear‑based beliefs so you can reconnect with God's heart in a gentle, authentic way.

In this episode I explore a tough but hopeful topic: why trust can erode in organizations even when leaders have the best intentions. Drawing from real conversations and coaching experiences with senior leaders, the episode unpacks the difference between a leader's intent and the reality employees experience on the ground.Intent vs. Impact:Good intent is important, but employees don't experience their leaders' intentions—they experience systems, responses, and the outcomes of their actions. Trust is built (or eroded) not by what leaders say, but by what happens next.How Trust Erodes Quietly:Trust usually doesn't break down with drama or scandals, but through small moments—unaddressed challenges, reversed decisions without explanation, or promises of openness that aren't followed through on.Systems Over Intent:In pressured environments, what actually gets rewarded or discouraged in a system shapes behavior more than stated values or intentions. People adapt to stay safe, which can lead to silence and withdrawal instead of genuine trust.The Cost of Unseen Systems:When leaders aren't aware of the behavioral patterns their systems create, they might mistake quiet for trust when in reality it's withdrawal and disengagement. The grief for lost potential and silenced talent can be deeply felt on a personal level.Gaining Visibility:The real turning point is for leaders to honestly examine which behaviors are being rewarded, which carry risks, and what truly happens after challenge or dissent. Visibility (not just motivation or capability) is key to changing the culture.Building Trust through Action:Trustworthiness isn't an inherent personality trait—it's experienced through systems, responses, and consistent consequences, especially under pressure. Leaders are encouraged to reflect not just on their intent, but also on the actual impact they have.Reflection Questions for LeadersWhat behaviors are you truly rewarding—and which ones are risky in your system?What really happens after someone challenges or disagrees?Are you seeing quiet as trust, or could it be a sign of something else?Reach out on LinkedIn for further discussion and support. If you're still showing up in spaces that weren't built for you—keep going, you're seen.Tune in next week for more insight into women, career, and leadership, with a focus on well-being and ambition.Connect with Ruth:Instagram LinkedIn Website

This Sunday, we are joined by Bishop Will Willimon as he reflects on Jesus' first sermon in Luke 4 and what happens when God speaks a word we didn't come to hear. Willimon explores why preaching is so difficult to listen to, not because sermons are long or abstract, but because the true preacher is Christ himself. Drawing on personal stories from the pulpit and moments when sermons provoke discomfort rather than comfort, this message invites us to listen bravely, expecting to encounter the risen Jesus who still speaks truthfully, sometimes painfully, and always out of love.Reflection Questions: 1. In what ways do you listen to sermons seeking comfort, and how open are you to Jesus challenging and changing you, even when it feels uncomfortable?2. Where do you resist the idea that God might be at work among people or places you least expect or prefer?3. When have you realized that Jesus spoke to you through a sermon in a way the preacher never intended? How did it change you?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This week marks a turning point rather than a buildup of minor events. On Feb 13th, Saturn fully enters Aries, beginning a two-year cycle that will reshape how action, authority, and responsibility move through both personal and collective life. Saturn is also moving toward a rare conjunction with Neptune, signaling the dissolution of false authority alongside the demand for mature, embodied leadership.This is a shift in conditions, not just astrology. What has been diffuse, delayed, or hidden is coming under pressure. What has relied on impulse, fantasy, or force is being tested for integrity and endurance.Alongside this, on Feb 17th, we experience the first Solar Eclipse of 2026 at 29° Aquarius, square Uranus in Taurus. This eclipse applies stress to collective systems, social contracts, technologies, and economic or material foundations. When Aquarius and Taurus collide, the tension between ideals and survival becomes unavoidable. What has been artificially stabilized can no longer hold.We are also entering the Year of the Fire Horse, an energy of acceleration, volatility, and uncompromising movement. Fire Horse years amplify speed and intensity—but they do not reward recklessness. This is fire that must be shaped, contained, and directed with discernment.Astrologically, we are witnessing a larger elemental transition as well: a gradual shift away from Earth and Water dominance into Air and Fire. This brings faster movement, sharper conflicts around truth and ideology, and an urgent need for clarity in both thought and action. Emotional processing and material reckoning are giving way to decisive moments that ask for ethical resolve.This week's astrology aligns with:The Forge, not the Fire — pressure applied with purposeThe Training Ground, not the Battlefield — courage developed through disciplineThe Unmasking of Authority — legitimacy tested through accountabilityCollectively, this moment coincides with visible authoritarian violence, extractive economic behavior, and escalating systems failure. These are not anomalies, but end-stage expressions of structures losing legitimacy. At the same time, quieter signals of the future are emerging through mutual aid, non-violent resistance, and community care.Reflection Questions for the WeekSit with these gently. They are meant to ground the archetypal themes into everyday life.Where in my life am I being asked to act with more maturity—not more force? Notice where restraint, clarity, or responsibility would be more powerful than urgency or reaction.What from the last Saturn-in-Aries cycle (1996–1999) is ready to be completed, integrated, or consciously released now? This may include an identity you formed, a way of leading or proving yourself, or a lesson that no longer needs to be relearned.How can I stay grounded, relational, and human in my responses—without hardening, rushing, or disengaging—as collective pressures intensify? What helps you remain present and clear when conditions feel volatile?This is a time for clean action, grounded presence, and courage shaped by responsibility.Podcast poem: The Fire in the Song by David WhyteSupport the showGo to Sheila's website for information for transformational resources: https://www.ontheedgesofchange.com/home-page This episode was co-created with generative AI, engaged as a soul-aligned ally in service of transformation. At the edge where technology meets myth, I choose insight over noise, and alchemy over automation. Thank you for dreaming the future with me.

What are the 8 most scandalous words in the Bible? Revs. Trudy and Hannah share their thoughts on that and more in this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast. The female pastors continue investigating The Unexpected Divine. This time looking at “the spaces between us” – a progressive Christian reflection on John 1:14. Together, they answer why the first half of the verse (“the Word became flesh and lived among us”) continues to unsettle faith communities. Through biblical study, lived experience, theology, and culture, the pastors wrestle with Jesus’ full humanity, the scandal of divine nearness, and what it means to glimpse God’s glory in ordinary life. This episode opens space for reflection and conversation about: The tension between panentheism, traditional doctrine, and lived faith Reshaping how we see ourselves and the world Why God dwelling among us is so scandalous How Jesus’ humanity challenges the way we live We invite you to continue the discussion with these reflection questions: How does the idea that Jesus lived a life just like us humans change the way you think about Jesus? How does this understanding impact your everydayness? With whom have you felt the Spirit of God? Join the conversation by sharing this episode, reflecting with someone you trust, or connecting with the Perspectives community online through Patreon and in person at the weekly Convergence Discussion Group. Limited on time? Jump ahead to these pivotal moments. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 01:06 John 1 verse 14 & “the Word became flesh” 03:36 “What if God were one of us?” 07:11 Relating to Jesus’ humanity 18:09 Panentheism – God within and beyond the world 27:43 Reflection Questions & Closing

Grab your water (take a big sip right now), lace up your shoes, and be present to what it feels like to quench your thirst. This is your call to move your body and have fun today! Truth be told, you're thirsty! We're a chronically dehydrated people… both physically and spiritually. Today, let's move our hearts closer to the Living Water—Jesus. Key Scripture John 7:37-38 (NIV) As you start to feel better and get your body moving, offer your body as an act of worship. Exercise uses the whole body—that's why it's so beneficial for us as whole people created in God's image. God provides… for every step you take. He's the source of true endurance—not just for the miles, but for the marathon of life. The Biology of Thirst: A Mirror to Our Soul's Need—Did you know your body is about 60% water, and your brain is roughly 75% water? Water is essential for every cell, every thought, every heartbeat. That physical desperation when we're dehydrated? It reflects something deeper. Breaking Down Water in Scripture—and Our Dependence on Christ Just like our bodies cry out for physical water to survive and thrive, our souls thirst for the Living Water. When our soul is thirsty, we become desperate people—chasing temporary fixes, distractions, or empty wells that never satisfy. But Jesus invites the thirsty to come to Him. He doesn't just quench; He becomes a spring welling up to eternal life, overflowing to others.  Reflection Questions to Ponder (or Journal During/After Your Movement) How has God been faithful to you lately, even in small ways? What wilderness season have you survived… or are you walking through right now? How is He sustaining you there—like living water in the desert? What are you thirsting for? What water from the rock does Jesus need to bring? So hydrate up (literally and spiritually), move with joy, and let this workout be worship! Loved this episode? Hit follow, share it with a friend, and drop a quick review! Follow | Leave a Review Leave a voice message (include the episode #)—we can't wait to hear what's stirring in you!

Empathy seems to be a lost art these days. It has even been villainized by certain segments of our political discourse. Empathy is not a weakness; it is a demonstration of strength, of security in oneself, and a reflection of the character of God, who empathized with humanity to such a degree that God became human just like us. It is a central idea in this passage of Paul's letter to the Romans, and it is central to us as Christians.   Reflection Questions:1. In what ways are you tempted to stop at believing the right things about Jesus rather than doing the hard things he asks of you? 2. What people are you struggling to empathize with? What “single story” might you need to change with deeper listening? 3. How can you practice empathy by honoring another person's humanity while still maintaining healthy emotional boundaries? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Grab your water (take a big sip right now), lace up your shoes, and be present to what it feels like to quench your thirst. This is your call to move your body and have fun today! Truth be told, you're thirsty! We're a chronically dehydrated people… both physically and spiritually. Today, let's move our hearts closer to the Living Water—Jesus. Key Scripture John 7:37-38 (NIV) As you start to feel better and get your body moving, offer your body as an act of worship. Exercise uses the whole body—that's why it's so beneficial for us as whole people created in God's image. God provides… for every step you take. He's the source of true endurance—not just for the miles, but for the marathon of life. The Biology of Thirst: A Mirror to Our Soul's Need—Did you know your body is about 60% water, and your brain is roughly 75% water? Water is essential for every cell, every thought, every heartbeat. That physical desperation when we're dehydrated? It reflects something deeper. Breaking Down Water in Scripture—and Our Dependence on Christ Just like our bodies cry out for physical water to survive and thrive, our souls thirst for the Living Water. When our soul is thirsty, we become desperate people—chasing temporary fixes, distractions, or empty wells that never satisfy. But Jesus invites the thirsty to come to Him. He doesn't just quench; He becomes a spring welling up to eternal life, overflowing to others.  Reflection Questions to Ponder (or Journal During/After Your Movement) How has God been faithful to you lately, even in small ways? What wilderness season have you survived… or are you walking through right now? How is He sustaining you there—like living water in the desert? What are you thirsting for? What water from the rock does Jesus need to bring? So hydrate up (literally and spiritually), move with joy, and let this workout be worship! Loved this episode? Hit follow, share it with a friend, and drop a quick review! Follow | Leave a Review Leave a voice message (include the episode #)—we can't wait to hear what's stirring in you!

When the Ground Shifts AgainThis week carries a feeling many of us recognize in our bones: something is moving forward again—but not back to what was.Uranus, the planet of disruption, awakening, and radical change, turns direct in Taurus, marking the final stretch of a seven-year cycle that began in 2018. Since then, what once felt stable—finances, ecological systems, bodily safety, and the promise of “normal”—has been steadily unsettled. Taurus governs the ground beneath our feet, and Uranus has been shaking that ground not to punish, but to awaken.As Uranus moves forward for the last months of its time in Taurus, the message is unmistakable: there is no return to the old stability. But there is an opportunity to build something truer.This forward motion does not arrive quietly. Both Mercury and Venus in Aquarius form tense squares to Uranus, pressing our stories, values, and social agreements up against realities that refuse to be managed or smoothed over. Collectively, this shows up as unrest, protest, and outrage—signals that people can feel when systems no longer protect life or reflect shared values. Aquarius gives voice to the people; Uranus refuses compliance with what has become unjust or unsustainable.At the same time, Mercury and Venus also make supportive connections to Chiron in Aries. Alongside anger and rupture, there is a healing process underway around identity, agency, and the right to exist as oneself. Honest conversation and values-based relationship become part of that healing—not by bypassing pain, but by naming it.Later in the week, Mercury enters Pisces for an unusually long stay, shifting the tone from argument to intuition, from certainty to listening. This is not a time for quick solutions. It's a time to sense what is dissolving and what is quietly asking to emerge.As the week closes, it matters to say this clearly: outrage is not a spiritual failure—it is often a healthy response to real harm. What is equally important to notice is the courage moving alongside it: people supporting one another, organizing without violence, and creating care where institutions have failed. This is not chaos—it is conscience.The astrology cycles of this week do not ask us to harden or look away. They ask us to stay present, embodied, and ethically awake, remembering that collective awakening often begins when we refuse to normalize what wounds life.As you move on from this moment, let your feet find the ground beneath you, and remember that staying human—present, caring, and awake—is already an act of courage.Reflection Questions for the Week:Where has my sense of security already changed—financially, physically, or emotionally—even if I haven't fully acknowledged it yet? When I feel agitation, anger, or outrage—personally or in response to the collective—what truth might be trying to surface through that energy? Where am I being invited to speak, relate, or choose more honestly—even if it disrupts comfort or agreement?Podcast Poem: Kindness by Naomi Shihab NyeSupport the showGo to Sheila's website for information for transformational resources: https://www.ontheedgesofchange.com/home-page This episode was co-created with generative AI, engaged as a soul-aligned ally in service of transformation. At the edge where technology meets myth, I choose insight over noise, and alchemy over automation. Thank you for dreaming the future with me.

Bob Schwahn  |  Lead Pastor  |  February 1, 2026 Referenced Scripture:  Matthew 11:28-30, Ezekiel 36:25-28, John 16:7, Romans 8:10-11, Galatians 3:2-3, Galatians 5:25   Reflection Questions: 1. When you realize that the invitation to follow Jesus means we actually are expected to become like Him, how do you respond to that idea?  Why can that thought be overwhelming?  Does this seem impossible?  Why or why not? 2. Read Matthew 11:28-30 What were the two uses of the word “yoke” that Jesus is referring to here?  Describe the imagery of being “yoked” to Jesus like two oxen?  How does that imagery help us understand how we are to walk our life with Jesus?  How does this help us to become like Jesus?   3. If we are weary and burdened in our life, what does that say to us about our walk with Jesus and our connection to Him?  How can Jesus actually make our yoke easy and our burden light?  Does that mean that everything in life will be easy and light?  Why or why not?   4. True life in Jesus is found when we surrender our lives fully to Him.  What does it mean to surrender fully to Jesus?  Why can that word be difficult for us to deal with?  What makes actually surrendering difficult for you?   5. How does surrendering to Jesus actually bring freedom and life to our souls?  Explain.   What things in this life can we become free of through surrendering?  Explain.   6. The opposite of surrender is control?  How can trying to control everything in life be exhausting?  (making us weary and burdened)   7. Reflect on the illustration from the sermon of the clenched fist vs the open palm.  What did that experience show you?  Where in your life do you need to unclench your fist and open your hands?   8. Serenity Prayer God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  What wisdom do you see in this simple prayer?  How could this be helpful in your learning to surrender?   9. Describe Spiritual breathing… What is exhaling?  →  why is confession of sin important? What is inhaling?  →  how can we tangibly give control to the Spirit? 10. If peace in your soul is evidence of a surrendered life… How surrendered is your life today on a scale 1-10?  Explain. If anxiety in your soul is evidence of a need to surrender… How anxious is your life today on a scale 1-10?  Explain. 11. Where do you need to surrender control in your life to Jesus today?   What's your next step?  Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app  ••Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week:

In today's Q&A session, Keana explores what legalism really is, how it shows up in church culture, and why it can be so damaging to your emotional and spiritual well‑being. If you've ever felt like you had to earn God's love, be perfect, or follow endless rules to be accepted, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and a path toward healing.This episode builds on last week's message, “Religion Cannot Save You but God's Love Can,” and continues the journey of rediscovering God's heart beyond fear, pressure, and performance.

In this episode, we reflect on the tender and often misunderstood topic of forgiveness, what it is, what it isn't, and why it's central to finding freedom in Christ. We talk honestly about how resentment and unforgiveness can quietly build in the heart, often as an attempt to protect ourselves from further pain. We also acknowledge how difficult forgiveness can be, what to do with the cry of our hearts when we have been wounded, and how to entrust it to God when we don't yet feel capable of forgiving. Friends, forgiveness does not strip us of our identity, it affirms who we are in Christ. Even in the deepest places of hurt, we find hope because of the loving presence of a God who never abandons us in our pain.   Heather's One Thing - Greatness of the Lord by Brooke Ligertwood Heather's Other One Thing - The Franciscan University Community  Sister Miriam's One Thing - Heather's Battle Cry Playlist Michelle's One Thing - Congratulations to Indiana University for winning the championship! Michelle's Other One Thing - The Correspondent by Virginia Evans   Other Resources Mentioned:  Forgiving as Unity with Christ: A Journey for Healing Resentment and Relationships by Dr. Robert Enright   Announcement: Our 2026 Lenten book study will be "The Way of Trust and Love" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Scepter Publishers has offered 15% off with the code ABIDE15. They also offer an ebook version as well. We will announce more information about the study in the coming weeks!   Journal Questions: What are the unhealed places of your heart? Are you angry, sad, or frustrated at the wrong you've endured? How have I experienced shame about the wrongs I've endured or my own unforgiveness? How has this affected my health, wellbeing, or energy? How do I replay or obsess over the conflict I experienced?  How have I given into constant comparison in my unforgiveness? What major changes have occurred in my life because of the injustice I've experienced and how have they affected me? Has this experience led to a more negative worldview? How has my sense of self changed? Am I seeing myself as worthless?   Discussion Questions: How have you been sweeping things under the rug and calling it forgiveness? What deeper feelings lie beneath your resentment? Where in your life do you need to repent and take personal responsibility? Who has modeled repentance and forgiveness well in your life? How does your heart react to conflict and wrongdoing in relationships?   Quotes to Ponder: "Ultimately, we can really forgive people only because Christ rose from the dead; his Resurrection is the guarantee that God can cure every wrong and every hurt." (Fr. Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom) Resentment attacks our vital forces and does us much harm. When someone has made us suffer, our tendency is to keep the memory of the wrong alive in our minds, like a "bill" we will produce in due time to demand settlement. Those accumulated bills end up poisoning our lives. It is wiser to cancel every debt, as the Gospel invites us to. In return, we will be forgiven everything, and our hearts will be set free, whereas nurturing resentment toward others closes us to the positive things they could contribute to us." (Fr. Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom) Scripture for Lectio: "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!"" (Matthew 18:21-22)   Sponsor - Blessed is She: "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus didn't ask this because He was uncertain of His identity. He asked because we often are. The disciples had walked with Him. They had seen the miracles. They had heard the teaching. And still, when the question was asked, many hesitated. Because proximity to Jesus does not automatically mean intimacy.  So often, our understanding of God is shaped by what we've absorbed over time—what we were taught, what we experienced, what others modeled for us. And without noticing, we begin to believe stories that aren't true.That God is distant. That He is easily disappointed. That love must be earned. That holiness requires perfection. But Jesus does not leave us guessing. He tells us who He is: I am the Light of the World. I am the Bread of Life. I am the Good Shepherd. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life... Join Blessed is She this Lent to journey with Jesus to Jerusalem in Who Do You Say That I Am? by Debra Herbeck.  This Lenten devotional walks through the "I AM" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John and is written to lead you out of assumptions and into encounter.  This Lent, let Jesus speak for Himself. And let that truth reshape the way you live. Whether you've been walking with Jesus for years or you just met Him, drink even more deeply of the truths of who Jesus says He is in Who Do You Say That I Am? Get your women's and kid's devotionals at blessedisshe.net/lent. Blessed is She is a Catholic women's community for any woman who wants to radically follow Jesus through a vibrantly Catholic life every single day.  We create beautiful and accessible resources (like this year's Lent devotional), products, and experiences to deepen prayer and foster community, both online and in person. We invite you into this community, no matter where you are on your walk with Christ. You belong here. Subscribe to our *free* daily emails to pray with the daily Mass readings and women all over the world at blessedisshe.net/subscribe and order the brand new Blessed is She Catholic journaling Bible at blessedisshe.net/shop.   Timestamps: 00:00 Blessed is She 01:30 Intro 02:16 Welcome 03:25 Scripture Verse and Quotes to Ponder 06:13 Repentance Leads to Freedom 07:53 Forgiveness is Hard 09:41 How Do I Forgive When I Don't Have the Capacity? 13:27 Modeling Repentance in Our Lives 17:35 Being Honest with Ourselves Can Be Painful 24:28 Sitting in the Pain and Setting Boundaries 29:34 Reflection Questions on Forgiveness 38:03 One Things

What if resistance isn't the problem—but the doorway?In this episode of Chaos to Connection, Diane explores one of the most misunderstood dynamics in parenting: resistance. From chores and homework to “not listening,” resistance often triggers power struggles that leave both parents and children feeling disconnected and frustrated.But what if resistance isn't defiance at all?Drawing from nervous system awareness, emotional leadership, and her own lived experience, Diane reframes resistance as self-protection, not misbehavior—and reveals how power struggles begin when a child's resistancecollides with a parent's unowned trigger.This episode invites parents to shift from control to curiosity, blame to ownership, and reactivity to regulation—creating the conditions where responsibility, connection, and trust can actually grow.In This Episode, You'll Explore:*Why resistance is not defiance—but protection*How children's resistance mirrors adult resistance (avoidance, procrastination, “I know,” shutdown)*The hidden reason power struggles escalate: resistance meeting resistance*How parents often react not to behavior, but to what the behavior triggersin them*Why blaming children for our triggers dismisses their inner experience*The difference between control-based parenting and curiosity-based leadership*How boundaries can exist without power struggles*Why staying with yourself when triggered is the real work of parentingA Key Reframe from the Episode:“Resistance is fear trying to keep us safe—and power struggles begin when resistance meets resistance.”Reflection Questions for Parents:What does my child resist most—and what might that resistance be protecting them from?What gets triggered in me when my child resists?Where might I be resisting their resistance instead of leading from regulation? Connect with Diane:Instagram: @dianesorensen.bbFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/diane.sorensen.589Join the conversation — share your takeaways or questions from today's episode by sending me a message on Instagram or Facebook. I love hearing from you!Work with Diane:Diane Sorensen Coaching is where boundary work becomes thebridge from chaos to connection.You'll learn to transform your triggers, lead with compassion, and create emotionally safe, connected relationships built on authenticity, not approval.Reclaim your CALM, speak your TRUTH, and create the CONNECTED relationships you long for.→ Submit an inquiry or learn more: www.dianesorensen.net/contact→ Explore free guides and resources to support your growth: www.dianesorensen.net/→ Join the weekly newsletter for insights, tools, and support delivered straight to your inbox: www.dianesorensen.net/email-list  

 The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously diagnosed the problem with pride as having a “drum major instinct,” adapting a phrase from the Methodist preacher J. Wallace Hamilton. Indeed, much of the hostility and tension in the world can be addressed if we dig our societal roots deeper into service and humility, just as Jesus taught his disciples in this text from Matthew. Reflection Questions:1. To what degree do you exhibit a “Drum Major Instinct?” 2. How can ambition be a healthy thing to have? When does it become unhealthy? 3. How can serving help you see the divine image in others? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

A real-time reflection on nervous system triggers, leadership, vulnerability, and mindful responses to criticism. Have you ever found yourself physically triggered by feedback even when your logical mind knows it shouldn't be a big deal? This episode is a real-time, honest exploration of how high-achieving women—especially physicians, leaders, and caregivers—respond to emotionally charged moments of disapproval, and how to begin unwinding the nervous system patterns that often get activated. I share a recent, raw experience with receiving unexpected criticism that sent my nervous system into full activation, despite all my mindfulness tools, coaching experience, and good intentions. Alongside Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang, we unpack how medical culture, leadership visibility, and deeply ingrained perfectionism contribute to why these moments can feel so threatening and how to meet them with compassion and presence instead of shame and overreaction. We invite you to witness what it looks like to pause, process, and reflect before reacting as someone who's been conditioned to perform, fix, and never disappoint. Whether you're navigating visibility, leadership, or simply trying to show up with integrity in a complex world, this episode offers insight, grace, and nervous system wisdom for your journey. Here is link to a blog I wrote about this same experience.     Pearls of Wisdom: Your nervous system's response is not a personal failure but, it's a patterned response that can be gently re-trained. Leadership, visibility, and authenticity are inherently vulnerable—and feedback will always come with risk. Graceful responses don't always happen in the moment. The pause is where your power lives. Emotional reactivity is often a reflection of two activated nervous systems—not personal wrongdoing. Mindfulness helps us build the space to respond rather than react—and to remember we're human.     Reflection Questions: How does your body respond when you receive criticism or feel misunderstood? What do you tend to do when you're activated—fix, explain, retreat, or push back? What might become possible if you paused and got curious before reacting?     If you're a high-achieving woman in medicine or leadership navigating transition, visibility, or feedback with tenderness and courage, I invite you to explore coaching with me.  My Leading From the Heart and Transition Well small group programs beginning this January offer practical support, grounded insight, and compassionate connection. Learn more at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching. You're also warmly invited to join Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang and me for the Connect in Nature Retreat this summer, where we'll practice mindful communication, nervous system regulation, and self-compassion in a nourishing, in-person community. www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats To bring this kind of insight to your team, organization, or leadership event, we offer keynote talks and workshops that integrate mindfulness, medicine, and human connection. Explore at: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking and www.awakenbreath.org     Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.  

In Part 3 of “God Among the Ruins”, Nehemiah shows that rebuilding is not about leadership success, but about God restoring hearts after failure. When the wall is finished, Israel doesn't celebrate itself—they turn to God's Word, realizing the wall was meant to spark spiritual renewal. The message challenges believers not to coast spiritually, but to let what God restores outwardly lead to obedience and inner transformation, pointing to Jesus as the one who rebuilds what sin destroyed.Reflection Questions:1) Where am I spiritually coasting?2) What has God restored that I am enjoying, but not stewarding?3) How often do I allow the Word of God (scripture) to correct me?4) What would obedience look like, not just emotions?

What does it mean to say that “In the beginning was the Word” … and why does it still matter? That's what's being asked in this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast. In this first conversation of a five-part series on the Gospel of John, Revs. Trudy and Hannah explore John 1:1 and the theme “The Eternal Now – God Beyond Time.” Together, they unpack John’s poetic and often confusing language to discover a radical idea at the heart of the Gospel: Eternity doesn’t pull us out of the world; God brings eternity into it. Drawing from Jewish wisdom traditions, Greek philosophy, and early Christian theology, this progressive Christian Bible study from First United Methodist Church of San Diego invites listeners to see the Gospel of John not as rigid dogma, but as a story of surprise, disruption, and divine presence in unexpected places. You’ll hear reflections on: What “the Word” (Logos) meant across Jewish, Greek, and early Christian cultures Why John begins with creation instead of Jesus’ birth Eternity as a present reality … not just a future promise Rethinking Jesus’ “I Am” statements beyond exclusion and certainty God’s ongoing work of creation within and around our life – even in chaos, doubt, and struggle Continue the conversation with these reflection questions: What does eternity mean to you? How does eternity change your understanding of today, tomorrow or the future? How do you understand Jesus as being the Word of God, and what does it has to do with us? Join us online through Patreon, in person at our weekly Convergence Discussion Group, or by sharing this conversation with someone you trust. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Introduction - Why People Love (and Misunderstand) the Gospel of John 01:14 “In the Beginning Was the Word” (Reading John 1:1) 03:27 What “The Word” Meant in Jewish, Greek, and Early Christian Thought 07:49 Why John Feels Exclusionary (and Why It Might Not Be) 10:09 Eternity Comes to Us, Not the Other Way Around 14:23 The Unexpected Divine in Everyone 20:52 God Creates Out of Chaos (Then and Now) 22:41 Closing & Reflection Questions

Justified by Faith: Understanding Romans 5:1 Show: Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins Topic: Justification and Peace with God Episode Summary In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins walks through Romans 5:1 and explains what it means to be justified by faith. Justification is a legal declaration from God that the sinner is righteous in His sight, not because of personal works or merit, but because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. Dave shows how this doctrine gives believers peace with God, assurance of salvation, and confidence to live the Christian life in the grace of Christ. Listen to the Episode Watch the Episode Key Scriptures Romans 5:1 - Justified by faith and at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 3:24 - Justified by His grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by grace through faith, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Romans 8:1 - No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Episode Notes What Is Justification Justification is a legal term. It means to be declared righteous in the sight of God. It is the opposite of condemnation. To be justified is to be acquitted, forgiven, and counted as righteous, not because of our own works, but because of what Christ has done in His death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 3:24 reminds us that we are justified by His grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. This is a key aspect of the gospel message. We are justified by God's grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Justification and Faith Alone Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Faith is the means by which we receive justification. We do not earn our standing with God through good deeds, religious rituals, or spiritual performance. We cannot work our way to righteousness. It is a gift given to us by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes this clear. Salvation is by grace through faith. It is not our own doing and not a result of works. Justification is entirely the work of God, not something we can accomplish on our own. Peace With God and Assurance Justification matters because it directly affects our relationship with God. The moment we are justified, we are declared righteous and are no longer enemies of God but at peace with Him. Romans 5:1 assures us that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Justification is the foundation for our assurance of salvation. Our confidence is not rooted in our feelings, our performance, or our spiritual consistency, but in the finished work of Christ. This truth frees us from living in fear of the wrath of God and from striving to earn His favor. In Christ we are accepted, secure, and loved. Justification and the Christian Life Justification is more than a legal declaration. It sets us on a new trajectory. Those who are justified are also indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in a way that reflects their new identity in Christ. Romans 8:1 says there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Being justified changes how we live. We are called to live in a way that honors God. Our actions, words, and relationships are to be shaped by the righteousness we have received by faith in Christ. We do not strive for perfection in our own strength, but we live with a new heart and a new purpose, reflecting the love and grace we have received. A Call To Trust Christ If you are in Christ, your justification is secure. God sees you as righteous because of Christ's work on the cross. This is not based on your performance but on His finished work. Take time to reflect on the truth of justification. Praise God for the peace you have with Him and let that truth shape how you live each day. If you do not yet know this peace with God, the invitation is open. Repent of your sin and believe the gospel that Christ died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Receive by faith the justification that comes only through Jesus Christ. Reflection Questions How would you explain justification by faith to a new believer or to someone who is not a Christian? In what ways are you tempted to base your assurance on your performance instead of the finished work of Christ? How does knowing that you are justified and at peace with God change the way you approach trials, temptations, and daily life? Is there someone in your life who needs to hear the hope of justification by faith? How can you encourage them this week? Stay Anchored In The Word If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, and consider subscribing so you do not miss future episodes of Anchored in the Word. You can find more from Anchored in the Word at our page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.

Baptism reminds us of who we are in Christ, and the calling Christ gives us to live a holy life. It is a notion underscored by 1 Peter, which tells us that the waters of baptism do not as much cleanse us physically, but spiritually, empowering us to live with a good conscience.   Reflection Questions: 1. What is your favorite memory of a baptism? 2. How will remembering your baptism strengthen you during hard days? 3. How will you “behave until you believe, so that you can behave because you believe”? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor Referenced Scripture: John 6:60-69, Mark 10:17-22, Ephesians 4:1-3, Matthew 7:21-23 Reflection Questions:1. Describe your current relationship with Jesus. DTR (Define The Relationship)What adjectives would you use to describe your connection to Him right now? Is it growing closer, getting more distant, or staying the same? Explain. 2. What is the difference between being a fan of Jesus and being a follower of Jesus? What characteristics would you use to describe each of these kinds of people? Where do you see yourself currently? 3. In the life of Jesus (gospels), how does Jesus describe what it means to be a follower of Him? How does Jesus make this definition clear in his teachings and invitations to follow him? 4. Read Mark 10:17-31 (Rich Young Ruler)What are some observations you can make about following Jesus from this story? How does Jesus separate fans from followers in this story? Can you relate to the response of the rich young ruler? Why or why not? 5. In the sermon we talked about identity based spiritual transformation. Identity → Process → Outcome (fruit)(who we are) → (what we do) → (what we get) Why is it critical to start with identity as we approach the pursuit of spiritual transformation? What is the cost/problem with focusing on outcomes first rather than focusing on our identity?How would your life be different if your core identity was being a follower of Jesus? How would it shape your habits/disciplines and the outcomes of your life? 6. Read Matthew 7:21-23How is it possible for someone to think they are a follower of Jesus and not actually have a relationship with Him?What thoughts or questions come to your mind when you read this passage? Why does this passage make it so important for us to really answer the question, “Am I a follower of Jesus?” (as Jesus defines follower)How does Jesus define a true follower of Him? 7. If you had a DTR (define the relationship) with Jesus what do you think you would say? What do you think He would say? What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:00) - Am I a True follower of Jesus?(00:08:17) - What is an All In Followers of Jesus?(00:08:59) - What Does It Mean to Be a Follower of Jesus?(00:13:07) - The Rich Young Ruler(00:17:58) - James Clear on the Process of Spiritual Transformation(00:25:55) - Paul on His Calling and His Relationship with You(00:32:00) - A Question About Where Is Jesus With Me?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGESMatthew 5:17-20 Reflection Questions on pause Subscribe!YouTubeSpotifyApple Podcasts

What does baptism really mean—and why was Jesus baptized at all? That’s what Revs. Trudy and Brittany tackle in this episode of Perspectivs FUMCSD Pastors Podcast. The two female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego explore Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13–17 through a progressive Christian lens. Together, they reflect on baptism as both a risk we take when we step toward God and a commitment we live out as we step back into the world. This thoughtful conversation explores the dynamic relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist, the symbolism of the Jordan River, and why Jesus’ baptism wasn’t about sin but about solidarity, humility, and embarking on a new chapter. The pastors also unpack why the baptism ritual still matters today, especially in progressive faith communities. Whether you identify as Christian, spiritual-but-not-religious, or are simply curious about faith beyond dogma, this episode invites you to reimagine baptism as a reminder that you are already loved and still being called forward. Episode topics include: Why Jesus insisted on being baptized Repentance vs. transformation Water, movement, and new life Is baptism required for salvation? Communal ritual and remembering our baptism today Continue the conversation with friends and family, at our in-person Convergence group, or online at our Patreon channel with these suggested reflection and discussion questions: What do you believe is the connection between sin and new life? What do we gain, and what do we lose, in the belief that Jesus was sinless? Why do you think Jesus was baptized by God? Short on time? Use these timestamps to jump to a specific topic: 00:00 What Does Baptism Change? Introducing “Stepping In, Stepping Up 02:40 Jesus and John the Baptist: Cousins, Calling, and Possible Rivalry 05:30 Repentance vs. Transformation: Naming Problems and Living Solutions 08:00 Baptism in Jesus’ Time: Who It Was For and Why the Jordan River Matters 10:40 The Power of Water: Movement, Disorientation, and Renewal 11:45 Why Was Jesus Baptized If He Was Divine? 17:30 What Baptism Means Today: Commitment, Not Cleansing 22:40 Remembering Our Baptism in Community 26:30 Reflection Questions for Today

Ditch the stiff year-end reviews—Crina and Kirsten grab the NYT's “7 Reflection Questions for a Happier New Year” and remix it for work with fun and honesty.  Our hosts turn the New Year's reflection into a playful self-diagnosis for work, riffing off a NYT article's serious prompts but swapping them for fun, thoughtful, heart-singing versions that spark levity. Kirsten and Crina consider their answers live, revealing what eluded them, drained their energy, and made their hearts sing—proving honest check-ins beat vague resolutions every time. Expect laughs, aha moments, and work tweaks that feel fun, not forced.

As we step into a new year, the pressure to plan, hustle, and reinvent ourselves can feel overwhelming. In today's episode of What's the Word?, we begin differently—with a pause.Drawing from Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps,” this reflection invites you to release urgency and return to alignment—with God, your body, and the life you're building.In this 10-minute solo episode, I walk through the WAVE System—a faith-led framework we've been practicing inside our women's group—to help you check in before you push forward:Well-beingAwarenessVisionEnergyThis episode is for the woman who is tired of rushing, ready to listen more deeply, and open to becoming—not striving—this year.Scripture Referenced:

Send us a textJanuary doesn't have to mean reinventing yourself.In this first solo episode of 2026, Angela invites you into a gentler way to begin the new year—one rooted in reflection, self-trust, and honoring what already works. Instead of chasing goals from a place of pressure, this episode focuses on what you loved in 2025, what actually worked, and how to carry those lessons forward into the year ahead.If you're a mom entrepreneur who feels tired of hustle culture, overwhelmed by expectations, or unsure how to “start the year right,” this episode is your permission slip to slow down and begin again—without starting over.✨ What You'll Hear in This EpisodeWhy January doesn't need to mean a full reset or reinventionThe things Angela truly loved in 2025—both personally and professionallyThe habits, boundaries, and mindset shifts that actually worked last yearWhy reflection creates more clarity than rigid goal-settingA gentler, more aligned way to set intentions for 2026How confidence is built through self-trust, not hustleHow to use the new reflection worksheet that now accompanies every episode

Just as a tree digs its roots deeper to find water and nourishment during times of drought, times of unsettledness are an invitation for us to hone our commitment to Jesus. The year kicks off with a time of obedience to the will and way of Christ, in alignment with the year-long “Wesleyan Rooted” emphasis by the Annual Conference. This three-part series encompasses the two sacraments, communion and baptism, and the way we live our lives sacramentally for others, through service.   Reflection Questions: 1. What would it mean for you to make “Deeper” a goal for your spiritual journey this year? 2. How will you grow deeper in your service to others?3. How will you grow deeper in your relationships with others? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Have you ever considered how a few carefully chosen words could shape your year, your energy, your decisions, and the way you experience life? In this annual tradition, we share our personal practice of choosing intention words for the year ahead. This isn't about goals or resolutions. It's about choosing how you want to be, move through, and live your life. This year's process was deeper, slower, and more nuanced than in past years.  Intention words act like a GPS for your nervous system. They offer clarity and direction through challenge, and how the right words if chosen with care can become some of your most transformative tools for personal and professional growth. Whether you're new to this practice or returning to it, you'll find inspiration, permission, and a deep sense of possibility. Pearls of Wisdom: Intentions are not goals, they're a mindful orientation. They work at the nervous system level to support aligned action and self-compassionate growth. Choosing multiple words (including a stretch word) adds richness and dimension. Life is complex, and your words can meet that with grace. Words should feel aligned, not performative. Let go of judgment, and choose words that support the version of yourself you're growing into. Words are powerful tools for decision-making. Ask yourself: Will this make me feel wealthy, healthy, strategic, or exquisite? This practice is most powerful when done with intention, over time, and often with support. It's subtle but profoundly transformative work Reflection Questions: How do you want to feel at the end of next year? What do you want to experience emotionally, physically, and in your relationships? What version of yourself are you growing into? What does she wear, how does she lead, how does she make decisions? If you'd like support in choosing your own intention words and integrating them into your year, I offer this process within all of my 1:1 coaching and group programs. This work is gentle, profound, and truly life-changing. If this episode resonates and you're ready to lead your life, your relationships, or your team more strategically, bravely, and exquisitely—join me in a coaching container or at a retreat. Explore retreats at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats Learn about coaching at https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching If you'd like to bring this mindful approach to your team or conference, I'd be honored to speak or lead a workshop. Learn more at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking For Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang's speaking and workshops, visit www.awakenbreath.org Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.  

This message introduces the series “God Among the Ruins” through the book of Nehemiah, reminding us that God is present and at work even when life feels broken. Israel's ruin came from doing what was right in their own eyes, showing that sin always leads to destruction, but Nehemiah's response—grief, prayer, confession, and dependence on God—became the starting point for renewal. His broken heart aligned with God's heart and led to a clear call to action: rebuilding begins when God's people allow themselves to feel the weight of brokenness and step into God's work with compassion and obedience. Today, God no longer dwells in buildings but in His people, calling the church to move beyond numbness and judgment and instead carry His presence into the ruins through prayer, repentance, and faithful action. Reflection Questions:·        What breaks my heart that also breaks God's heart?·        Have I become numb to sin and brokenness, or does it still move me to compassion and prayer?·        Am I living according to God's ways, or simply doing what seems right in my own eyes?·        When I see brokenness, do I respond with judgment and distance, or compassion and action?·        What step of rebuilding or obedience might God be calling me to take right now?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGESIsaiah 45:1-3 Reflection Questions on pause Subscribe!YouTubeSpotifyApple Podcasts

Some questions close quickly—you answer them and move on. But other questions open outward, revealing more complexity and interest the longer you explore them. This meditation helps you identify questions worthy of sustained inquiry and practice holding them open rather than rushing to resolution. Series work isn't repetition; it's sustained investigation that builds intimacy with what genuinely matters to you.REFLECTION QUESTIONS → How does "holding a question open" rather than "answering a question" feel to you?AFFIRMATION → I return to the same question / Each time from a new heightWANT TO LEARN MORE? → Join us live for the full WONDER YEAR program in 2026 for a communal journey with monthly reflections, live gatherings, workshops, and ongoing support to help you build a sustainable, deeply personal creative practice. We'd love to have you

In this replay episode, I share 10 monthly reflection questions designed to help you track and achieve your goals effectively. You'll learn how and why I developed these questions to promote personal and professional development, combat imposter syndrome, and reinforce a growth mindset. You'll also gain tips for consistent practice and strategies to make the exercise enjoyable and rewarding.Click here to learn more and sign up for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, by January 12.If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes 146 and 221 on resources to plan the year ahead and journaling questions to dream again.Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource kit here.Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network.*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a textAs a new year begins, it's easy for leaders to feel pressure to set big goals, make sweeping changes, or “fix” everything at once. In this episode, Dr. Mel invites building leaders to pause—and choose something far more powerful than a resolution: one word to guide their leadership all year long.Listen to Episode #117 – Realign, Refocus, and Tackle 2025, for the steps to picking your word of the year. Reflection Questions for LeadersWhat do my staff, students, and community need most from me this year?Where do I need to lead with more consistency instead of intensity?What kind of leader am I intentionally becoming?When pressure rises, what word do I want guiding my response?Related Episode

This episode marks the season finale of The Culture-Centered Classroom and the closing chapter of The Culture of Celebration mini-series.Rather than ending with urgency or resolution-setting, this final episode invites listeners into pause, reflection, and intentional becoming. Jocelynn shares her long-standing practice of choosing a guiding word or phrase for the year ahead — not as a productivity tool, but as an act of care, cultural awareness, and self-honoring.This is a gentle landing place. A moment to look back at what has shaped us, name what we are releasing, and choose how we want to move forward — personally, professionally, and collectively.Why a guiding word is different from a resolutionJocelynn reframes focus words as reminders rather than goals — a way to return to values, care, and clarity when things feel loud, rushed, or cattywampus.The meaning behind “Trust the Becoming through Pause and Surrender”This episode unpacks how pause creates space for reflection, surrender releases the illusion of control, and becoming reminds us that growth is always ongoing — for students, educators, classrooms, and systems.How culture, community, and care shape who we're becomingBecoming is never neutral or individualistic. Our identities, lived experiences, histories, and communities all influence what we believe is possible for ourselves and our students.A simplified Focus Word process for educatorsAligned with Jocelynn's RLI Framework (Reflect, Learn, Implement) and the AnchorED for Achievement principles, this revised approach supports educators in choosing a word that acts as both a mirror and a map for the year ahead.A student-centered version of the practiceYou'll hear how to guide students in choosing their own word — empowering them to reflect on growth, claim agency, and name who they are becoming within a learning community.Becoming as celebrationChoosing a word is framed as a celebratory act — one that honors where we've been, what has shaped us, and who we are becoming. This moment intentionally circles back to the series themes of celebration, cultural competence, joy, and belonging.A grounding quote on becomingThe episode is anchored by a reflection from Michelle Obama's Becoming:“Becoming is not about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim.”A guided pause to close the seasonListeners are invited into a quiet moment of breath, reflection, and surrender — a gentle transition into the next season of life and learning.Reflection Questions for ListenersWhat word or phrase feels grounding for this season of my life or work?What am I being invited to pause, release, or surrender?How has my culture, community, and lived experience shaped who I am becoming?How might a guiding word support my teaching, leadership, or rest in the year ahead?How can I invite students to reflect on and celebrate their own becoming?

Send us a textYou get asked questions all day long.By patients. By staff. By your family. By the system.But when was the last time you asked yourself a question that actually helped?In this final week of our 10-week Recharge Challenge, we're talking about one of the most overlooked (and powerful) stress-reduction tools you already have: better questions.Not the stuck, spiraling ones:Why is this happening to me?What now?!How am I supposed to manage all of this?Those aren't really questions. They're expressions of overwhelm.This episode is about learning how to ask questions that create movement instead of paralysis, clarity instead of self-blame, and agency instead of burnout.As physicians, curiosity is our superpower. We use it expertly with our patients—but we rarely turn it inward. This week is about changing that.We reflect on:Why unanswerable questions keep us stuckHow asking better questions helps you interrupt autopilot and conditioned overworkingWhy this is not about blaming yourself or ignoring systemic problemsHow small, daily check-ins can fundamentally change how you experience your life and workThis isn't about fixing healthcare overnight.It's about giving yourself back some power today.

As we wind down 2025 in this second of three solo episodes, Dr. Stephanie takes a pause to express her deep gratitude for the Better community and guide you through a meaningful year-end reflection. This isn't about toxic positivity or pretending everything was fine—it's about acknowledging the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the strength you discovered (even when you didn't know you had it).In this intimate solo episode, Dr. Stephanie shares reflective questions and gratitude practices to help you take stock of 2025 and set intentional (not pressured) direction for 2026. Whether you're in your pyjamas in that post-Christmas vortex or out for a walk, this episode offers a gentle hand and a tender heart as you close out the year.Episode Overview (timestamps are approximate):(0:00) Intro/Teaser(2:00) What Gratitude Really Is (& What It's Not)(4:00) 2025 Gratitude Inventory(14:00) The Gratitude Note Exercise(15:00) What Did I Survive & Learn?(18:00) What Am I Ready to Forgive Myself For?(21:00) How Do I Want to Feel in 2026?(24:00) What Will I Prioritize Even If No One Claps?Resources mentioned in the episode can be found at https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep449We couldn't do it without our sponsorsTIMELINE - As perimenopausal women, we know we are in a fight against time to preserve our muscle strength and endurance, plus our recovery needs are greater. That's why you save 20% at https://timelinenutrition.com/better with code BETTER.ONESKIN - Harness the power of peptides for fuller hair and glowing skin. Save 15% at https://oneskin.co/better with code BETTER.AG1 - I take my AG1 Omega 3s first thing in the morning once I'm home from the gym. Subscribe today to get a 1-month supply of AG Omega-3 with your first AG1 order! You'll also get their Welcome Kit with everything you need to get you started. Get it now at https://drinkag1.com/stephanie.LVLUP   - Ultimate GI Repair combines powerful gut-healing peptides with gut-nourishing naturals to soothe your changing digestion. Go to https://lvluphealth.com/DRSTEPHANIE and use code DRSTEPHANIE for 15% off. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a textMessage to the Listener: Question to Help You Reflect on the 2025 Year!!Get Your Free 30 Day Trial With Audible Now!!! www.audibletrial.com/jkspodcastFollow Just Keep Swimming on Instagram!!!https://www.instagram.com/justkeepswimming_podcast/Support the showProduced By NXIII!!!https://lnk.bio/orgnxiii13

If you've been dragging some of last year around with you, or you've been feeling that strange mix of excitement and pressure that shows up every January, this episode is calling your name. Closing out the year, the POTC cohosts are bringing you a conversation about how creativity can be a lifeline, a mindset shift, and a really enjoyable way to start 2026 feeling more like yourself.Walking you through simple ways to reflect on the past year, we share some creative exercises that spark real insight and explore how tuning into your creative side can help you make meaning, connect with people, and better handle the tough stuff life throws at you. If you're craving more joy, connection, or just a new angle on the year ahead, you're bound to find something that resonates.So settle in, and join us in starting the year with intention, curiosity, and a little touch of creativity.Listen and Learn: Reflection Exercises, including: Finding Meaning: Reflecting on the past year, where were you last New Year's, and what were your biggest highs and lows since thenMeaningful Moments: Reflecting on two or three meaningful moments from the past year and vividly recalling the sights, sounds, and feelings of each experienceLessons, Wins and Moving Forward: Reflecting on your past year to uncover lessons from mistakes, celebrate achievements, and clarify what truly matters to you as you move into 2026Vision for the Year Ahead: Reflecting on what you truly want, the areas you've neglected, and the values you want to prioritize in the year aheadHow incorporating creative, life-affirming activities can boost your well-being and help you navigate life's challengesPractical exercises and tips to spark more creativity in your life in the new yearResources: Access the New Year's Reflection Questions from this episode (.pdf or editable MS Word versions available) Debbie's Guided Journaling Substack with writing prompts and a 30-day journaling challengeYear Compass worksheets: https://yearcompass.com/Word of the Year and Unravel Your Year worksheets by Susannah Conway: https://www.susannahconway.com/unravel Creative Mornings: https://creativemornings.com/ Jill | Betrayal Weekly: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jill-betrayal-weekly/id1615637724?i=1000726003078 If you have a story connected to trauma, crime, or someone who's caused harm—and you feel ready to share it—Jill would love to hear from you. You can book a free 30-minute consult at:https://jillstoddard.com/contact-us About the POTC CoHosts: Debbie Sorensen, PhD, Co-hostDebbie (she/her) is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Denver, Colorado with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Harvard University. She is author of the book ACT for Burnout: Recharge, Reconnect, and Transform Burnout with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and co-author of ACT Daily Journal: Get Unstuck and Live Fully with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She loves living in Colorado, her home state, with her husband, two daughters, and dog. When she's not busy working or podcasting, she enjoys reading fiction, cooking, traveling, and getting outdoors in the beautiful Rocky Mountains! You can learn more about Debbie, read her blog, and find out about upcoming presentations and training events at her webpage, drdebbiesorensen.com.Jill Stoddard, PhD, Co-hostJill Stoddard is passionate about sharing science-backed ideas from psychology to help people thrive. She is a psychologist, writer, TEDx speaker, award-winning teacher, peer-reviewed ACT trainer, bariatric coach, and co-host of the popular Psychologists Off the Clock podcast. Dr. Stoddard is the founder and director of The Center for Stress and Anxiety Management, an outpatient practice specializing in evidence-based therapies for anxiety and related issues. She is the author of three books: The Big Book of ACT Metaphors: A Practitioner's Guide to Experiential Exercises and Metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Be Mighty: A Woman's Guide to Liberation from Anxiety, Worry, and Stress Using Mindfulness and Acceptance; and Imposter No More: Overcome Self-doubt and Imposterism to Cultivate a Successful Career. Her writing has also appeared in The Washington Post, Psychology Today, Scary Mommy, Thrive Global, The Good Men Project, and Mindful Return. She regularly appears on podcasts and as an expert source for various media outlets. She lives in Newburyport, MA with her husband, two kids, and disobedient French Bulldog. Michael Herold, Co-HostMichael (he/him) is a confidence trainer and social skills coach, based in Vienna, Austria. He's helping his clients overcome their social anxiety through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and fun exposure exercises. (Though the jury is still out on whether they're mostly fun for him). He is also a certified therapeutic game master, utilizing the Dungeons&Dragons tabletop roleplaying game to train communication, assertiveness, and teamwork with young adults. Or actually, anyone ready to roll some dice and battle goblins in a supportive group where players want to level up (pun!) their social skills. Michael is the head coach of the L.A. based company The Art of Charm, running their confidence-building program “Unstoppable” as well as workshops on small talk, storytelling, vulnerability, and more. He is the scientific advisor and co-producer of their large podcast with more than 250 million downloads. As a member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS), Michael is the current President of the ACT Coaching Special Interest Group with nearly 1,000 coaches worldwide, and the co-founder of the ACT in Austria Affiliate of ACBS, a nationwide meetup for ACT practitioners in Austria. He's a public speaker who has spoken at TEDx, in front of members of parliament, universities, and once in a cinema full of 500 kids high on sugary popcorn. In a previous life, he was a character animator working on award-winning movies and TV shows such as “The Penguins of Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda”. That was before he realized that helping people live a meaningful life is much more rewarding than working in the film business – even though the long nights in the studio allowed him to brew his own beer in the office closet, an activity he highly recommends. Michael grew up with five foster kids who were all taken out of abusive families. His foster sisters showed him how much positive change is possible in a person if they have the love and support they need.Emily Edlynn, PhD, Co-HostEmily (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric health psychology who works in private practice with children, teens, and adults. She has a BA in English from Smith College, a PhD in clinical psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and completed postgraduate training at Stanford and Children's Hospital Orange County. Emily spent almost ten years working in children's hospitals before pivoting to private practice, which allowed her to start a writing career. Emily has written her blog, The Art and Science of Mom, since 2017 and a parenting advice column for Parents.com since 2019. Emily's writing has also appeared in the Washington Post, Scary Mommy, Good Housekeeping, Motherly, and more. She recently added author to her bio with her book, Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent Confident Children and has a Substack newsletter. Emily lives with her husband, three children, and two rescue dogs in Oak Park, IL where she can see Chicago's skyline from her attic window. Yael Schonbrun, PhD, Co-hostYael (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist who wears a number of professional hats: She has a small private practice specializing in evidence-based relationship therapy, she's an assistant professor at Brown University, and she writes for nonacademic audiences about working parenthood. She has a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and completed her postgraduate training at Brown University. In all areas of her work, Yael draws on scientific research, her clinical experience, ancient wisdom (with an emphasis on Taoism), and real life experiences with her three little boys. You can find out more about Yael's writing, including her book, Work, Parent, Thrive, and about her research by clicking the links. You can follow Yael on Linkedin and Instagram where she posts about relationship science or subscribe to her newsletter, Relational, to get the science of relationships in your email inbox!Related Episodes: 410. Creativity and Making Things with Kelly Corrigan and Claire Corrigan Lichty345. Writing for Personal Growth with Maureen Murdock211. Subtract with Leidy Klotz73. Essentialism with Greg McKeown257. The Gift of Being Ordinary with Ron Siegel 37. Post-Traumatic Growth with Diana and Debbie375. Midlife: From Crisis to Curiosity with Meg McKelvie and Debbie Sorensen 285. What Do You Want Out of Life? Values Fulfillment Theory with Valerie Tiberius 351. You Only Die Once with Jodi Wellman 138. Exploring Existence and Purpose: Existentialism with Robyn Walser 329. The Power of Curiosity with Scott ShigeokaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get 20% of The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint HERE.What if you paused long enough to notice just how far you've actually come this year? In this episode, we're talking about the power of celebrating your leadership wins—big and small—and why principals rarely give themselves enough credit. I'm sharing simple reflection questions to help you recognize your growth, honor the hard things you navigated, and step into 2026 with intention and confidence.Reflection Questions in the Episode:What did I do this year that I once thought would be really hard—or even impossible?Where did I show courage or leadership even when I felt uncertain?What systems did I build or improve that made life easier for students and staff?What difficult situation did I navigate better than I would have in the past?Where did I grow as a leader?What did I accomplish this year that I am really proud of?Click HERE to get the 8 to 4 Principal Planner.

We're bringing back a can't-miss Teacher Approved classic episode to help you ease back into school with intention and clarity. In this replay of our January Reset Reflection, we guide you through eight thoughtful questions designed to help you reflect on what's working, identify what needs a refresh, and keep that fresh-start energy alive long after winter break ends! This episode is meant to be listened to slowly and casually (hot cocoa encouraged!) so the ideas can simmer until you're ready to step back into your classroom feeling grounded, focused, and energized for the second half of the year.Resources:Classroom Procedures and Routines Editable SlidesParent Teacher Conference CourseEditable Classroom Seating ChartSpiral Review Morning WorkSpiral Review Homework – 2nd GradeRechargeable ScrewdriverGlass PotJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 3, Strengthening the BrainEpisode 18, Procedures for Success!Episode 45, January Classroom Jump StartEpisode 76, Teacher Approved Tips: Make Time for Spiral Review and Use SOPs to Save Time in the Classroom