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La Porta | Renungan Harian Katolik - Daily Meditation according to Catholic Church liturgy
Delivered by Vivian from the Parish of Saint Thomas in the Diocese of Bogor - West Jawa, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 5: 27-33; Rs psalm 34: 2.9.17-18.19-20; John 3: 31-36.SCHOOLOF OBEDIENCE Ourmeditation today is entitled: School Of Obedience. One characteristic of thespirit of Easter is the school of obedience. This school is very different fromthe various schools that we have, such as schools of military, nurses, police,communication, computer technology, administration and so on. These schoolssurely produce a lot of graduates, but are they qualified in the virtue ofobedience? This is a big question. In fact, they don't provide specific lessonand training to make an obedient graduate. Ifthis is the case, then we might see it more appropriate and good that allschools need the inspiration from the spirit of Easter to teach and train theirstudents about obedience. The focus of the lesson in this school should be onthe truth that Jesus is perfectly obedient to His Father in the fulfilment ofthe Father's will. Jesus had offered himself to be a sacrifice for thesalvation of all mankind from a sinful life. This is the main source for thelearning curriculum of obedience for all His followers and all the mankind whofollow God's will. Theteaching of Jesus emphasizes that the basic learning for us is to believe inHim who was sent by the Father and follow the path He had gone through, whichis to carry out the Father's will. This must be a common mission for everyfollower of Christ. Every form of activity, mission, responsibility,commitment, service, and work must orient itself towards this school ofobedience. The point is that all of us have the duty to carry out God's will.If God's will is well done, then the good and truth of life will be its fruits. Togive an example of this school of obedience is when the Jewish Highest Tribunalforced Peter and other apostles not to speak about Jesus Christ. That judicialauthority strictly forbid the apostles to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ tothe public. But because of their education in virtue of obedience was alreadystrongly founded, the Apostles loudly said in contrary in this way: It isbetter for us to obey God than to humans! This education of obedience focuseson the priority of loyalty and fidelity to God. This means that we muststrongly reject every temptation or threat that leads us to disobey God and Hiscommandments. Whyis God a priority in the school of obedience? Because from Him all moralteachings, kindness, truth, beauty, glory, and holiness come. He is the sourceof all wisdom and intelligence. So, if we choose to obey him consistently, wewill be obedient and faithful in all aspects of the orders or rules that wehave every moment and place in this world.Let's pray. In thename of the Father ... O God Almighty, may our obedience to You be true andfirm as Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ is obedient to You. Hail Mary full ofgrace ... In the name of the Father...
In this enlightening episode of Father and Joe, host Joe Rockey engages Father Boniface in a profound conversation about the transformation from mere belief in Jesus to a profound, unwavering trust in Him. Released in the wake of Easter, this episode examines some poignant Biblical examples of trust, such as the Roman commander's faith in Jesus' ability to heal from a distance and the woman healed by simply touching Jesus' garment. The discussion delves into the distinct nature of trust in faith and how certain individuals in the New Testament managed to attain a level of trust that eluded even the apostles.Explore the journey of faith as a dynamic transition from understanding and belief to an active, certain trust. Father Boniface lends insight into why some are ready to make this leap, while others remain hesitant, and what it takes for modern-day believers to emulate such absolute trust in their spiritual lives. Through stories from scripture, the lives of the saints, and shared experiences within the community, this episode encourages listeners to take tangible steps in developing this deep-seated trust.Listeners are invited to reflect on areas of their life where they have yet to fully let Jesus in and are encouraged to work towards an integrated spiritual existence. Practical advice for incorporating Jesus into every aspect of life is provided, alongside broader spiritual insights and encouragement. Recognizing the challenge of moving beyond our compartmentalized existence, the episode paves a pathway for listeners to foster genuine trust and live a life that openly embraces Christ's presence.Join us in this uplifting and challenging episode designed to inspire a renewed relationship with God, leading to more profound peace and fulfillment in your spiritual journey and everyday life. Take part in this ongoing conversation that seeks to strengthen your personal relationship with God, with others, and ultimately with yourself.Tags:faith, trust in God, spiritual journey, belief, discipleship, Jesus, biblical examples, Roman soldier, woman healed by Jesus, apostles, Saint Thomas, Easter reflection, personal faith, spiritual growth, integration, Scripture, miracles, saints, community, evangelization, grace, challenges, hope, inspiration, trust exercises, trust process, relationship with God, personal journey, spiritual examination, commitment, presence of Jesus, everyday faith, connection, openness, love, spiritual practice, fulfillment, reflection, challenge, responsibility, pathway.Hashtags:#Faith #TrustInGod #SpiritualJourney #Belief #Discipleship #Jesus #BiblicalExamples #RomanSoldier #WomanHealedByJesus #Apostles #SaintThomas #EasterReflection #PersonalFaith #SpiritualGrowth #Integration #Scripture #Miracles #Saints #Community #Evangelization #Grace #Challenges #Hope #Inspiration #TrustExercises #TrustProcess #RelationshipWithGod #PersonalJourney #SpiritualExamination #Commitment #PresenceOfJesus #EverydayFaith #Connection #Openness #Love #SpiritualPractice #Fulfillment #Reflection #Challenge #Responsibility #Pathway
Kelsey sits down with guest Kristen, who just returned from an unforgettable 8-night trip sailing through the British Virgin Islands in February 2025. Kristen's family of four teamed up with another family—both with kids ages 8 to 12—to charter a fully crewed catamaran called Wanderlust (photos of catamaran, and Wanderlust on Instagram) departing from the island of Tortola. With a captain and private chef on board (husband and wife team Captain Dean & First Mate / Chef Charne), they island-hopped through crystal-clear waters, snorkeled vibrant reefs, and relaxed while meals were prepared daily. Kristen shares how they found the boat, how they split costs between families, what the crew experience was like, and exactly how much a trip like this really costs. Mentioned in this episode:- Vital Spring Premium Magnesium, code KELSEY20 for 20% off- Below Deck on Bravo- Catamaran Broker: Ed Hamilton- Ferry from St. Thomas to Red Hook in Tortola- Soper's Hole Marina on Tortola- Elin Hilderbrand's Winter In Paradise trilogy- The Willy T BVI Norman Island- Swimming and snorkeling near Peter Island- Anegada Beach Club and Anegada lobster at The Wonky Dog- Conch Island- Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda Baths- Sweet Ice Willy's Taxi Service & Hog Heaven on Virgin Gorda- Michael Beans Pirate Party, Leverick Bay- Monkey Point at Guana Island- Jost Van Dyke, The Soggy Dollar- Ocean Spa in White Bay- Christmas Cove off of Saint Thomas & the floating Pizza PiBUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTokSHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: triptalespodcast@gmail.com PARTNER DISCOUNT CODESVITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20 COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEYSPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit. ...
Avec Mère Marie-Josée Vilain
durée : 00:06:33 - Le Bach du matin du mardi 15 avril 2025 - Notre Bach du matin est aujourd'hui encore un Bach tricentenaire. Cette cantate BWV 85, "Ich bin ein guter Hirt", "Je suis un bon berger" a résonné pour la 1ère fois entre les murs de Saint-Thomas de Leizpig le 15 avril 1725.
durée : 00:06:33 - Le Bach du matin du mardi 15 avril 2025 - Notre Bach du matin est aujourd'hui encore un Bach tricentenaire. Cette cantate BWV 85, "Ich bin ein guter Hirt", "Je suis un bon berger" a résonné pour la 1ère fois entre les murs de Saint-Thomas de Leizpig le 15 avril 1725.
In this episode, we trace the journey of repair from the biblical story of Eden to the present-day church. We begin by looking at the rupture in Eden, the first human failure, which sets the stage for the entire narrative of repair in the Bible. The church, we argue, serves as the modern-day extension of God's original plan for renewal, where heaven and earth collide, and where God's work of restoration continues. Yet, this place of healing is also where significant ruptures can occur, often leaving members hurt and disillusioned. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between idealism and realism when it comes to the church's role in repairing relational fractures. The church, like any human system, is not immune to dysfunction, but it is also the place where God's mission of restoration is most powerfully present. We discuss how leaders in the church must navigate the complexities of repair, creating spaces of safety and vulnerability while also confronting their own wounds. This episode offers listeners a deeper understanding of how spiritual growth and relational healing are inextricably linked, both for individuals and the community as a whole. * * * Episode Links and References When Narcissism Comes to Church - Chuck DeGroat When the Church Harms People - Diane Langberg Redeeming Power: Understanding Power and Abuse in the Church - Diane Langberg Matthew 18:15-17 John 16:33 Artistic Offerings to Reflect On The Incredulity of Saint Thomas - painting by Caravaggio St. Matthew Passion (BWV 244) by Johann Sebastian Bach . . . . . Stay connected: Instagram, Facebook YouTube (Unedited videos of each episode AND the Post Show Conversation.) Please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode and we always welcome your reviews on Apple Podcasts. Sign up to access the Being Known Podcast applications, the weekly exercises that connect what you are learning to your life in a practical way.
Recorded 4/6/25. On this episode Coach V, Kodey, and Gino recap Week 7 (4.2 to 4.6) of the 2025 Women's college flag football season. Intro 0:00- 2:18Kansas Wesleyan vs Saint Mary 2:19- 3:46Bethel vs Southwestern 3:47- 5:01Pasco vs Daytona State 5:02- 5:43Thomas vs Webber 5:44- 6:16Life vs Saint Thomas 6:17- 7:10Point vs Warner 7:11- 7:35Graceland vs Campbellsville 7:36- 24:47 Milligan vs Rockford 24:48- 26:19Benedictine vs Graceland 26:20- 27:18Campbellsville vs Rockford 27:19- 28:26Milligan vs Villa Maria 28:27- 29:32Graceland vs Milligan 29:33- 31:38Point vs Webber 31:39- 32:00Benedictine vs Villa Maria 32:01- 32:23Thomas vs Warner 32:24- 39:48Reinhardt vs Saint Thomas 39:49- 40:22Midland vs Southwestern 40:23- 41:47Atlantis vs Florida Gateway 41:48- 42:10Keiser vs Florida Gateway 42:11- 45:16Campbellsville vs Benedictine 45:17- 46:20Campbellsville vs Siena Heights 46:21- 49:15Ottawa vs Baker 49:16- 1:04:51Atlantic East Conference Recap 1:04:52- 1:19:33Playmaker of the Week 1:19:34- 1:21:52NAIA Rankings 1:21:53- 1:45:08Outro 1:45:09- 1:46:16https://linktr.ee/PlaymakersCornerSocial Media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlaymakerCornerTik Tok: Playmakers CornerInstagram: https:https://www.instagram.com/playmakerscorner/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlaymakerCornerYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEcv0BIfXT78kNEtk1pbxQ/featured Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/playmakerscorner Website: https://playmakerscorner.com/ Listen to us on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rkM8hKtf8eqDPy2xqOPqr Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cycle-365/id1484493484?uo=4 Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/the-cycle-365Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mODg4MWYwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz
Nick sits down with Steven Saint Thomas to discuss his project of building a natural building in Humboldt County. You can find Steve online (adventuresinpermaculture.com). 03/25/2025
Recorded on 3/23/25. On this episode Kodey, Gino, and Coach V talk about week 5 of the 2025 Women's College Flag Football season. They recap plenty of games while also talking about playmaker of the week and NAIA Rankings. Intro 0:00- 1:40Point vs Florida Gateway 1:41- 2:45Life vs Keiser 2:46- 3:18Ottawa vs Baker 3:19- 9:42Webber vs Saint Thomas 9:43- 20:17Thomas vs Keiser 20:18- 37:36Cottey vs Graceland 37:37- 41:06Southwestern vs Bethel 41:07- 41:59Milligan vs Reinhardt 42:00- 42:35Life vs Point 42:36- 43:19Midland vs Kansas Wesleyan 43:20- 46:50Siena Heights vs Graceland 46:51-47:11Bethel vs Cottey and Baker 47:12-47:17Atlantic East Conference Recap 47:18- 55:21Playmaker of the Week 55:22- 56:46NAIA Rankings 56:47- 1:16:23Outro and Midseason Awards Announcement 1:16:24- 1:20:35https://linktr.ee/PlaymakersCornerSocial Media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlaymakerCornerTik Tok: Playmakers CornerInstagram: https:https://www.instagram.com/playmakerscorner/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlaymakerCornerYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEcv0BIfXT78kNEtk1pbxQ/featured Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/playmakerscorner Website: https://playmakerscorner.com/ Listen to us on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rkM8hKtf8eqDPy2xqOPqr Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cycle-365/id1484493484?uo=4 Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/the-cycle-365Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mODg4MWYwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz
durée : 00:04:15 - Les réincarnations de Bach au cinéma - par : Max Dozolme - Quel est le point commun entre la série Succession, la propagande nazie et le Cantor de Saint-Thomas ? A l'occasion des 340 ans de Jean-Sébastien Bach, Max Dozolme nous invite à découvrir quelques films mettant en scène le père fondateur de la musique occidentale moderne.
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, had significant connections to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Epstein owned a private estate called "Little Saint James" located on the island of Saint Thomas, which he frequently visited. This property gained notoriety as a site where Epstein allegedly engaged in illicit activities involving underage girls.Epstein's presence in the USVI drew attention from local authorities and residents due to rumors and reports of suspicious activities taking place on his private island.It was alleged that Epstein used the secluded location to operate a sex trafficking ring, exploiting underage girls for the pleasure of influential individuals, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities.Investigations into Epstein's activities intensified in the USVI after he was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges in New York. Following his arrest, federal agents conducted a raid on Little Saint James, uncovering evidence that supported the allegations against him.In August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his jail cell under controversial circumstances, officially ruled as suicide. His death raised numerous questions and led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories regarding the potential involvement of high-profile individuals in his criminal activities.After Epstein's death, legal proceedings continued, focusing on his vast estate, which included multiple properties, luxury vehicles, and extensive financial assets.The victims of Epstein's crimes pursued civil lawsuits against his estate seeking compensation and justice.The USVI government also took action to address the situation. In January 2020, the government created the Virgin Islands Epstein Victims' Compensation Fund to provide financial restitution to Epstein's victims within the territory. The fund was established to assist victims in their recovery and provide an alternative to lengthy court battles.Meanwhile, the politicians in the USVI were all stuffing their pockets full of Jeffrey Epstein's dirty money. In this episode, we take a deep dive into some of those relationships, including Stacey Plaskett.(commercial at 11:45)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:How Jeffrey Epstein's Island Politics Helped Elect Stacey Plaskett (businessinsider.com)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
MURFREESBORO, TN - On today's podcast, join WGNS host Scott Walker for the Action Line as he speaks with Dr. Lindsay Green, a family medicine practitioner at the Sai
Avec Stéphane Glogowski, interviewé par Raphaëlle de Barmon Olivier Minvielle et Stéphane Glogowski: "Vivre en bon père de famille selon Saint Thomas d'Aquin" (éditions Téqui)
On this episode Coach V and Kodey recap Week 3 of the 2025 Women's College Flag Football season. They talk about NAIA, D3, and JUCO Women's Flag Football. This also includes the debut of Atlantic East Conference play. Intro 0:00- 1:51Florida Memorial and Saint Thomas vs Villa Maria College 1:51- 5:10Webber vs Siena Heights 5:11- 7:25Warner vs Siena Heights 7:26-12:10Cottey vs Ottawa 12:11- 13:46Kansas Wesleyan vs Southwestern 13:47- 16:27Daytona State vs Siena Heights 16:28- 18:50Keiser vs Siena Heights 16:51- 20:49Saint Thomas vs Florida Memorial 20:50- 24:15Centenary vs Penn State Schuylkill 24:16- 27:52Penn State vs Immaculata 27:53- 32:56Centenary vs Immaculata 32:57- 36:08Milligan, Huntingdon College, and Campbellsville Games 36:09- 39:16Kansas Wesleyan vs Pratt Community College and Cottey 39:17- 42:14Ottawa vs William Woods 42:15- 44:34Midland vs Baker 44:35- 53:33Saint Mary vs Bethel 53:34- 55:54Life vs Emmanuel 55:55- 57:37Graceland vs Southwestern 57:38- 1:20:57Playmaker of the Week 1:20:58- 1:22:25NAIA Power Rankings 1:22:26- 1:41:17Outro 1:41:18- 1:42:52https://linktr.ee/PlaymakersCornerSocial Media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlaymakerCornerTik Tok: Playmakers CornerInstagram: https:https://www.instagram.com/playmakerscorner/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlaymakerCornerYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEcv0BIfXT78kNEtk1pbxQ/featured Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/playmakerscorner Website: https://playmakerscorner.com/ Listen to us on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rkM8hKtf8eqDPy2xqOPqr Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cycle-365/id1484493484?uo=4 Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/the-cycle-365Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mODg4MWYwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz
A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre in Toronto on March 1, 2025.The ancient hymn that I have heard you sing so beautifully right here is the Anima Christi, the soul of Christ.O bone Jesu, exaudi me. Intra tua vulnera absconde me. Ne permittas me separari a te.O good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds conceal me. Do not permit me to be parted from you.The wounds of Christ, a sign of the intensity of His love for us. They would not heal if he had not risen. What do they mean for us today?Music: Original music by Michael Lee of Toronto.Thumbnail: Caravaggio, The Incredulity of Saint Thomas 1601, Sanssouci Picture Gallery, Potsdam.
Nick sits down with Steven Saint Thomas to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. You can find Steven and his story "Silence The West Bank" on his Substack "Truthsmack" (Truthsmack). 02/25/2025
On this episode Coach V, Kodey, and Gino recap week 2 of the 2025 Women's College Flag Football season. They recap all the games from 2/25 to 3/2. Games from the JUCO, NAIA, D3, and D2 levels. They then do Playmaker of the Week, and NAIA PMC Rankings.Intro 0:00-1:13Graceland vs Cottey 1:14- 6:47Saint Mary vs Pratt Community college 6:48- 8:57Reinhardt vs Thomas 8:58- 13:05Bethel vs Kansas Wesleyan's Developmental Team 13:06- 15:46Keiser vs Warner 15:47- 36:12Baker vs William Woods 36:13- 44:22Keiser vs Saint Thomas 44:12- 1:02:19Reinhardt vs Campbellsville 1:02:20- 1:14:43Point vs Pasco-Hernando State College 1:14:44- 1:15:20Florida Gateway vs Pasco- Hernando 1:15:21- 1:16:48Florida Gateway vs Point 1:16:49- 1:23:53Webber vs Florida Memorial 1:23:54- 1:32:24Ottawa vs Kansas Wesleyan 1:32:25- 1:57:43Bethel vs Graceland 1:57:44- 2:17:15Southwestern vs Baker 2:17:16-2:21:21Saint Mary vs Cottey 2:21:22- 2:24:14Reinhardt vs Emmanuel College 2:24:15- 2:26:21Milligan vs Campbellsville 2:26:22- 2:49:33Kansas Wesleyan vs William Woods 2:49:34- 2:51:51Playmaker of the Week 2:51:52- 2:54:10NAIA PMC Rankings 2:54:11- 3:19:14Outro 3:19:15- 3:21:02https://linktr.ee/PlaymakersCornerSocial Media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlaymakerCornerTik Tok: Playmakers CornerInstagram: https:https://www.instagram.com/playmakerscorner/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlaymakerCornerYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEcv0BIfXT78kNEtk1pbxQ/featured Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/playmakerscorner Website: https://playmakerscorner.com/ Listen to us on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rkM8hKtf8eqDPy2xqOPqr Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cycle-365/id1484493484?uo=4 Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/the-cycle-365Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mODg4MWYwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz
Edited/recorded on 2/24/2025. On this episode Coach and Gino recap “week 1” (2/1-2/23) of the Women's College Flag Football Season. While it's still an NAIA based Women's College Flag Football Episode we talk about D3s, HBCUs, and JUCO Women's College flag football teams on this one. We also release our week 1 power rankings, and talk about our Playmaker of the Week. Intro 0:00- 1:42Milligan vs Point 1:43- 3:13Point vs Emmanuel University (D2) 3:14- 4:12Emmanuel (D2) vs Alabama State (D1 HBCU) 4:13- 4:39Huntingdon College (D3) vs Alabama State (HBCU) 4:40- 7:30Huntingdon College (D3) vs Daytona State (JUCO) 7:31- 8:27Thomas vs Life 8:28- 14:51Keiser vs Florida Memorial 14:52- 24:56Warner vs Life 24:57- 49:53Thomas vs Point / Alabama State (D1 HBCU) 49:54- 50:39Warner vs Saint Thomas 50:40- 1:09:49Ottawa vs Baker 1:09:50- 1:24:52Kansas Wesleyan vs Midland 1:24:53- 1:35:14Ottawa vs Kansas Wesleyan 1:35:15- 1:53:35Midland vs Baker 1:53:36- 2:14:15Ottawa vs Midland 2:14:16- 2:24:48Kansas Wesleyan vs Baker 2:24:49- 2:45:53Playmaker of the Week 2:45:54- 2:47:16NAIA PMC Rankings 2:47:17- 3:26:03Outro 3:26:04- 3:27:24https://linktr.ee/PlaymakersCornerSocial Media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlaymakerCornerTik Tok: Playmakers CornerInstagram: https:https://www.instagram.com/playmakerscorner/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlaymakerCornerYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEcv0BIfXT78kNEtk1pbxQ/featured Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/playmakerscorner Website: https://playmakerscorner.com/ Listen to us on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rkM8hKtf8eqDPy2xqOPqr Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cycle-365/id1484493484?uo=4 Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/the-cycle-365Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mODg4MWYwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz
In this episode, Laura Dyrda speaks with Dr. Shubhada Jagasia, President and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital. Dr. Jagasia discusses the hospital's 125-year legacy, its leading-edge programs in cardiac care, women's services, and oncology, as well as her approach to addressing healthcare challenges and evolving as a leader in a competitive and dynamic industry.
Join us as Sheila talks with Jodi from Timeless Tales Travel about her recent seven-night cruise on Disney's newest ship, Disney Treasure! Joining her on this voyage were her husband and her two boys. Jodi shares lots of information about her experience onboard the ship as well as the three port calls, which included Tortola and Saint Thomas! Listen in for some great tips and advice for when planning your Disney Cruise. To get in contact with Jodi: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JodiAtTimelessTalesTravel By email - Jodi@timelesstalestravel.com You can leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/MonorailTales You can find us on the web at www.monorailtales.com. Find us on Facebook and like our page and join our fun Disney group! You can also find us on Twitter and Instagram If you a show idea or would like to be on the show, email sheila@monorailtales.com For the best deals on DVC Resale contracts and DVC rentals, check out our sponsor DVC Shop at DVCShop.com
One of our favorite things is the impact of great employers on individuals, small towns, and the overall culture of the communities they operate within, and this episode is all about what happens when an amazing work culture fosters amazing things outside of the workplace. Amanda Gregory and Joe House both work for a manufacturing company called Design Ready Controls and co-founded MAKE (Manufacturing, a Kid's Experience) in 2023 as a way to foster awareness about and interest in manufacturing in a way kids can understand. MAKE is about showing kids what kinds of possibilities exist in the manufacturing space and helping parents who work in manufacturing share what they do with their days in a kid-friendly way. Although entirely separate from their “day job,” the collaborative, open culture of Design Ready Controls directly influenced Amanda and Joe's efforts and takes workforce development and passion to a whole new level, and we're here for it. About MAKE: MAKE was founded in 2023 by Amanda Gregory and Joe House to educate children about manufacturing. The MAKE platform began with sharing stories about manufacturing through Blake Explores Manufacturing. Now with a monthly newsletter, Future Makers, they continue to inspire through building activities and manufacturing tours & experiences. About Joe: Joe started with Design Ready Controls in 2022 as Chief Commercial Officer, working alongside sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to strengthen our industry-leading customer and supplier partnerships. Prior to joining the team, Joe spent 9 years in sales leadership at an electrical distributor, where he worked as both a supplier and customer of Design Ready Controls. Joe graduated from the University of Saint Thomas in 2013 with degrees in Mathematical Economics and Business Management. About Amanda: Amanda joined the Design Ready Controls team in 2015, starting in office management and 5S initiatives. She quickly advanced to take on leadership roles in marketing and now leads marketing, sales development, internal communications, and office management. Amanda earned a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication with a minor in Marketing from Winona State University. Her professional background includes account and project management, as well as marketing experience in the produce and manufacturing industries. In this episode, we cover: What MAKE is and how it started The culture at Design Ready Controls and how it relates to MAKE Why supporting passion is so important in cultivating the next generation How a company's culture can completely change the perception of its industry Links + Resources Mentioned MAKE Website where you can learn more, subscribe to Future Makers or purchase Blake Explores Manufacturing: www.makepublishing.comMAKE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makepublishingllc MAKE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/make_publishing MAKE on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-publishing/ Community Venture Network: https://brookshireco.com/services/community-venture-network/ New Segment Alert! We think some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're introducing two new parts to the show: “Small town humblebrags”: Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things. “Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges”: Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that. If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you! Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!
Nick sits down with Steven Saint Thomas to discuss climate change, global temperatures, community resilience, permaculture and more. You can find Steve online (adventuresinpermaculture.com). If you're a writer/journalist interested in contributing, you can reach out to him through one of his Substacks. 01/14/2025
Située dans la province du Luxembourg, la vallée de l'Attert est imprégnée de mystères et de récits anciens où légendes et foi chrétienne s'entrelacent. Ce territoire abrite des histoires fascinantes mettant en scène des saints protecteurs et des miracles. Parmi elles, découvrons deux légendes marquantes : celle de Saint Thomas et de sa statue voyageuse, et celle d'un arbre robuste, indéracinable grâce à l'intervention d'une représentation d'un autre saint bien connu. Ces légendes nous sont racontées par Franz Clément. Merci pour votre écoute Un Jour dans l'Histoire, c'est également en direct tous les jours de la semaine de 13h15 à 14h30 sur www.rtbf.be/lapremiere Retrouvez tous les épisodes d'Un Jour dans l'Histoire sur notre plateforme Auvio.be :https://auvio.rtbf.be/emission/5936 Intéressés par l'histoire ? Vous pourriez également aimer nos autres podcasts : L'Histoire Continue: https://audmns.com/kSbpELwL'heure H : https://audmns.com/YagLLiKEt sa version à écouter en famille : La Mini Heure H https://audmns.com/YagLLiKAinsi que nos séries historiques :Chili, le Pays de mes Histoires : https://audmns.com/XHbnevhD-Day : https://audmns.com/JWRdPYIJoséphine Baker : https://audmns.com/wCfhoEwLa folle histoire de l'aviation : https://audmns.com/xAWjyWCLes Jeux Olympiques, l'étonnant miroir de notre Histoire : https://audmns.com/ZEIihzZMarguerite, la Voix d'une Résistante : https://audmns.com/zFDehnENapoléon, le crépuscule de l'Aigle : https://audmns.com/DcdnIUnUn Jour dans le Sport : https://audmns.com/xXlkHMHSous le sable des Pyramides : https://audmns.com/rXfVppvN'oubliez pas de vous y abonner pour ne rien manquer.Et si vous avez apprécié ce podcast, n'hésitez pas à nous donner des étoiles ou des commentaires, cela nous aide à le faire connaître plus largement.
En 1994 à Saint-Thomas-de-Conac en Charente, un double homicide mène les enquêteurs sur les traces d'un Belge, Michel Proot. Le plus intéressant dans cette affaire, c'est le pourquoi et le comment.
This Week's Podcast: Roughly 11,000 Homes Will Sell Today – Will Yours Be One of Them? On this week's podcast, I’ll be talking about how, despite current market conditions with higher prices and mortgage rates, thousands of homes are still selling every single day. Here’s a surprising stat: Roughly 11,000 homes sell daily, translating to about 8 homes every minute! Life doesn’t wait for perfect market conditions, and many buyers are still eager to move. If you’ve been hesitant about selling, now’s the time to partner with the right agent to market your home effectively and connect with those motivated buyers. Let’s get your house sold in 2025! House of the Week: 1255 Summerswood Dr, Saint Thomas, PA – $535,000 Open House: Saturday 1/18 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM A stunning retreat with: 4 Spacious Bedrooms 4.5 Bathrooms A gourmet kitchen with a large island Crown moldings, recessed lighting, and two fireplaces A primary suite with a soaking tub and walk-in shower Additional features include: Finished walkout basement Extensive hardscaping with stone retaining walls Deck and patio for outdoor enjoyment A 2-car garage and panoramic mountain views This property is an entertainer's dream and the perfect blend of luxury and tranquility. Don’t miss your chance to see it!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friends of the Rosary, Happy New Year in Christ! This Thursday after the Epiphany, Day Sixteen in Christmas, we pause to reflect on the wisdom of the “Three Holy Kings,” or the Magi, which means "great, illustrious." The Magi were called saints in the 12th century, and since then, the devotion has spread worldwide. These "Wise men from the East,” as St. Matthew called them, were a highly esteemed class of priestly scholars, devoting themselves to studying natural sciences, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, astrology, and religion. In several countries, they were members of the king's council. They could have been from any of the countries of Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, or India. The first was called Melchior; he was an old man with white hair and a long beard; he offered gold to the Lord as to his king. The second, Gaspar by name, young, beardless, offered to Jesus his gift of incense, the homage due to Divinity. The third, of black complexion, with a heavy beard, was called Baltasar; the myrrh he held in his hands prefigured the death of the Son of man. There is an old legend that when many years passed, the Magi were visited by Saint Thomas the Apostle, who baptized them after instructing them in Christianity. They were then ordained to the priesthood and made bishops. The legendary relics of the Magi were brought from Constantinople to Milan in the sixth century. In 1164, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa obtained them from the archbishop of Milan and transferred them to Cologne. Their shrine in Cologne is today the center of many pilgrimages. Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You! Come, Holy Spirit, come! To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • Enjoy this video and enhance your faith in our newly released Holy Rosary University iOS app. • January 10, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, had significant connections to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Epstein owned a private estate called "Little Saint James" located on the island of Saint Thomas, which he frequently visited. This property gained notoriety as a site where Epstein allegedly engaged in illicit activities involving underage girls.Epstein's presence in the USVI drew attention from local authorities and residents due to rumors and reports of suspicious activities taking place on his private island.It was alleged that Epstein used the secluded location to operate a sex trafficking ring, exploiting underage girls for the pleasure of influential individuals, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities.Investigations into Epstein's activities intensified in the USVI after he was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges in New York. Following his arrest, federal agents conducted a raid on Little Saint James, uncovering evidence that supported the allegations against him.In August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his jail cell under controversial circumstances, officially ruled as suicide. His death raised numerous questions and led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories regarding the potential involvement of high-profile individuals in his criminal activities.After Epstein's death, legal proceedings continued, focusing on his vast estate, which included multiple properties, luxury vehicles, and extensive financial assets.The victims of Epstein's crimes pursued civil lawsuits against his estate seeking compensation and justice.The USVI government also took action to address the situation. In January 2020, the government created the Virgin Islands Epstein Victims' Compensation Fund to provide financial restitution to Epstein's victims within the territory. The fund was established to assist victims in their recovery and provide an alternative to lengthy court battles.Meanwhile, the politicians in the USVI were all stuffing their pockets full of Jeffrey Epstein's dirty money. In this episode, we take a deep dive into some of those relationships, including Stacey Plaskett.(commercial at 11:45)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:How Jeffrey Epstein's Island Politics Helped Elect Stacey Plaskett (businessinsider.com)
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, had significant connections to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Epstein owned a private estate called "Little Saint James" located on the island of Saint Thomas, which he frequently visited. This property gained notoriety as a site where Epstein allegedly engaged in illicit activities involving underage girls.Epstein's presence in the USVI drew attention from local authorities and residents due to rumors and reports of suspicious activities taking place on his private island.It was alleged that Epstein used the secluded location to operate a sex trafficking ring, exploiting underage girls for the pleasure of influential individuals, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities.Investigations into Epstein's activities intensified in the USVI after he was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges in New York. Following his arrest, federal agents conducted a raid on Little Saint James, uncovering evidence that supported the allegations against him.In August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his jail cell under controversial circumstances, officially ruled as suicide. His death raised numerous questions and led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories regarding the potential involvement of high-profile individuals in his criminal activities.After Epstein's death, legal proceedings continued, focusing on his vast estate, which included multiple properties, luxury vehicles, and extensive financial assets.The victims of Epstein's crimes pursued civil lawsuits against his estate seeking compensation and justice.The USVI government also took action to address the situation. In January 2020, the government created the Virgin Islands Epstein Victims' Compensation Fund to provide financial restitution to Epstein's victims within the territory. The fund was established to assist victims in their recovery and provide an alternative to lengthy court battles.Meanwhile, the politicians in the USVI were all stuffing their pockets full of Jeffrey Epstein's dirty money. In this episode, we take a deep dive into some of those relationships, including Stacey Plaskett.(commercial at 11:45)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:How Jeffrey Epstein's Island Politics Helped Elect Stacey Plaskett (businessinsider.com)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, had significant connections to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Epstein owned a private estate called "Little Saint James" located on the island of Saint Thomas, which he frequently visited. This property gained notoriety as a site where Epstein allegedly engaged in illicit activities involving underage girls.Epstein's presence in the USVI drew attention from local authorities and residents due to rumors and reports of suspicious activities taking place on his private island.It was alleged that Epstein used the secluded location to operate a sex trafficking ring, exploiting underage girls for the pleasure of influential individuals, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities.Investigations into Epstein's activities intensified in the USVI after he was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges in New York. Following his arrest, federal agents conducted a raid on Little Saint James, uncovering evidence that supported the allegations against him.In August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his jail cell under controversial circumstances, officially ruled as suicide. His death raised numerous questions and led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories regarding the potential involvement of high-profile individuals in his criminal activities.After Epstein's death, legal proceedings continued, focusing on his vast estate, which included multiple properties, luxury vehicles, and extensive financial assets.The victims of Epstein's crimes pursued civil lawsuits against his estate seeking compensation and justice.The USVI government also took action to address the situation. In January 2020, the government created the Virgin Islands Epstein Victims' Compensation Fund to provide financial restitution to Epstein's victims within the territory. The fund was established to assist victims in their recovery and provide an alternative to lengthy court battles.Meanwhile, the politicians in the USVI were all stuffing their pockets full of Jeffrey Epstein's dirty money. In this episode, we take a deep dive into some of those relationships, including Stacey Plaskett.(commercial at 11:45)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:How Jeffrey Epstein's Island Politics Helped Elect Stacey Plaskett (businessinsider.com)
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, had significant connections to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Epstein owned a private estate called "Little Saint James" located on the island of Saint Thomas, which he frequently visited. This property gained notoriety as a site where Epstein allegedly engaged in illicit activities involving underage girls.Epstein's presence in the USVI drew attention from local authorities and residents due to rumors and reports of suspicious activities taking place on his private island.It was alleged that Epstein used the secluded location to operate a sex trafficking ring, exploiting underage girls for the pleasure of influential individuals, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities.Investigations into Epstein's activities intensified in the USVI after he was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges in New York. Following his arrest, federal agents conducted a raid on Little Saint James, uncovering evidence that supported the allegations against him.In August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his jail cell under controversial circumstances, officially ruled as suicide. His death raised numerous questions and led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories regarding the potential involvement of high-profile individuals in his criminal activities.After Epstein's death, legal proceedings continued, focusing on his vast estate, which included multiple properties, luxury vehicles, and extensive financial assets.The victims of Epstein's crimes pursued civil lawsuits against his estate seeking compensation and justice.The USVI government also took action to address the situation. In January 2020, the government created the Virgin Islands Epstein Victims' Compensation Fund to provide financial restitution to Epstein's victims within the territory. The fund was established to assist victims in their recovery and provide an alternative to lengthy court battles.Meanwhile, the politicians in the USVI were all stuffing their pockets full of Jeffrey Epstein's dirty money. In this episode, we take a deep dive into some of those relationships, including Stacey Plaskett.(commercial at 11:45)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:How Jeffrey Epstein's Island Politics Helped Elect Stacey Plaskett (businessinsider.com)
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, had significant connections to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Epstein owned a private estate called "Little Saint James" located on the island of Saint Thomas, which he frequently visited. This property gained notoriety as a site where Epstein allegedly engaged in illicit activities involving underage girls.Epstein's presence in the USVI drew attention from local authorities and residents due to rumors and reports of suspicious activities taking place on his private island.It was alleged that Epstein used the secluded location to operate a sex trafficking ring, exploiting underage girls for the pleasure of influential individuals, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities.Investigations into Epstein's activities intensified in the USVI after he was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges in New York. Following his arrest, federal agents conducted a raid on Little Saint James, uncovering evidence that supported the allegations against him.In August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his jail cell under controversial circumstances, officially ruled as suicide. His death raised numerous questions and led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories regarding the potential involvement of high-profile individuals in his criminal activities.After Epstein's death, legal proceedings continued, focusing on his vast estate, which included multiple properties, luxury vehicles, and extensive financial assets.The victims of Epstein's crimes pursued civil lawsuits against his estate seeking compensation and justice.The USVI government also took action to address the situation. In January 2020, the government created the Virgin Islands Epstein Victims' Compensation Fund to provide financial restitution to Epstein's victims within the territory. The fund was established to assist victims in their recovery and provide an alternative to lengthy court battles.Meanwhile, the politicians in the USVI were all stuffing their pockets full of Jeffrey Epstein's dirty money. In this episode, we take a deep dive into some of those relationships, including Stacey Plaskett.(commercial at 15:41)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:How Jeffrey Epstein's Island Politics Helped Elect Stacey Plaskett (businessinsider.com)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Nick sits down with Steven Saint Thomas to discuss local news stories to watch going into 2025. 12/17/2024
There is no doubt that this will be a great show.
Steven Saint Thomas is a journalist, writer and permaculture designer. You can find him at Truthsmack on Substack (stevensaint.substack.com). 11/19/2024
durée : 00:53:46 - Questions d'islam - par : Ghaleb Bencheikh - Averroès aux pieds de Saint Thomas d'Aquin : ainsi le philosophe arabe a-t-il été représenté pendant deux cent cinquante ans dans la peinture italienne. Pourquoi et comment ces toiles et ces fresques font-elles du corps d'Averroès le symbole de l'islam ? - réalisation : François Caunac - invités : Jean-Baptiste Brenet Professeur de philosophie arabe à l'Université Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne, traducteur de l'arabe et du latin, auteur de plusieurs essais sur le rapport entre pensée arabe et pensée moderne.
Today's poem, from Wilson's 2018 The Hanging God, takes a candid look at all the ways we overestimate, misunderstand, misrepresent, and undervalue our own human agency–all while leaning heavily on plenty of unspoken implications about the agency of God. Happy reading.James Matthew Wilson is the Cullen Foundation Chair in English Literature and the founding director of the MFA program in Creative Writing at the University of Saint Thomas.The author of fourteen books, his most recent collection of poems is Saint Thomas and the Forbidden Birds(Word on Fire, 2024). The Strangeness of the Good (2020), won the poetry book of the year award from the Catholic Media Awards. The Dallas Institute of Humanities awarded him the Hiett Prize in 2017; Memoria College gave him the Parnassus Prize, in 2022; and the Conference on Christianity and Literature twice gave him the Lionel Basney Award.In addition to his role at the University of Saint Thomas, he serves as poet-in-residence of the Benedict XVI Institute, scholar-in-residence of Aquinas College, editor of Colosseum Books, and poetry editor of Modern Age magazine.Wilson was educated at the University of Michigan (B.A.), the University of Massachusetts (M.A.), and the University of Notre Dame (M.F.A., Ph.D.), where he subsequently held a Sorin Research Fellowship. Wilson joined the University of Saint Thomas, Houston, in 2021, when he co-founded the Master of Fine Arts program.-bio via Wilson's website Get full access to The Daily Poem Podcast at dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe
“Getting that VBAC meant everything to me. It helped so much with the trauma of it all.”At 36 weeks along with her first, Ashley started to have intense carpal tunnel pain. At 38 weeks, it was unbearable. Her provider said that delivery would be the only way to find relief and recommended a 39-week induction. Ashley had a difficult labor and pushing experience. Her provider recommended a C-section due to a cervical lip and no progress after just an hour and a half. Ashley consented and felt defeated. She started her VBAC prep the day she got home from the hospital. At 29 weeks with her second, Ashley had plans for a beautiful trip to Saint Thomas with her husband and toddler. She began contracting the night before her flight but didn't think much of it and made it to their gate– while still contracting. As the plane was boarding, she passed a blood clot in the airport. She knew she needed to go to the hospital. In spite of many interventions trying to stop labor, Ashley birthed her baby via VBAC just hours later. She later learned that she had a possible placental abruption that wasn't detected until her doctor examined her placenta after delivery. Though Ashley's postpartum experience was tough balancing life with a newborn in the NICU for 8 weeks while having a toddler at home, the victory of having a VBAC carried her through. The power of a positive birth experience is real and worth fighting for!Pregnancy-Related Carpal Tunnel ArticleHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details Meagan: Hello, Women of Strength. It is Meagan with my friend, Ashley. Hello, Ashley. Ashley: Hi. Meagan: How are you today? Ashley: I am good. How are you doing?Meagan: I am doing great. I'm loving all of the stories we are recording and so excited to hear yours. You have a more unique VBAC in the sense that it was a very premature VBAC. Ashley: Mhmm, yep. Meagan: Yes. We are going to talk a little bit more about that. You're going to share information for NICU moms because your baby did go to the NICU. You are a mom of two and a children's therapist. Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do for work? Ashley: Yeah. I work with kids ages 4-18. Right now, I'm Telehealth only. I actually work in Tooele, Utah, but I live in North Carolina. Everything is Telehealth. It happened with COVID. I was out there during COVID. We moved and continued to do Telehealth since I've moved. I really only see 10 and up at this point. Yeah. I see a lot of teenagers all through Telehealth and it's really wonderful that I get to keep that up. Meagan: That's so awesome. That's awesome that you got to keep doing it, and that you are serving our children. I'm sure that you have lots to say about our children and their mental health that is going on out there, but there is a lot. It is a lot of these kiddos of ours. Ashley: Absolutely, yeah. It's hard and challenging, but it's also really wonderful and rewarding. I love that I get to do it. Meagan: Yeah. Well, thank you so much for all of your hard work out there. Ashley: Yeah, absolutely. Meagan: We do have a Review of the Week, so I want to get into that, then I really want to turn the time over to share both of these journeys. This review is from Sienna. It says, “After having a very hard conversation with my OB where I learned she was in fact not VBAC tolerant or friendly, I texted my best friend through tears pouring down my face and she immediately sent me a text back with The VBAC Link Podcast. Ever since, I have been listening to every episode of the podcast. It is so beyond helpful and inspiring for anyone preparing for a VBAC. I'm due at the September, and have made the goal to listen to every single episode before then. I can't say enough for what Meagan and Julie are doing for women like me. I can't wait to rock my VBAC.” Oh, I love that review. Thank you so much, Sienna, and I can't wait for you to have an incredible VBAC. Way to go for realizing that your provider may not be the right provider for you. I think there are so many people who walk through the VBAC journey who think they may have a supportive provider, then at the very last minute, they are having those conversations and realizing, “Oh, shoot. I may not be in the right place.” It is okay to switch and keep interviewing and discussing with your provider. If your provider doesn't feel like talking to you about your VBAC or says, “You've got months to go. We don't need to talk about that right now,” those might be red flags and things you might want to reconsider. Thank you, Sienna, for your review. If you haven't yet, please leave a review. You can Google us at “The VBAC Link” or you can leave it on the podcast platform that you are listening to us on. Okay, Ashley. Thank you again so much for being here with us. Ashley: Yeah, absolutely. I'm so happy to be here. I never thought I would be. When I was preparing for my VBAC, I was listening every single day during my walks and I just thought, “Oh, if I get a VBAC, that would be wonderful,” but I never thought I would ever be on the show. It's crazy and wild to be here. Meagan: I love it. The more and more that we record, we learn that it goes full circle. We're in your ear all pregnancy with all these Women of Strength sharing their stories, inspiring you, building you up, and now, here you are inspiring and building others up as well. Ashley: Yeah. Yeah. It's cool to be here. Do you want me to talk about my first?Meagan: Yeah. Yeah. Every VBAC starts with a C-section, so let's start with your C-section story. Ashley: Yeah, for sure. For my first birth with my son, it was a pretty easy pregnancy for the most part. There were a couple of hiccups here and there. I had morning sickness in the beginning in the first trimester, but everything else was pretty smooth. At 13 weeks, I had a spell where I had a lot of bleeding. That was terrifying. I thought I was miscarrying. I called my provider and panicked. That was just the worst 4 hours of my life because I continuously bleed. They finally got me in for an ultrasound. They checked me and he was just really active and bouncing. They never knew why it happened, but I was fine. Meagan: Did they ever say anything about a subchorionic hematoma or anything like that?Ashley: That kind of sounds familiar, so that could have been it for sure, but I don't remember. But it stopped. After my ultrasound, the bleeding was done, and everything was fine. It was the weirdest thing, but definitely so scary. Yeah, it was terrifying. That was bad, and after that, after the first trimester, my morning sickness went away and everything was good for the most part. What happened though, I took birth classes. I took breastfeeding classes. I didn't do a ton of research. I just took my little birth class, and I thought that was enough. I actually think I skipped the C-section part. I was like, “I'm not going to need that.” I don't know why I was so weirdly confident that I was going to be able to have a vaginal birth, but it literally was something that I'm like, “I'm good,” and I didn't put much thought into it. I don't know why I did that. Meagan: A lot of people do. It's not what we want. It's not what we think is going to happen, so we just push it aside. Ashley: Yeah. Yeah. I didn't do any research at all, so I didn't need to know about that. I didn't want it obviously, so yeah. Everything was good until about 36 weeks I would say. I started to get carpal tunnel and it just got progressively worse and worse. It was bad. The last month of my pregnancy, it was unbearable. My fingers and wrists were numb 24/7. It was waking me up at night how painful my hands and fingers were. I couldn't do little things. I couldn't put a necklace on anymore. I couldn't put my earrings in because I couldn't use my fingers. It was so bad, and it was something I didn't know happened. It was pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel. I had so much swelling in my body. That's what they said it was. My midwife who I had found and really loved, she referred me to PT. I did that. I did wrist braces every night, and nothing helped. I kind of knew that was going to happen just doing some research. They say the only thing that gets rid of it is delivering your baby basically. Meagan: Do they know why it really starts? Is it something within the blood flow? Do we know? We don't know. Ashley: I don't know. My midwife just chalked it up to the swelling. My carpal tunnel was being squeezed by the swelling. I'm pretty petite as is, and then I was carrying so much water and so much weight that I think for me, my body just didn't respond well. I had the carpal tunnel. That was at 36 weeks when it started getting pretty bad. There wasn't a lot we could do about it. I really didn't want to have an induction. I didn't know much about it either. I didn't do a ton of research, but I knew I didn't want it. I just knew I wanted it to all go as naturally as possible and for my baby to come on his own timeline. By 38 weeks, I was miserable. I was like, “I don't think I can do this.” I was pretty big and uncomfortable, but that wasn't the part that was killing me. It was the carpal tunnel. It was bad. My provider said that we could do the membrane sweep each week. We did it at 38 weeks. We did it at 39 weeks, and we decided that if nothing happened after my second sweep, we would think about an induction. I was ready. I had to stop working a week before I even wanted to because I couldn't type anymore. It hurt to type, and I do a lot of assessments with my job where I am typing all of the time, using my mouse and keyboard. It was just awful. We did the membrane sweep at 39 weeks and nothing happened. I was curb walking. I was eating the dates. I was doing the things and drinking the tea. Nothing. So at 39+5, I got admitted for my induction at 8:00 PM. They did a Foley bulb, then they did the Cervadil I believe. That was all fine. I think they also gave me morphine. I think that's when they did that to manage pain. I looked at my notes, but it's kind of hard. Some things aren't super clear. But either way, I got a really bad rash. At the time, they thought it was PUPPS, but looking back, they thought it was a reaction to the morphine. Meagan: Oh shoot. Ashley: Yeah. I was so horribly itchy. Meagan: Yeah, that's miserable. You're in pain and itchy. Ashley: Yeah, and the carpal tunnel was still active. That was still happening. I don't remember it being super uncomfortable with the Foley bulb. I was more scared of it. I was more scared than it actually was painful. I was okay. I handled it okay. So then my water broke at 2:00 AM I believe. The Foley bulb came out and they started the Pitocin by 8:00 AM I believe because I wasn't moving enough. I wasn't dilating enough. My water broke at 2:00 AM. It was in at 8:00 AM. I started an epidural, I think, at 5:00 AM before the Pitocin because I was just in a lot of pain. That epidural, though, was done by a resident which I didn't know at the time. That was one thing I really didn't want. It wasn't placed correctly, and I had a ton of breakthrough pain. It was horrible. They actually ended up rethreading that at, I don't know, 4 hours later. They had to rethread the epidural, remove it, and put it back in by someone else. It was so bad. Meagan: You just had all of the things coming at you. Ashley: Yeah. I just say everything was botched from the start. It was during COVID. There wasn't a lot of staff. I felt ignored. There were hours when I didn't see anybody. The Pitocin wasn't managed very well either. I feel like they never really increased it. Like I said, after they started Pitocin, I didn't see anybody for 4 hours. It was absolutely horrible. Meagan: Wow. So they were just outside watching your strip, and you were doing okay so they were like, “All right, we'll just leave her.” Ashley: I think so. There were no providers. There was barely anybody on staff. I shouldn't say nobody was on staff. I should say that every single room was booked. They were at capacity, and they were low-staffed. It was just not great. I started Pitocin. I finally got to 8 centimeters. I had really, really bad back pain still, and then that was when the epidural was rethreaded or redone. So then it was just waiting for me to progress, but I couldn't feel anything at that point. I think I was just maxed out on pain stuff on the epidural being rethreaded. I had no control over my body whatsoever. I couldn't feel my legs. I couldn't get up and move. It was so awful. I couldn't feel contractions. I could see it on the monitor, and they would tell me I was having a contraction, but I couldn't feel anything. By 5:00 PM, they told me, “Okay, it's time to push.” I had no urges to push because I couldn't feel anything. I started pushing. I remember just being really out of it because of the epidural. That, and I'm sure there was morphine still. I was just out of it. I did not feel good or in control of my body. I just remember they told me to push. I was pushing for an hour and a half. Every time, they'd be like, “Okay, it's time to push.” I would try to push, but I felt like nothing was happening. I couldn't feel anything. Meagan: Yeah.Ashley: Yeah. I think that was probably the biggest reason why I had a C-section. I blame it on the no feeling and no control of my body. They had me push for an hour and a half, then they said that it wasn't happening enough. I was at 9.5 centimeters. They could see his head, but they said there was a cervical lip. They told me I wasn't getting past it is kind of what they said. They said, “You're not going to be able to get past it.” So after an hour and a half, they told me– well, my midwife, and she wasn't my midwife. She was whoever was on staff. She said, “I think we should talk about different options.” C-section came into it. She didn't think I was going to get past the cervical lip. I stalled, so they had an OB come in and talk to me. They said, “Let's bring him in and get his opinion.” He said the same thing, “I just don't think you're getting past this lip, and I think a C-section is the best course.” Looking back, I'm like, “I pushed for an hour and a half and they never tried to move me.” Given I couldn't feel my body, they never tried to reposition me. Now, I know that if that had happened, give me some pressure. Help me sit up. Maybe I could put some pressure on it. I know it's swollen, so putting pressure could have made it worse, but I just think there could have been so much more done that wasn't done. Meagan: Yeah, and sometimes those cervical lips are baby's head positioning. We've been pushing and aggravating the cervix, so rotating and getting the pressure off of the wrong spot and equalizing the pressure, or getting it over can help. Or sometimes that's what it needs. It's not the swelling, the cervix is just there, and it hasn't progressed all the way, so pushing, and pushing, and pushing against that is what causes that swelling. Then movement, time, or rest– there are so many things. There are things like Benadryl or things like that and things to help swelling, but that's unfortunate. They were understaffed, so I bet they were like, “We just have to have this baby.” Ashley: I think that's a lot to do with it. I felt a lot of pressure to just get the C-section. No other interventions were offered. Nobody talked about moving. Nobody talked about letting me rest. Now I know, afterward, when I was prepping with my second birth, I was like, “Yeah, I should rest. Yeah, I should let my body move. Yes, there are things I should do.” I didn't want an epidural, or I didn't want one that strong. That was a huge mistake in my eyes. I had an epidural with my second and it was great, but with my first, they just overdosed me. They gave me way too much. I went to the OR. I had my baby via C-section. I was so out of it. They gave me more pain meds back there because they were going to cut me open, then I couldn't feel my arms when I pulled my son out. They kept trying to hand him to me, and I could not move my arms. I was like, “Please stop.” It was so traumatic because I couldn't hold him, and they kept trying to give him to me. Everything was a blur for a while. I woke up in the recovery room. I didn't get to hold my baby for 2 hours after he was born just because I was so out of it. Then I got to hold him eventually. We were back in my room. I was there for a couple of days. Yeah. Recovering from that emotionally and physically was so hard. I didn't prep for it. I didn't expect it, and looking back, I was angry that it went the way it went. I feel like it didn't have to. He ended up being 9lbs, 1oz. His head was in the 97th percentile. He had a massive head, and he was a big baby, but I do think things could have gone a lot differently. Meagan: Did he have any swelling on any part of his head that would have indicated things like asyncliticism or a bruise or anything on his head from pushing?Ashley: No, but he had a cone head. He had a very– Meagan: Okay, so he was coning and getting caput. Okay. Ashley: That's it, yeah. Meagan: Okay. I was just wondering if there was anything specific to a positional thing, but it might have just been that your cervix wasn't fully progressed before you started pushing. Ashley: Yeah, I think that had a lot to do with it. When you think about it, I was admitted at 8:00 PM. He was born at 8:00 PM. It was 24 hours and I was on my back the whole time. I was not being moved. I was not being repositioned. Like I said, there was not a lot of staff around. I was ignored. I didn't know any better. I didn't know what I should or should not be doing. I didn't know that I should be moving. I think that had a lot to do with it, a lack of moving around and I was just on my back. Meagan: Yeah. Yeah. So had him and did you immediately know you wanted a different experience or were you just such in shock with everything that you couldn't even process that? Ashley: I knew I wanted a different experience. I remember being in my bed the day we brought my day home in the bassinet, and I remember being on Instagram just looking up C-section groups and support. That's when VBAC came to mind. I was like, okay. I can have a VBAC. I can do it differently next time. We only wanted two kids, so I knew that was my chance. For my second pregnancy, I really had to dedicate myself to how my body would allow, but that was so important to me right away, to have a VBAC. Meagan: Yeah. Did you immediately find a lot of resources? Ashley: I did. I believe that's when I started following The VBAC Link. I believe that's when it happened. There were some other C-section mama groups and stuff that I followed. That was really helpful. I would read people's comments and it brought me so much relief to know other people had experiences like mine and the way I was feeling was normal. That was super helpful. Meagan: Yeah. There's something about having that community behind you, validating you, helping you feel like you're not alone in this world going through this, you're not alone in this world wanting something different. A lot of people will say, “Why can't you just be grateful? Why are you trying to figure out a new pregnancy and birth when you're not even pregnant? You just got this beautiful newborn.” It's not that I don't love my newborn, and I don't want this time with my newborn, but I'm starting my journey now to have a different experience. It's okay that I didn't like my experience. I still love my baby. Ashley: Yeah. That was what I heard a lot. I heard, “At least your baby is here and they're healthy.” I know that was just well-intentioned, but yeah. That was really traumatic. My baby is here. My baby was healthy, and it was wonderful that he was born happy and healthy, but I didn't feel right about it. I felt like I didn't have control. I felt like I didn't have a choice. I felt really pressured, and I didn't have the birth that I expected to have. That was just really, really difficult. Meagan: Yeah. You also went through a lot between the reaction, but then also with carpal tunnel. You were restricted to even move your fingers, then in your birth, you couldn't even move your arms. It went heavier. My spinal also went higher with my second up into my lungs and into my arms. I remember feeling that panicked feeling just laying there. Everyone was doing their thing and I was like, “Oh, is this going to stop? How am I going to hold my baby?” and all of those feelings. Ashley: Yeah. Meagan: Well, okay. So you had this precious baby. You decided you wanted a different experience and how did that experience start? Ashley: Yeah. The second time around, I should say with my first that it took us a while to get pregnant. It took us 13 months. I was thinking– I don't know why it took so long. We were really trying. I was thinking that maybe that would happen again. I was mentally preparing for that. We had been trying for a couple of months. We moved. Right when we started trying was when we moved another state to North Carolina. I needed to find a provider. After getting settled for a couple months and had been trying for a couple of months, I found a provider who had really great reviews. I thought, this is great. I got in with her. That was really just to first get checked up, and then second, to have a plan for if we can't get pregnant in the next couple of months, what should we do? I was thinking about that one medication you can take that releases more eggs. I wanted to ask about that because almost 35 and I wanted to be on top of it. I met with her. She was really nice, but immediately, she didn't read my chart. She didn't know about my first birth. I had to tell her about it and give her that information. After I explained what happened, she basically said that it sounded like it was an anatomy thing for me. One, it was anatomy. I said right away, “I want a VBAC. This is my goal, absolutely.” After I told her my story, she said, “Well, that sounds like anatomy. When it's that, you're more likely to have a repeat C-section.” She was like, “I'll let you try, but the odds are that you're probably going to have a C-section.” I felt so defeated when I left that appointment. I kind of just accepted it and thought, okay. That's probably what's going to happen. She's the expert. She's got great reviews. She must know. I left that appointment and again, did some research, and I started seeing that it was not really true. You still can have a VBAC. What she was telling me was not true. I needed to find a different provider. That's what that meant. I just left it at that and waited. The next month, we got pregnant which was amazing. It only took us 5 months that time which I wasn't expecting. It was super exciting. I did research for VBAC-friendly providers. I found the most wonderful doctor. Her practice is pretty much all women doctors and midwives. They're all VBAC-supportive. When I met with my doctor, she said, “That's what I prefer. 100%, I prefer to do a VBAC. I think it's safer. I would much rather do that than a repeat C-section.” She was very gung-ho and it was great. As soon as we met, she already knew my chart. She read my previous birth. That was super refreshing. I didn't have to tell her anything and she had a plan for me. She said, “If you want a VBAC, this is going to be the plan. We're going to do everything we can to avoid any type of induction and intervention. That's what we want to do.” About the carpal tunnel, it was likely to come back because it was about my body, and it was more my body and my anatomy, and how I handle swelling. The carpal tunnel was likely to happen again, but the problem was the first time around, I got induced because of carpal tunnel. If this comes back, what are we going to do? She started me on a baby aspirin right away. That was more because I ended up having preeclampsia after I gave birth. Meagan: Postpartum-eclampsia. Ashley: Yes, yep. That didn't didn't affect me that much, but yeah. She said, “We want to prevent that, so at 10 weeks, I want you taking baby aspirin.” She said, “If carpal tunnel comes back, I think we should do steroid shots and that should be able to help with the pain. It will help you manage the pain, so we can get to birth without induction or interventions.” Right there, I felt so much relief because that was the reason induction happened the first time around, but I also was a little angry because I was like, why didn't my first midwife ever talk about that? It was never brought up. It was only PT. I don't know why that way, but again if I would have had that, I think I could have had a much better pregnancy the first time around. Meagan: Yeah, and gone through a lot less pain. Ashley: More manageable. Yeah, so I left that appointment feeling really good. I found this wonderful provider, and things were going to go differently this time around. I asked about this time if my baby was bigger, and she said, “No, it's not about weight. It's not about how big your baby is. It's about the way the head is positioned and the way the head is coming out. Big babies can be delivered vaginally.” She just said all of the right things. Meagan: Yes. Yes. When you were first telling me the story from the other provider who you met, I was shaking my head. With this one, I'm throwing my hands up like yes, yes, yes. Ashley: Yeah, that's how I felt. She was wonderful. That was such a relief. It was everything for me. I left that and right away started prep for a VBAC. I already exercised lightly every day, but I started exercising. I made that a priority. I did my 2-mile walk every day. I was drinking the red raspberry leaf tea. I was meeting with the chiropractor. I met with a doula and interviewed a doula. I got that set up. Yeah, everything was pretty smooth. I had horrible morning sickness. This was worse this time around with my second pregnancy. I got horrible pregnancy acne. I had never had acne in my life, and then during my pregnancy, it was just horrible. That's the worst. Everything else was smooth sailing. Meagan: Interesting. I wonder why. Ashley: I don't know. I thought for sure I was having a girl because I never had it with my first pregnancy, so I was like, maybe I'm having a girl this time around. And my morning sickness was worse, so with my pregnancy being so different this time around, I thought it must be a girl, but it wasn't. It was another boy. Meagan: It was?Ashley: Yeah, yeah. Meagan: Maybe the testosterone. I sometimes get testosterone acne. Maybe it was the testosterone. Maybe this baby had extra testosterone creating acne or something. Ashley: Yep, perhaps. I was just so convinced that I did everything. I bought baby girl clothes and all of that.Meagan: You were convinced. Ashley: Yeah, when I found out it was a boy, I was shocked. Everything was good though for the most part. There were no big issues once we got through the first trimester. What kind of happened was, I had never truly felt contractions before because with my first, I already had an epidural when I started to have contractions. I didn't know what they would feel like. I was exactly 28 weeks. I went to the bathroom and there was mucus. I didn't know. It was a lot. I ended up looking it up a lot and it looked like my mucus plug from what I saw. I had a doctor appointment the next day and after reading a bunch of things online, people didn't seem to think it was a big deal. They grow back and sometimes that happens, so I wasn't freaking out at all about that. I saw my doctor the next day, and she said that it was okay. It probably was just part of my mucus plug. She didn't seem very concerned. The next week, I was leaving for St. Thomas on our last vacation as a family of three. It was very important to me. I wanted to go to the beach with my toddler and have uninterrupted time with him before my baby came. This was in March. My baby was coming at the end of May, so I was going to be 29 weeks. It's a good time to travel I thought. We would get this great beach vacation with my toddler. I was cleared to travel. Everything was fine, and then the Monday when I was 28 weeks and 6 days, that night was horrible. I had so much pressure and I was tossing and turning all night. I just kept thinking I had to pee. I kept getting up, trying to go to the bathroom, and coming back to bed, but there was a lot of pressure. I didn't think much of it, and I just knew I didn't get good sleep. The next day was a Tuesday. All day long, I was having tightening on my stomach and pressure, but it wasn't consistent. I feel like it was every 20 minutes to every 40 minutes. I would feel a little bit of pain. It wasn't really bad though. I wouldn't even call it pain. I would call it discomfort. I looked it up online. I was exactly 29 weeks at that point. I saw Braxton Hicks, and I was like, “That's it. I'm just having Braxton Hicks.” It didn't happen with my first, so I didn't even know the difference. I was fine. I just went about my day. We were packing for vacation. We were leaving the next day. That night, that Tuesday night, we went to bed by 11:00 PM. We had to wake up at 5:00 AM for the airport. That night was excruciating. I could not sleep. I was in pain. I was having contractions every 10 or so minutes and tossing and turning. There was lots of pressure. I woke my husband up at 2:00 AM and we started talking about, “Should I go to the hospital?” I was like, “No, I think it's Braxton Hicks. I think it will go away,” which is crazy now that I look back. It was really painful, and I was really trying to–Meagan: Talk it down to Braxton Hicks, and you're early. You don't want to think about it. Ashley: Yeah, I was 29 weeks. There was no way. Again, it did not cross my mind that it was actually real contractions because I was so early. Yeah, then there was a huge degree of denial going on. There was gigantic denial because I just wanted that vacation so badly. Not that I wanted a vacation, but I wanted that time with my son on the beach. We had been talking about it, so I just wanted to make it happen. At 2:00 AM, I woke him up. We talked about it. I was just like, “Okay. I'm going to get a heating pad and put it on my belly. I'll just lay here and hopefully that will kill the pain.” I took some Tylenol as well, and it didn't do anything. By 4:00 AM, I was like, “I'm getting in that hot bathtub, and I'm just hoping that stops this.” I was in the bathtub, which again, should have been my sign that you should leave for the hospital if you have to get into the bathtub and use the heating pad. If all of this stuff was happening, I should have gone in. By 5:00 AM, I was up. We were loading the car, and we were off to the airport. The whole time I was walking into the airport, I was stopping myself in my tracks to have a contraction. Meagan: Oh my goodness. Ashley: I was walking through the airport stopping, catching my breath, then I'd keep walking. It is absolutely wild that I got that far. It was a far walk to our gate. I was doing that a lot, and finally, we got to the gate. We were waiting to board. We were 5 minutes from boarding. People are actively boarding the plane. We are waiting to board last. I was like, “I'm just waiting to go to bathroom.” I go to the bathroom, and that's when I passed a quarter-sized blood clot. I had light bleeding on top of that. I came back, and I looked at my husband and said, “I can't get on that plane. I have to go to the hospital,” but I said, “You guys get on the plane, you and our son. Get on the airplane, and I will drive myself.” We had our car there. I was like, “I'm going to go to the hospital, and I'll just rebook my flight for tomorrow. I'll come out and meet you guys in St. Thomas.” Meagan: Oh my gosh. Ashley: We debated that. My husband went back and forth for a couple of minutes. He was like, “I don't think that's a good idea.” I was like, “No, it's fine. They're going to check me out and release me. I'll meet you guys tomorrow.” Thank God he was like, “No. Let's not do that.” Meagan: Yeah, seriously. Ashley: I still just thought everything was fine. I really thought that. I wanted to go so badly. We ended up that they had to get all of our baggage off of the plane. The crew was really annoyed with us, but so be it. Meagan: Whatever. Ashley: Yeah. We held up the flight a little bit for sure, and then I couldn't even at that point walk back to the car. We called a wheelchair. Someone came and wheeled me out to our car. The hospital was only 20 minutes from the airport which was great. We got to the valet and we couldn't bring my son in, so while my husband talked to the front desk, I waited in the car with my son. They said that my son couldn't come into triage, so me and my husband obviously couldn't leave him in the car. I just walked myself into the hospital. I got seen by triage, and right away, they took me back to the room. I said I was having contractions. They were monitoring me, and they were like, “It doesn't really look like contractions.” I was like, “Okay, well something is happening. I'm in a lot of pain.” They put the monitor on me and didn't see anything. Then they admitted me to one of the rooms in triage. They really wanted to check me, but I was not having that. I did not want to be checked. They really wanted me to go home. They ended up giving me an ultrasound, and everything came back normal with baby which was great, but they were like, “We don't understand why you're in so much pain,” because they still weren't seeing contractions. They ended up seeing them on the monitor, and the doctor said, “I have to check you.” At this point, it was 11:00 AM. Meagan: I have to check you. Ashley: Yeah. She said, “We have to. We don't know what's going on with your body. You're in a lot of pain, so we won't know unless we check you.” She was really kind about it. I didn't feel pressured because I had already turned it down. They had asked me and asked me, but they were like, “We don't know what's happening. We have to know where you're at.” She checked me and when she was done, she looked at me and said, “You're at 3.5 centimeters.” I just burst into tears because at that point, I knew that it was not good. I was too far dilated for 29 weeks.She said, “You're not going to leave tonight. You're not leaving until you deliver basically because you're dilated. We have to keep you until your due date.” My due date was 11 weeks away.That was the hardest part because I knew I wouldn't see my toddler until I gave birth. That was horrible. That's what I cared about at that point. Obviously, I cared that my baby was healthy, but it was excruciating to think about that. Meagan: Mhmm. Ashley: They admitted me right away. They took me to Labor and Delivery. I told my husband because he took my toddler home. I told him, “They're keeping me.” He came back to the hospital. At that point, the plan was just to stall labor as much as possible. Let's get as far to your due date as possible. They did the magnesium drip immediately. They gave me steroid shots to help strengthen my baby's lungs. They gave me one oral medication. I can't remember what it was called, but it was supposed to help stall labor. That was all started and up and running by 1:00 PM. By 4:00, my water broke. With all of the interventions, my water still broke at 4:00 PM, and baby was coming. My water broke by 4:30, and then I was pretty much having contractions from that point on. They were pretty consistent and pretty painful. At 3:00 AM, they really started to ramp up. They were 3-5 minutes apart. They were really painful. At that point, I asked for an epidural. I was really clear that I needed it to be the lightest possible epidural. I talked about my past experience and how awful it was. I was going to try to not do an epidural, but the contractions were so intense that I was like, “I don't think I'm going to be able to push because I'm in so much pain. I can't imagine pushing through these contractions.” I had a great anesthesiologist who came in. He listened to me. He was absolutely wonderful, and he knew his stuff. He gave me the lowest possible dose just so I would be able to take the edge off of pushing. I could feel everything. That was in place by 4:20. I was complete before they did the epidural. I said that I would sit really still but to please give me the epidural. They did. I pushed for a couple of times, and he was born at 5:00 AM. I got to hold him. My husband got to cut his umbilical cord, and then I got to hold him for 30 seconds, then they had to take him up to the NICU. Meagan: Wow. Wow, wow, wow. What a change of plans dramatically, so dramatically. So once baby came out and went to the NICU, what were the next steps for you and baby? You got your amazing VBAC, but also, if I could ask, did VBAC matter at that point? Were you happy that you got a VBAC but your gears changed again to my baby is in the NICU? Tell us about that quick shift of events and what it entailed mentally. Ashley: Yeah. That relief of getting my VBAC was still so important to me. I did not want to have a C-section. I still didn't. That was still top on my mind. I was really scared when I started pushing. I kept having that fear that he was not coming out and they were going to make me have a C-section. The fact that he came out when he did, I felt relieved. That feeling of being able to actually give birth vaginally was such a great relief. It was amazing. Meagan: Yes. Ashley: But yes. I was very, very happy about that. The recovery was so much easier. He was born at 5:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, I was standing and using the bathroom. I was fine. I felt wonderful. Even with him going to the NICU, he was healthy. I knew that right away. That helped a ton, but I feel like the trauma was lessened because I got my VBAC. I can't even imagine what hell it would have been for me if I had a C-section. Meagan: Good. Ashley: He was perfectly healthy, other than being a premature baby. They didn't have any concerns at all at the beginning. He just needed oxygen basically, and he needed to be in the NICU under supervision and watched. He was 3,3 when he was born, so he was pretty tiny. Meagan: Teeny tiny. Ashley: Yeah. Even with that, it's surprising how painful that was. I thought because he was a smaller baby, it would not be as painful, but it was very painful. It was still worth it and amazing. The pain was all worth it. Yeah. Getting that VBAC meant everything to me. It helped so much with the trauma of it all. It was one thing I got to control in a situation where I couldn't. There was so much out of my control. Meagan: Yeah. It was the one thing that you had planned, prepped for, and saw happening when everything else– you should have been on the beach hanging out with your family. All of those things that you saw happening didn't happen, so to have that one thing happen, I'm sure felt amazing. Ashley: Mhmm, yeah. For sure. On that note, every single doctor we saw and nurse who came into our room was like, “Thank God you didn't get on that plane.” Everybody knew that story knew that we were supposed to literally be boarding a plane when I was actually at the hospital. I almost did. I almost did. It's wild. Yeah. Meagan: It is wild. Was there any indicator why you were having the blood clot in the airport and why you were having the bleeding? Ashley: So not until I delivered my baby and then I delivered the placenta, and the neonatal surgeon took my placenta and looked at it, and at that point, he said it looked like placental abruption. He found a 2.5-inch blood clot in my placenta, so he thinks that's why I went into preterm labor. After I learned that, I looked it up and realized that it can be deadly to my baby. It can be deadly to the mother as well. That helped with the trauma of it all to wrap my head around it and to think that if I had gone longer, something so drastic like that could have happened to myself or my baby. At that point, I was definitely thankful that I had a preterm labor because that's what brought me a healthy baby.Meagan: Yeah, wow. They didn't even discover it until after. Ashley: Yeah. They had no idea. I don't know if you typically see it in an ultrasound. I had a normal ultrasound at 20 weeks, and then they had one when I got triaged. They didn't see anything, but the surgeon who looked at my placenta said that's what it was. Meagan: Wow. Ashley: I'm so thankful. I really am. Being able to have that information helped me process it all and feel better about what happened. Meagan: I'm sure it offered some validation and took out a little bit of the why. Why did this happen? Why am I 11 weeks early? Ashley: Yeah. They sent the placenta off for, what's the word? Meagan: Testing? Ashley: Yeah, they sent it off for an autopsy. It came back inconclusive and the doctor said that can happen with placenta abruption too so that was inconclusive, but again, the surgeon said that's what he thought it was, so I'm going to accept that and be so thankful that my baby is here. When I think about what could have happened if I would have waited or if my pregnancy would have continued to progress, I really feel so lucky that it actually happened. That helped. Meagan: You know what? It just confirms to me how amazing our bodies are. When something happens outside of the norm, it responds. It's like, “Okay. This is happening. Now my job is to get this baby out.” How incredible is that? It's just crazy. Ashley: Yeah. With all of the interventions, he was coming. I just say that he's a smart guy. He knew he needed to get out. He knew he needed to vacate, and he did. I'm just so happy for that. Meagan: Good. I'm so glad too. So then, having a NICU baby, how long did he stay in the NICU?Ashley: They anticipated 11 weeks which would have been his due date. He ended up getting out at 8. He was there for 8 weeks. He was 37 weeks when he was released which was surprising. He did wonderfully, so that was just so great that he got out when he did a couple of weeks early. But yeah, 8 weeks in the NICU. It was a long time. Meagan: That's a very, very long time. Do you have any tips for parents who may have a NICU baby in the future or anything like that? Ashley: Yeah. I think the biggest thing for me, the first couple of weeks, we went every single day, but we didn't put a ton of pressure on ourselves to stay for too long. At that point, he really just needed his rest, and he didn't need to be stimulated by us at all. They didn't want him to be stimulated. They gave us a couple of hours which was great, but I really let go of the guilt of being there 24/7. There were parents I saw who were there 24/7, and I would compare myself and feel guilty that I wasn't doing the same. I also had a toddler at home. That was a big thing. In the beginning, he didn't really need me to be there. He needed his rest. That's one thing. Give yourself a lot of grace, and do what you need to do. Your baby is getting taken care of under the best supervision. We had the best doctors and nurses. We didn't need to feel guilty about that. The other thing I didn't know until a couple of weeks before I was discharged is that we could request a lead nurse. That made a huge difference too because every day, we had a different nurse, a night nurse, a different daytime nurse, and different weekend nurses. We found out from another parent that if we liked a nurse, we could request a nurse to be with our baby every single shift they had. Meagan: That's awesome. Ashley: Yeah. When we learned that, we got to request nurses that we loved, and it was night and day. They obviously only worked three shifts a week, both of the nurses we requested, but I knew the days that they worked, and I felt so much relief because I knew that they knew my baby, and I knew how they took care of my baby. Meagan: Yeah. That actually sounds like it would be so amazing because you do. You can be cycling through quite a few people in those 8 weeks, so to have that familiar face and that relationship that you can get established, I'm sure meant amazing things for you guys. Ashley: Mhmm, yeah. Absolutely. That's a tip I wish I would have known sooner. I really think it helped him progress too. I think people had said that having that consistent provider would be really helpful for the baby, and I really think it was. So there's that, but I think I read a lot of support groups. Again, I was in them and reading different comments. Again, I think just relying on other people. We had a friend whose baby was in the NICU, and she was wonderful. They were wonderful. Again, I think it's just finding support, and everybody said it feels horrible in the moment, but it's going to be a blip in this story. It's just going to be a blip. It was so hard to actually believe that, but now, it's like, yeah. It went by so quickly. Now he's here. He's perfect. Yeah. Meagan: It was all worth it. Ashley: It was all worth it, and I got my VBAC. It was not exactly how I wanted it, but I got it. Meagan: Yeah. You know, we've talked about it on this show where even when we get a VBAC, sometimes it's not the ideal birth or the ideal scenario or situation or even experience that we wanted. In the end, sometimes people are like, “I actually don't know if I would have chosen the VBAC,” but most of the time people are like, “It was definitely not what I expected, but I'm still happy with the outcome.” Ashley: Mhmm, absolutely. It made me want to have another baby. I've heard that on this podcast. In order to have another VBAC or to have that vaginal delivery, it was just wonderful. Meagan: Yeah, it's funny because I had my VBAC, and it was a really long labor. I'm like, “Okay. I want to do that again, but faster.” Ashley: Yeah. Meagan: Yeah. Maybe someday I'll have another one. I think we're done, but yes. Such great info that you've shared and such a beautiful story. I'm so glad that he is okay, and that you did not get on that plane and all is well. I was thinking about inflammation during pregnancy and how sometimes people can react differently. I wanted to learn more. I just looked it up really quickly about carpal tunnel affecting during pregnancy. I was shocked. This is quick research, so I don't know the deep, deep depths of studies around this, but it says that it occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand, and it's actually common during pregnancy. I didn't think it was as common, but it says it affect about 60% of women during pregnancy. Ashley: That's wild because I've only met a handful, not even a handful– I know other people. I was pregnant at the same time as a long of friends, and only two people that I know who I had talked to had experienced that. I had never met anybody else who said they had carpal tunnel. I'm sure to degrees, sure. Probably maybe mild carpal tunnel is 60% and maybe that severe is not as common. Meagan: Yeah. I'm not digging deep in because I wanted to see what it is affecting. It does say that the hormones can cause you to retain fluid, which can soften the ligaments and forms the roof of the tunnel and inflammation which also brought me down to Omega-3s. I don't know if anyone ever talked to you about Omega-3s, but Omega-3s can help because fatty acids can reduce inflammation. I struggle with inflammation just from daily activities in my joints with working out and lifting and these things. I take Needed's Omega-3's. I thought that was interesting, too. I wonder if you've struggled with some form or severity of carpal tunnel and inflammation and things like that or things swelling around the joints causing pressure and pain if Omega-3's can help. It's worth asking your provider, right? Ashley: Yeah, for sure. Meagan: I know. It just seems so crazy and like such a high number. But obviously, it happens. There are things that you can do. Sometimes it just gets so severe like in your case that you just needed to have a baby to be done with that. Well, thank you so much again for sharing your stories with us today, and congrats on your VBAC. Ashley: Thank you so much. I am so appreciative of this podcast. Literally, everything I learned about what to avoid and what to do, I got it all from The VBAC Link, so I appreciate it so much. I really think it's the driving force in me getting to have a VBAC. Meagan: Oh, that makes me so happy. Listen, Women of Strength, if you are still listening and you have recorded your story, listen to just how impactful your stories have been and the things that we share because each of these stories has nuggets of information and education along the way in addition to what we share within the podcast and the blog and on our social media. And here you are. You are just going to help someone else out there get the information and the motivation to go out and do it. Also, a reminder to not get on the plane if we are having symptoms like that. Ashley: Yeah. Meagan: Don't even consider it, and don't send your husband and your son. Ashley: Yes, thank God. Meagan: Okay, thank you so much. Ashley: Thank you. ClosingWould you like to be a guest on the podcast? Tell us about your experience at thevbaclink.com/share. For more information on all things VBAC including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Meagan's bio, head over to thevbaclink.com. Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Who was Thomas the Apostle? Why was he called Doubting Thomas? Also named SAINT Thomas by several Christian denominations, Thomas was one of the original Twelve Disciples of Jesus according to the four Gospels of the New Testament. Let's investigate and find out more. Catholic Answers Live podcast available at https://amzn.to/47IB5Yk Infancy Gospel of Thomas https://amzn.to/3wIW9ko ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICA podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio Credits: Saint of the Day podcast, Thomas the Apostle 06oct2024 (Jerome Atherholt & Ancient Faith Ministries); Saint of the Day podcast with Mike Roberts, Saint Thomas The Apostle (03jul2024 season 3, episode 62, Covenant Network); Catholics Answers Encyclopedia - Thomas the Apostle, Saint by Herbert Thurston; The Saint of the Day podcast, St. Thomas the Apostle (s3e3, 03jul2024, Hosts-Good Catholic); Audio excerpts reproduced under a Creative Commons license and the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John 20:17-30
Steven Saint Thomas is journalist, writer and permaculture designer. You can find him on Substack (thehumboldtzag.substack.com), (stevensaint.substack.com) and (abufrancis.substack.com) as well as at (adventuresinpermaculture.com). 10/13/2024
New World Witchery - The Search for American Traditional Witchcraft
Bodies, Sex, and Witchcraft
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, had significant connections to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Epstein owned a private estate called "Little Saint James" located on the island of Saint Thomas, which he frequently visited. This property gained notoriety as a site where Epstein allegedly engaged in illicit activities involving underage girls.Epstein's presence in the USVI drew attention from local authorities and residents due to rumors and reports of suspicious activities taking place on his private island.It was alleged that Epstein used the secluded location to operate a sex trafficking ring, exploiting underage girls for the pleasure of influential individuals, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities.Investigations into Epstein's activities intensified in the USVI after he was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges in New York. Following his arrest, federal agents conducted a raid on Little Saint James, uncovering evidence that supported the allegations against him.In August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his jail cell under controversial circumstances, officially ruled as suicide. His death raised numerous questions and led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories regarding the potential involvement of high-profile individuals in his criminal activities.After Epstein's death, legal proceedings continued, focusing on his vast estate, which included multiple properties, luxury vehicles, and extensive financial assets.The victims of Epstein's crimes pursued civil lawsuits against his estate seeking compensation and justice.The USVI government also took action to address the situation. In January 2020, the government created the Virgin Islands Epstein Victims' Compensation Fund to provide financial restitution to Epstein's victims within the territory. The fund was established to assist victims in their recovery and provide an alternative to lengthy court battles.Meanwhile, the politicians in the USVI were all stuffing their pockets full of Jeffrey Epstein's dirty money. In this episode, we take a deep dive into some of those relationships, including Stacey Plaskett.(commercial at 11:45)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:How Jeffrey Epstein's Island Politics Helped Elect Stacey Plaskett (businessinsider.com)
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, had significant connections to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Epstein owned a private estate called "Little Saint James" located on the island of Saint Thomas, which he frequently visited. This property gained notoriety as a site where Epstein allegedly engaged in illicit activities involving underage girls.Epstein's presence in the USVI drew attention from local authorities and residents due to rumors and reports of suspicious activities taking place on his private island.It was alleged that Epstein used the secluded location to operate a sex trafficking ring, exploiting underage girls for the pleasure of influential individuals, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities.Investigations into Epstein's activities intensified in the USVI after he was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges in New York. Following his arrest, federal agents conducted a raid on Little Saint James, uncovering evidence that supported the allegations against him.In August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his jail cell under controversial circumstances, officially ruled as suicide. His death raised numerous questions and led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories regarding the potential involvement of high-profile individuals in his criminal activities.After Epstein's death, legal proceedings continued, focusing on his vast estate, which included multiple properties, luxury vehicles, and extensive financial assets.The victims of Epstein's crimes pursued civil lawsuits against his estate seeking compensation and justice.The USVI government also took action to address the situation. In January 2020, the government created the Virgin Islands Epstein Victims' Compensation Fund to provide financial restitution to Epstein's victims within the territory. The fund was established to assist victims in their recovery and provide an alternative to lengthy court battles.Meanwhile, the politicians in the USVI were all stuffing their pockets full of Jeffrey Epstein's dirty money. In this episode, we take a deep dive into some of those relationships, including Stacey Plaskett.(commercial at 11:45)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:How Jeffrey Epstein's Island Politics Helped Elect Stacey Plaskett (businessinsider.com)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, had significant connections to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Epstein owned a private estate called "Little Saint James" located on the island of Saint Thomas, which he frequently visited. This property gained notoriety as a site where Epstein allegedly engaged in illicit activities involving underage girls.Epstein's presence in the USVI drew attention from local authorities and residents due to rumors and reports of suspicious activities taking place on his private island.It was alleged that Epstein used the secluded location to operate a sex trafficking ring, exploiting underage girls for the pleasure of influential individuals, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities.Investigations into Epstein's activities intensified in the USVI after he was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges in New York. Following his arrest, federal agents conducted a raid on Little Saint James, uncovering evidence that supported the allegations against him.In August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his jail cell under controversial circumstances, officially ruled as suicide. His death raised numerous questions and led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories regarding the potential involvement of high-profile individuals in his criminal activities.After Epstein's death, legal proceedings continued, focusing on his vast estate, which included multiple properties, luxury vehicles, and extensive financial assets.The victims of Epstein's crimes pursued civil lawsuits against his estate seeking compensation and justice.The USVI government also took action to address the situation. In January 2020, the government created the Virgin Islands Epstein Victims' Compensation Fund to provide financial restitution to Epstein's victims within the territory. The fund was established to assist victims in their recovery and provide an alternative to lengthy court battles.Meanwhile, the politicians in the USVI were all stuffing their pockets full of Jeffrey Epstein's dirty money. In this episode, we take a deep dive into some of those relationships, including Stacey Plaskett.(commercial at 11:54)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:How Jeffrey Epstein's Island Politics Helped Elect Stacey Plaskett (businessinsider.com)
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, had significant connections to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Epstein owned a private estate called "Little Saint James" located on the island of Saint Thomas, which he frequently visited. This property gained notoriety as a site where Epstein allegedly engaged in illicit activities involving underage girls.Epstein's presence in the USVI drew attention from local authorities and residents due to rumors and reports of suspicious activities taking place on his private island.It was alleged that Epstein used the secluded location to operate a sex trafficking ring, exploiting underage girls for the pleasure of influential individuals, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities.Investigations into Epstein's activities intensified in the USVI after he was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges in New York. Following his arrest, federal agents conducted a raid on Little Saint James, uncovering evidence that supported the allegations against him.In August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his jail cell under controversial circumstances, officially ruled as suicide. His death raised numerous questions and led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories regarding the potential involvement of high-profile individuals in his criminal activities.After Epstein's death, legal proceedings continued, focusing on his vast estate, which included multiple properties, luxury vehicles, and extensive financial assets.The victims of Epstein's crimes pursued civil lawsuits against his estate seeking compensation and justice.The USVI government also took action to address the situation. In January 2020, the government created the Virgin Islands Epstein Victims' Compensation Fund to provide financial restitution to Epstein's victims within the territory. The fund was established to assist victims in their recovery and provide an alternative to lengthy court battles.Meanwhile, the politicians in the USVI were all stuffing their pockets full of Jeffrey Epstein's dirty money. In this episode, we take a deep dive into some of those relationships, including Stacey Plaskett.(commercial at 11:54)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:How Jeffrey Epstein's Island Politics Helped Elect Stacey Plaskett (businessinsider.com)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Send us a textChris and Sky discuss preseason practice and USC's 84-63 exhibition over UTSA.The Dunk City Podcast is the podcast of record for the USC basketball community. You can find all episodes at DunkCityPod.com, USCBasketball.com or on Apple Music, Spotify and wherever you stream podcasts. Look for clips on YouTube and TikTok as well. Please like, follow, listen and review. Contact us at USCBasketball.com@gmail.com.
Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 438The Saint of the day is Saint Thomas of VillanovaSaint Thomas of Villanova’s Story Saint Thomas was from Castile in Spain and received his surname from the town where he was raised. He received a superior education at the University of Alcala and became a popular professor of philosophy there. After joining the Augustinian friars at Salamanca, Thomas was ordained and resumed his teaching–despite a continuing absentmindedness and poor memory. He became prior and then provincial of the friars, sending the first Augustinians to the New World. He was nominated by the emperor to the archbishopric of Granada, but refused. When the see again became vacant he was pressured to accept. The money his cathedral chapter gave him to furnish his house was given to a hospital instead. His explanation to them was that “our Lord will be better served by your money being spent on the poor in the hospital. What does a poor friar like myself want with furniture?” He wore the same habit that he had received in the novitiate, mending it himself. The canons and domestics were ashamed of him, but they could not convince him to change. Several hundred poor came to Thomas's door each morning and received a meal, wine, and money. When criticized because he was at times being taken advantage of, he replied, “If there are people who refuse to work, that is for the governor and the police to deal with. My duty is to assist and relieve those who come to my door.” He took in orphans and paid his servants for every deserted child they brought to him. He encouraged the wealthy to imitate his example and be richer in mercy and charity than they were in earthly possessions. Criticized because he refused to be harsh or swift in correcting sinners, Thomas said, “Let him (the complainer) inquire whether Saint Augustine and Saint John Chrysostom used anathemas and excommunication to stop the drunkenness and blasphemy which were so common among the people under their care.” As he lay dying, Thomas commanded that all the money he possessed be distributed to the poor. His material goods were to be given to the rector of his college. Mass was being celebrated in his presence when after Communion he breathed his last, reciting the words: “Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.” In his lifetime Thomas of Villanova was already called “the almsgiver” and “the father of the poor.” He was canonized in 1658. Thomas of Villanova’s liturgical feast is celebrated on September 22. Reflection The absent-minded professor is a stock comic figure. Thomas of Villanova earned even more derisive laughs with his determined shabbiness and his willingness to let the poor who flocked to his door take advantage of him. He embarrassed his peers, but Jesus was enormously pleased with him. We are often tempted to tend our image in others' eyes without paying sufficient attention to how we look to Christ. Thomas still urges us to rethink our priorities. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Read Online“Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” John 20:27–29Thomas the Apostle, in many ways, represents each and every one of us in this exchange with Jesus. We'd like to believe that we always believe and are not unbelieving. But it's important to admit the humble truth that we may not believe as deeply as we should. And it's important to reflect upon our own reaction to the blessings that others receive that we do not.Recall that Thomas was not among the other Apostles when Jesus first appeared to them. Therefore, when Thomas returned and heard that Jesus had appeared and that he missed His appearance, he clearly felt bad. Unfortunately, the sorrow Thomas felt at not being present when the Lord appeared to the others left him with a certain bitterness rather than joy. This is the sin of envy. Envy is a certain sorrow over the blessings others receive that we do not. Ideally, Thomas would have rejoiced at the blessing that the other Apostles received by encountering the risen Lord. But, instead, his sorrow at missing this even left him sad. He said, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”Why was Thomas absent from this encounter with our Lord? Perhaps it was by divine providence, in that God wanted Thomas to set an example for us. If so, then one example Thomas set was that we must humbly rejoice in the blessings others receive when we are not also the recipient. Of course, if Thomas were there, then it would have been easier for him to share in the joy. But, in many ways, Thomas' absence provided him an even greater opportunity. An opportunity that he failed to embrace.When you see others receive blessings from God, how do you respond? Many people respond by immediately looking at themselves, wishing they were blessed in the same way. They struggle with envy. They think, “I wish I had received that blessing.” This form of envy is not always easy to see. For that reason, Thomas is given to us as a witness of what not to do in this situation. Of course, Thomas is not a horrible person, which is why Jesus does later appear to him. That time, Thomas spoke words that are traditionally spoken as a devotion by the faithful at Mass when the Consecration occurs. He said, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus then gently rebukes Thomas by saying, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” But this gentle rebuke was an act of love, in that Jesus wanted Thomas to ponder the reason for his unbelief. Jesus clearly wanted Thomas to examine the unbelief caused by envy, which appears to have led to an intentional lack of faith. Reflect, today, upon this holy Apostle. Today, Saint Thomas the Apostle is among the great saints in the Kingdom of Heaven. God used him to teach us these important lessons about envy, humility and faith. Let his weakness, from which he fully recovered, help you examine your own struggle with envy over the blessings that others receive that you do not. Learn to rejoice always in the ways that God is at work in our world and learn to grow in humility, so that when others are blessed in ways that you are not, you react as Saint Thomas ultimately did: “My Lord and my God!” My most generous Lord, You pour forth Your blessings upon others, day and night. As I see those blessings, help me to overcome all temptations toward envy so that I may rejoice in Your grace given to all. You are my Lord and my God, and I thank You for every way that You bless my life and the lives of those around me. Fill me with a deeper gratitude, dear Lord, for every grace and blessing I see every day, especially those graces not given directly to me. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: The Incredulity of Saint Thomas By Caravaggio, via Wikimedia Commons
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