Podcasts about Surrounded

Escape into a world of falling snow and crackling firelight, where the Winter Fairies invite you to share in their seasonal magic. Through their joyful guidance, you will learn the healing power of the "long sleep" and discover how to nourish your inner light during the darkest months. Surrounded by their playful presence, your anxiety melts into the frost, leaving you refreshed, healed, and ready for deep rest. It's time to dream away.Original Script, Narration, Music, Sound Design, and Video Production by Michelle Hotaling Dreamaway Visions LLC 2026 All Rights Reserved✨YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/michellessanctuary

God has sent angels to help you today! Stream today's devotional to learn more!----Order your copy of the Rhythm of Rest today |Subscribe to the Faith in the Morning Newsletter

In this special 20th-anniversary episode, Gunwerks founder Aaron Davidson sits down with Cliff Gray to trace the journey from a bold engineering concept to an industry-leading shooting system. Surrounded by the history of the American frontier, they discuss the relentless pursuit of mechanical perfection and what the next generation of long-range accuracy looks like.

In this special live episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with renowned mortgage industry leader Jason Purcell at the Central Florida Mortgage Bankers Association's highly anticipated year-end event. Surrounded by a dynamic live audience comprised of mortgage professionals, real estate agents, and prospective homebuyers, Dustin and Jason engage in an in-depth conversation that explores the evolving landscape of the mortgage industry. Throughout the episode, they delve into the qualities and strategies that define effective leadership in today's fast-paced market, sharing personal experiences and actionable advice. The discussion highlights the transformative impact of technology and artificial intelligence on lending practices, underwriting, and customer service, offering listeners a glimpse into the future of the industry. They also address the challenges and opportunities presented by shifting market cycles, providing practical tips for navigating periods of uncertainty and change. A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the importance of coaching, mentorship, and building strong partnerships, emphasizing how collaboration and continuous learning can drive both personal and professional growth. The interactive format allows for real-time audience participation, with a lively Q&A session that brings forth practical questions and insightful answers. These exchanges offer valuable, real-world perspectives on topics such as client communication, regulatory changes, and business development. This mastermind session, enriched by the collective wisdom of industry experts and audience members alike, serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to achieve lasting success and resilience in the mortgage business. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode delivers inspiration, education, and actionable takeaways to help you thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Does it feel like you are surrounded by problems and enemies? This important devotional will help you shift your perspective and experience victory. Stream today's devotional to learn more!---- Order your copy of the Rhythm of Rest today | Subscribe to the Faith in the Morning Newsletter

This week, we're looking back at Rob's interview with three-time Super Bowl champ Julian Edelman back in March 2023! Hear them discuss Super Bowl LI, Belichick's strategic silence, how pro football is changing, where they expected Tom Brady to go in 2023, and Julian's big screen experience on “80 for Brady.”Make sure to subscribe to the show on YouTube at YouTube.com/@LiterallyWithRobLowe! Got a question for Rob? Call our voicemail at 323-570-4551. Your question could get featured on the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did you know that God has surrounded your year with good things and harvest? You are surrounded by His goodness! Stream today's devotional to learn more!----Order your copy of the Rhythm of Rest today:https://www2.fccga.com/storeSubscribe to the Faith in the Morning Newsletter:https://www.kerrickbutler.com/subscribe

Mike Harrelson - January 4th 2026 Confidence in the Lord comes from making your one thing the first thing. In this New Year message, Mike leads us through Psalm 27, where David models a confidence that is not rooted in certainty of circumstances, but in clarity of desire. Surrounded by adversity, threat, and uncertainty, David anchors his life around a single request: to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon His beauty. Mike shows how life's uneasiness—fear, distraction, anxiety, coping mechanisms, and unanswered questions—often reveal what we've made our “one thing.” This message explores how beauty calms the soul, why creation alone cannot satisfy our deepest longings, and how the beauty of redemption—fulfilled fully in Christ—transforms us as we behold Him. Drawing connections from the Garden of Eden to the tabernacle, from David to Mary and Martha, and ultimately to Jesus Himself, Mike calls us to reorder our lives around intentional presence with God, not transaction or multitasking. As we step into a new year filled with uncertainty, this sermon invites us to stop striving for answers and instead pursue access to a Person. When we make Jesus our one thing, confidence rises—not because life is easy, but because He is with us, lifting our heads above every hardship. Learn more about our church: https://restoredtemecula.church Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restoredtemecula and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoredtemecula #Psalm27 #OneThing #ConfidenceInTheLord #BeholdingJesus #SpiritualFormation #KingAndHisKingdom #RestoredTemecula Share this message with someone who needs to hear it. Chapters (00:00:00) - Wonders Welcome(00:00:44) - Christmas Eve Prayer(00:01:56) - A Challenge to Perseverance(00:07:09) - David's Confidence in the Lord(00:09:59) - The Day of Trouble(00:16:03) - Feelings of anxiety in the world(00:16:59) - David Was Captivated By Beauty(00:20:09) - In the Garden of Eden: A Breach of Beauty(00:23:03) - David the Great: The Beauty of Redemption(00:30:28) - David's Confidence in Christ(00:31:09) - One Thing(00:34:16) - One Thing(00:40:22) - Priority 1: Prioritizing Your Time with God(00:46:19) - Coming soon: The Gathering of the Saints(00:54:08) - If You Could Ask the Lord For One Thing, What Would It

THE EARLY LIFE OF XI ZHONGXUN Colleague Joseph Torigian. Joseph Torigian introduces the early life of Xi Zhongxun, father of Xi Jinping. Born in 1913 in poverty-stricken Shaanxi province, Xi grew up surrounded by famine and warlord violence. Torigian recounts a pivotal incident where a teenage Xi attempted to poison a school administrator during a revolutionary purge. While imprisoned for this act, he formally joined the Communist Party, motivated less by Marxist theory than by a romanticized view of revolution found in novels. NUMBER 9

THE EARLY LIFE OF XI ZHONGXUN Colleague Joseph Torigian. Joseph Torigian introduces the early life of Xi Zhongxun, father of Xi Jinping. Born in 1913 in poverty-stricken Shaanxi province, Xi grew up surrounded by famine and warlord violence. Torigian recounts a pivotal incident where a teenage Xi attempted to poison a school administrator during a revolutionary purge. While imprisoned for this act, he formally joined the Communist Party, motivated less by Marxist theory than by a romanticized view of revolution found in novels. NUMBER 9

Justice Department Reinstate Photo of Donald Trump Surrounded by Bikini-Clad Girls in Epstein Files After Image Mysteriously Disappeared Amid 'Cover-Up' ClaimsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Wednesday evening message from the pulpit of Shawano Baptist Church

A raw, unfiltered conversation about workplace narcissism, covert abuse, gaslighting, and the personal cost of staying too long in toxic power dynamics. This video breaks down how narcissistic leaders operate, how they target high performers, why self-doubt grows, and how reclaiming confidence, boundaries, and intuition can completely change the trajectory of your life and career.

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https://archive.is/20251220213941/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republican-critics-fear-incomplete-disclosure-epstein-files-will-loom-over-2025-12-20/ Epstein files: A number of documents, including Trump photo, reportedly removed from DOJ release site Congress leaves town until 2026 with no health care deal, forcing premium hikes Opinion | Republican Women Suddenly Realize They're Surrounded by Misogynists - The New York Times A Look Inside the Lonely World of Republican Lesbians Meta tolerates rampant ad fraud from China to safeguard billions in revenue | Reuters-

This holiday week might have been really hard. Surrounded by family, arguments, familial patterns, working on staying connected, trying to enact different patterns with food, and feeling overwhelmed and dysregulated. And for others, ​this week may have included huge wins. You noticed yourself regulating your nervous system, staying connected, choosing other options besides food to connect with yourself, and you got to witness just how far you've come in your food recovery. ​But today, three days after the actual holiday, it may feel like food is even more of a struggle than it was a few days ago. The​ experience of joy, connection, stress, exhaustion, social pressure, and emotional intensity of the day ​may be ove​r, ​but the food is still here.​Maybe you had a plan leading up to the holiday. You had your friends on stand by via text, you had your somatic practices you've learned here or in a session, you showed up for yourself, you tried to stay connected, and so now you may feel utterly confused that you got through the holiday just fine, but want to binge on every holiday leftover food you can find. In this week's Satiated Podcast episode, I chat about: Why leftovers can feel like a threatWhat has changed in your nervous system the day after a holidayMaking sense of your urge to binge leftovers How to somatically process the leftover food binge You can also read the transcript to this week's episode ​here​: https://www.stephaniemara.com/blog/when-holiday-leftovers-feel-like-a-threatI'll be putting out a special New Years' episode next week so if there is anything you'd like me to add to this episode on how to somatically enter the new year without diet promises and exercise rules, respond to this email with any questions you have! With Compassion and Empathy, Stephanie Mara FoxSupport the showKeep in touch with Stephanie Mara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafoxWebsite: https://www.stephaniemara.com/https://www.somaticeating.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafoxContact: support@stephaniemara.comSupport the show:Become a supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/supportAll affiliate links: https://www.stephaniemara.com/resourcesReceive 15% off my fave protein powder with code STEPHANIEMARA at checkout here: https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARAUse my Amazon Affiliate link when shopping on Amazon: https://amzn.to/448IyPl Special thanks to Bendsound for the music in this episode. www.benso...

Hebrews 12:1–3 calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus as we run the race set before us. Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, we are reminded that the Christian life is not meant to be walked alone, but with endurance, faith, and perseverance. This passage points us to Christ as our example and our strength—especially in seasons of suffering, hardship, and weariness.In this sermon, we are encouraged to consider the testimony of those who have gone before us and to look fully to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. As we do, we find renewed endurance, lasting hope, and hearts anchored in Him.Key Points:1. Faithful witness strengthens our own faith2. Jesus is the only way to overcome suffering3. A heart for Jesus will not grow weary

Struck by a Car, Surrounded by the Divine: Gary Wimmer's NDE

Some conversations don't end in a breakthrough. But that doesn't mean they're wasted. In Acts 25–26, Paul finds himself standing before King Agrippa. Surrounded by power, politics, and skepticism, Paul doesn't flinch. He doesn't pull back. He shares the gospel with clarity and compassion, even though Agrippa walks away unmoved. Why? Because Paul understood that the outcome is God's job. Ours is to speak, invite, and obey. This message reminds us of the power of a persistent invitation. Whether you're sharing your faith, inviting someone to church, or planting a seed of hope in someone's heart, you never know what God is setting up on the other side of your ask. Don't take someone's first “no” as final. God writes long stories, and sometimes your faithfulness is the chapter that sets up their breakthrough.

Following Jesus is not a sprint—it is a lifelong race that requires endurance, focus, and faith. In Hebrews 12, we are reminded that faithful perseverance as a disciple is fueled by a deep delight in Christ. Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, believers are called to lay aside every weight and sin, fix their eyes on Jesus, and run with endurance the race set before them. When the journey is hard and weariness sets in, we find strength by considering Christ, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.

Episode Title: I Am Surrounded By The Gentle Power Of Rain And ThunderstormsDescription:In this episode, we immerse ourselves in the soothing embrace of rain and thunderstorms. Discover how the gentle sounds of rain paired with distant thunder can help calm the mind and create a peaceful atmosphere. We'll explore ways to use these natural sounds for relaxation, stress relief, and enhancing your daily mindfulness practice. Whether you're seeking comfort during a busy day or a serene backdrop for meditation, the gentle power of rain and thunderstorms offers a unique path to tranquility.Take a moment today to pause and let these calming sounds wash over you. Join us as we continue to find peace in the simple, natural rhythms around us.DISCLAIMER

When Anxiety Feels Louder Than God   There are times in the Christian life when anxiety seems to shout louder than the voice of God. The pressures of daily living—the demands of school or work, the pull of peers in the wrong direction, the subtle temptations of the enemy to sin, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring—can create a clamor in the soul that drowns out the quiet assurance of God's presence. Yet the Scriptures speak directly to these very struggles, offering not mere human advice, but divine remedies that bring peace and victory. We will focus our attention on three key passages that address the heart of this matter: Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, and Psalm 34:4. These verses, taken from the Authorized King James Version, provide a clear pathway from anxiety to the peace that only God can give. First, let us read Philippians 4:6-7 in full: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The apostle Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison, where anxiety could easily have overwhelmed him. Chains clanked around his wrists, the future was uncertain, and yet he penned one of the most triumphant letters in the New Testament. His secret? He refused to be "careful"—that is, anxious—about anything. Instead, he turned every concern into a conversation with God. Notice the comprehensive nature of Paul's instruction: "in every thing." No worry is too small or too large to bring before the throne of grace. Whether it is the stress of examinations and deadlines in school, the pressure from classmates to conform to worldly standards, the temptation whispered by Satan to compromise holiness, or the fear of what lies ahead in an unpredictable world—every thing qualifies for prayer. Paul specifies three elements in this prayer: prayer itself (general communion with God), supplication (specific requests), and thanksgiving (gratitude even in the midst of trial). Thanksgiving is the key that keeps prayer from becoming mere complaining. When we thank God for His past faithfulness, we remind ourselves that He is still in control. The result is breathtaking: "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding." This is not the absence of problems, but the presence of God in the midst of them. It is a peace that defies human explanation—a garrison, as the word "keep" suggests, stationed around the heart and mind like a Roman guard around a priceless treasure. Through Christ Jesus, this peace stands sentinel, preventing anxiety from storming the citadel of the soul. Consider the young student facing overwhelming school pressures—exams that seem insurmountable, projects that pile up, grades that determine future opportunities. The enemy whispers, "You can't handle this; you'll fail." Peers add their voices: "Everyone else is cheating—just this once." The future looms dark: "What if you don't get into the right college? What if your plans fall apart?" In such moments, anxiety roars. But when that student obeys Philippians 4:6-7, turning those burdens into thankful prayer, the peace of God descends like a quiet shield. The problems may remain, but they no longer dominate the heart. Now turn with me to 1 Peter 5:7: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Peter, who once sank in the waves because he focused on the storm rather than on Christ, now writes with pastoral tenderness to suffering believers. The word "casting" pictures a deliberate act—throwing the entire weight of our cares onto the Lord, as one might hurl a heavy burden onto a strong beast of burden. "All your care"—not some, not the large ones only, but all. The everyday stresses, the relational tensions from peer pressure, the spiritual battles against Satan's temptations to sin, the nagging fears about tomorrow—all are to be cast upon Him. Why can we do this? Because "he careth for you." This is not indifferent deity, but personal, tender concern. The same God who numbers the hairs of our heads and feeds the sparrows knows every detail of our anxieties. He cares more deeply than the most loving parent. Think of the believer facing peer pressure—the subtle (or not so subtle) invitations to join in activities that dishonor God, the ridicule for standing firm, the loneliness of being different. Satan uses these moments to create anxiety: "If you don't go along, you'll lose your friends; you'll be isolated." But when we cast that care upon the Lord, remembering His personal love, the pressure loses its grip. We realize that pleasing Him is worth far more than temporary acceptance. Or consider the fear of the future—job uncertainty, health concerns, world events that unsettle the heart. The enemy loves to paint bleak pictures: "What if the worst happens? God has forgotten you." Yet Peter's simple command cuts through the noise: Cast it on Him. He cares. The One who guided Peter through denial, restoration, and martyrdom cares for us in our smaller storms. Finally, let us examine Psalm 34:4: I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. This psalm comes from David's experience when he fled from Saul and feigned madness before Abimelech (1 Samuel 21). Surrounded by danger, David turned to the Lord in desperate seeking. The result? God heard and delivered him from all his fears. Not some fears, but all. The fear of death at Saul's hand, the fear of humiliation, the fear of failure—all were removed. How? By seeking the Lord—turning the eyes of faith upward instead of inward or outward. In our context, this verse speaks powerfully to every form of anxiety. The student overwhelmed by academic stress seeks the Lord in prayer and Scripture, and fears of failure diminish. The young person battling peer pressure seeks the Lord for strength to stand alone if necessary, and the fear of rejection fades. The believer tempted by Satan seeks the Lord's deliverance, and the fear of falling into sin is replaced by confidence in God's keeping power. The one anxious about the future seeks the Lord who holds tomorrow, and fear gives way to trust. David's testimony is personal: "I sought...he heard me...delivered me." This is not theory but experience. Thousands of believers through the centuries have echoed these words. When anxiety threatens to overwhelm, seeking the Lord brings deliverance. These three passages form a beautiful harmony. Philippians teaches us how to pray about our anxieties; 1 Peter encourages us to cast them upon a caring God; Psalm 34 assures us that seeking Him brings deliverance from fear itself. But Scripture does not leave us with these three verses alone. The Bible is rich with encouragement for the anxious heart. Consider Matthew 6:25-34, where our Lord Jesus repeatedly commands, "Take no thought" for life's necessities. The birds of the air and lilies of the field are cared for—how much more His children? Worry about tomorrow accomplishes nothing but robs today of its strength. Or Psalm 55:22: "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Parallel to Peter's words, this promise assures sustaining grace. Isaiah 41:10 offers strength: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Joshua 1:9 reminds us: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." And in the storms of spiritual pressure, remember 1 Corinthians 10:13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." Satan's temptations to sin often come wrapped in anxiety: "If you don't yield, something terrible will happen." But God always provides a way of escape. When peer pressure intensifies, recall Proverbs 1:10-15—wisdom's warning against enticement by sinners. Standing firm may cost friends, but it gains the smile of God. For school and life stresses, Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." The fear of the future finds its antidote in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." And when anxiety peaks, Psalm 46:1 declares: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." These truths are not distant doctrines but practical helps for daily living. The young person facing exams can pray specifically, cast the burden, and seek the Lord—experiencing peace that guards the mind during study and testing. The one pressured by peers can cast the fear of rejection upon God, remembering He cares, and find deliverance from the fear that drives compromise. In spiritual warfare against temptation, seeking the Lord brings deliverance from the fear of falling. And for future uncertainties—graduation, career, marriage, family—casting cares upon Him who holds the future brings sustaining peace. Anxiety feels loud because it speaks in the voice of circumstances, peers, and the enemy. But God's voice, though often quiet, is infinitely more powerful. When we obey these Scriptures—praying with thanksgiving, casting every care, seeking Him earnestly—anxiety's volume decreases, and God's peace becomes the dominant sound in the soul. The world offers temporary fixes: distraction, medication, denial. But only Christ offers permanent peace—the peace that passes understanding, the care of a loving Father, deliverance from all fears. May we, like Paul in prison, like Peter in persecution, like David in flight, turn anxiety into prayer, burdens into casting, fears into seeking. And may the God of peace Himself garrison our hearts and minds until that day when faith becomes sight, and anxiety is silenced forever in His presence.

Feel Lost This Holiday? You're Not Surrounded By The Right Men speaks to what many men feel once the celebrations end and real life sets back in. This episode breaks down why isolation weighs heavier after Christmas, why grinding alone keeps men stuck, and how your environment shapes confidence and purpose. If you feel stalled or unsure about your direction, this conversation explains what is missing and what changes when you stop doing everything alone.

In this Christmas Day Plain Talk episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew offers listeners something intentionally different. Rather than focusing on hive management or seasonal techniques, Jim invites listeners into a reflective conversation shaped by memory, family, and the passage of time. Jim begins by acknowledging that Christmas has never been a strongly beekeeping-centered season for him. From there, he shares a formative story from early in his beekeeping life—one that begins with his passion for woodworking and building his own beekeeping equipment and ends with a Christmas Day epiphany. Surrounded by stacks of partially built frames and running a saw while his family gathered inside, Jim realized something important had been lost. That moment marked a turning point, changing how he balanced making things with simply being present. The episode weaves through additional Christmas memories, including childhood disappointments, restored gifts that went unappreciated at the time, and the slow understanding that comes with age. Jim reflects on his father's quiet sacrifices, the meaning of reuse and repair, and how perspective reshapes memories long after the wrapping paper is gone. Jim also shares a humorous and thoughtful story about his childhood realization that Santa Claus might not arrive the way he imagined, marking another moment of growing up without spoiling the magic for others. He closes by reminding listeners that not every Christmas needs to be perfect to be meaningful, offering gratitude for shared stories, past experiences, and the opportunity to simply talk together—one more time. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this special live episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with renowned mortgage industry leader Jason Purcell at the Central Florida Mortgage Bankers Association's highly anticipated year-end event. Surrounded by a dynamic live audience comprised of mortgage professionals, real estate agents, and prospective homebuyers, Dustin and Jason engage in an in-depth conversation that explores the evolving landscape of the mortgage industry. Throughout the episode, they delve into the qualities and strategies that define effective leadership in today's fast-paced market, sharing personal experiences and actionable advice. The discussion highlights the transformative impact of technology and artificial intelligence on lending practices, underwriting, and customer service, offering listeners a glimpse into the future of the industry. They also address the challenges and opportunities presented by shifting market cycles, providing practical tips for navigating periods of uncertainty and change. A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the importance of coaching, mentorship, and building strong partnerships, emphasizing how collaboration and continuous learning can drive both personal and professional growth. The interactive format allows for real-time audience participation, with a lively Q&A session that brings forth practical questions and insightful answers. These exchanges offer valuable, real-world perspectives on topics such as client communication, regulatory changes, and business development. This mastermind session, enriched by the collective wisdom of industry experts and audience members alike, serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to achieve lasting success and resilience in the mortgage business. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode delivers inspiration, education, and actionable takeaways to help you thrive in a competitive marketplace. TLOP's Originator Coaching: https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-programs/

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Homily by Fr. Francis Mary Roaldi, CFR.

A Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Advent Philippians 4:4-7 & St. John 1:19-28 by William Klock For the last few months I've been reading Tom Holland's book Dominion.  (That's Tom Holland the historian, not the actor.  Until recently I didn't even know there was an actor because, I guess, I'm a history nerd.)  Anyway, I've been reading a chapter here and a chapter there in between reading other more important things and it's been worthwhile.  Holland isn't a Christian, but this rather large book is nevertheless about the influence that the Gospel, the good news about Jesus, has had in shaping Western Civilisation.  One of the points he stresses is just how brutal and barbaric the ancient world was.  Greeks and Romans knew little of mercy and grace.  Theirs was a dog-eat-dog world.  It was cruel.  The weak were something to be exploited and if they couldn't be exploited, they were a liability and left to fend for themselves.  Nearly a third of the people of the Roman empire were slaves.  Infants were routinely left to die of exposure.  Sexual immorality was everywhere and was a central part of the worship of many gods.  Marital fidelity, especially amongst the wealthy and powerful was uncommon.  Think of the pagan gods of Greece and Rome we learned about in school: petty, capricious, fickle, unloyal, angry, and constantly fighting amongst themselves.  These were the gods the Greeks and the Romans created in their own image.  Whatever problems we see in our world—and it's getting worse the deeper we drift from the Gospel and return to paganism—but however bad you think our world is, theirs was worse.  Brother and Sisters, the gospel has had a profound impact on our world.  And even as gospel virtues go to seed in the secular world and we have distorted and perverted version of love and mercy and justice thrown at us, the very fact that anyone at all in our society cares about things like justice, is because of the powerful impact of the gospel. It's appropriate that Advent comes to us at the darkest time of the year, because it reminds us of the darkness of the world into which Jesus was born.  Surrounded by those pagans, Israel had the light of God's law, but even then, Israel lived in darkness.  They'd returned from their Babylonian exile five hundred years before, but the Lord had never returned to his temple.  The priests kept the lamp lit in the temple—the lamp symbolic of the Lord's presence with his people, but behind the great and heavy curtain, the holy of holies was empty.  And Israel was ruled by a series of pagan empires: the Persians, the Greeks, and then the Romans.  But Israel had her story.  They were the people whom the Lord had delivered from slavery in Egypt.  They knew his character and they knew his faithfulness.  And they knew his promises.  They had faith.  And so they lived in hope and expectant longing.  One day the words of Isaiah—the ones we read in our Old Testament lesson—“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.”  One day those words would be fulfilled.  And, most people were pretty sure, that day was coming soon.  That's the setting for today's Gospel, which begins at John 1:19. This is the testimony John [the Baptist] gave when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.”  “What then?” they asked him, “Are you Elijah?” “I am not,” he replied.  “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”  “Well, then who are you?” they said.  “We've got to take an answer back to those who sent us.  Who do you claim to be?”  He said, “I am ‘a voice calling in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord,' just as the prophet Isaiah said.”  (John 1:19-28) So the priests were the spiritual gatekeepers of Israel and when they heard of this prophet, John, preaching and baptising, they sent their people to ask him what he was about—to see if he was legit.  People were talking about John like he was the Messiah—as if he were the one come to fulfil the prophecies of deliverance and salvation.  Was John the one? So they ask, “Who are you?  Who do you claim to be? Elijah?”  Remember that the Prophet Elijah had never died; he was swept up into have by a fiery chariot.  And Malachi had prophesied that “before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes” the Lord would send Elijah back.  Like King Arthur returning to Britain in its hour of greatest need. But John says, “No.  I'm not Elijah.”  He hadn't come to earth in a fiery chariot.  He was the son of Zechariah the priest and his wife, Elizabeth. “Are you the prophet?” they asked.  In Deuteronomy 18 the Lord had promised that he would one day raise up a prophet like Moses, who would declare his words.  Many people thought this prophet would be the Messiah.  But again John answers, “Nope, I'm not the prophet either.”  We get a sense of just how great the longing of these people was.  Like a kid getting up every morning of December and asking his parents if it's Christmas yet, the people of Israel longed for the Messiah to come and set the world to rights, to end the darkness, to once again fill the temple with the glory of the Lord. John was as eager as anyone, but he tells them “No, I'm not the Prophet.”  In fact, John was fulfilling those prophecies—Matthew and Mark tell us as much.   But I think John denied it because he knew people associated the prophecies of Elijah and the Prophet with the Messiah.  John knew he wasn't the Messiah; he was the Messiah's herald.  And so when the priests finally let him speak for himself, he quotes Isaiah 40:3, and says, “I am ‘a voice calling in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.'”  In other words, John was indeed fulfilling prophecy—not as the Messiah, but as the one sent to prepare Israel to receive the Messiah. And that surprised those priests.  People in the past had claimed to be the Messiah.  No one claimed to be his herald.  That was weird.  So they dig deeper.  Look at verses 25-27: They continued to question him, “So why are you baptising, if you aren't the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I'm baptising with water, but there is one standing among you whom you do not know—someone who is to come after me.  I'm not worthy to untie his sandal straps.” For the Jews, baptism was a symbol of cleansing and of ritual purity.  It was a ritual washing.  At this point the other gospel-writers are helpful as they expand on John's answer.  Mark tells us that John's baptism was a baptism of repentance—it was a preparatory act in light of the coming judgement the Messiah would bring.  And Matthew and Luke also report John going on about this one who will come, this one greater than him: “He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:16).  In other words, John is calling Israel to repentance in anticipation of the Messiah, who will fulfil the Lord's promises to set Israel to rights by filling his people with his own Spirit.  The law written on stone tablets would be inscribed on the hearts of God's people so that they could finally fulfil his law of love.  But the Messiah was also coming in judgement.  He would baptise the repentant with God's own Spirit, but he would baptise unrepentant Israel with fire. These are the two sides of the gospel coin.  You can't have one without the other.  Jesus' advent, on the one hand, brought mercy to the repentant, but on the other it also brought judgement on the unrepentant of Israel.  What's important for us here, Brothers and Sisters, is that this exchange between John and the priests reminds us of the Messiah's place in Israel's story and of the faithfulness of God to his promises.  It is this manifestation of the Lord's faithfulness (and of his goodness, mercy, grace, and wisdom) to Israel—something we see brought to its climax in the birth, the death, the resurrection, and the ascension of Jesus, that has drawn us—you and I—to the God of Israel and that, by faith, has incorporated us into the people of God.  Through our union with Jesus, through our incorporation into this people, through our being made adopted sons and daughters of Abraham, you and I have come to know God's mercy and the life of the Spirit, too.  Because of the faithfulness of God, revealed in Jesus and in the power of the gospel, the darkness that Israel knew; that deep, deep darkness full of false gods and wicked kings and evil principalities and powers has been driven away by the light.  The light has come into the darkness, his gospel has thrown those powers down and lit up the world.  And you and I have seen—we live in—the glory of that light.  And knowing that takes us from our Gospel passage today into our Epistle.  Paul writes those wonderful and challenging words in Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always; I say again, rejoice. Paul spoke these words to a people surrounded by the dark.  “Rejoice in the Lord always!”  Because being surrounded by the dark, it's awfully easy to forget the light of the gospel.  Just before he wrote this, Paul exhorted two women in the Philippian church, Euodia and Syntyche, to “agree in the Lord”.  These two sisters in the Messiah, once close, once working together in gospel life had some kind of falling out.  We don't know the details, but it was something important enough to prompt Paul to address them publicly.  They'd let the darkness extinguish their light.  Instead of standing as a witness to the victory of Jesus over the principalities and powers of the present wicked age, the local church was letting those powers have their way in their midst.  Brothers and Sisters, don't let that happen.  Paul exhorts them (and us) instead: Let everyone know how gentle and gracious you are.  (Philippians 4:5a) Gentle and gracious.  Paul uses the same description in 2 Corinthians 10 to describe the meekness of Jesus as a model for Christians.  This is gospel light lived out.  What Paul's getting at is that Jesus is the King, but in him we see this amazing display of gracious gentleness.  This is the gentleness we see revealed as Jesus, the one to whom heaven and earth belong, humbled himself to be born one of us, to die on the cross, and to show mercy to his enemies.  And in that, Jesus defeated the powers that held the world in darkness and sin and now, we his people, are called to live that victory out amongst ourselves as witnesses to Jesus' victory and the inauguration of God's kingdom.  This is our Advent stewardship. So consider, Brothers and Sisters, when we demand our rights, when we grasp for power, when we nurse grudges, we undermine our gospel witness—we put on display the very darkness from which we've been delivered by the one who is light.  In contrast Paul calls us to rejoice in the Lord and to manifest Jesus-like gentleness in our relationships.  Jesus' gracious gentleness has forgiven and restored us and that same gracious gentleness ought to shine through us and through the life of the church.  Consider that every time we hold a grudge, allow a relationship to break down, or follow the world's advice to cut those problem or negative people out of our lives, we undermine the Church's witness to the world.  But that's not all. Paul goes on: The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything.  Rather in everything let your requests be made known to God, by prayer, supplication, and with thanksgiving.   There's our Advent theme again: Jesus has given us a job to do.  He's given us a gospel treasure to steward in his absence.  In the meantime, rather than being anxious—and anxiousness is so often the thing that evil uses to manipulate us—instead of being anxious we should take our needs to God.  Jesus made the same point in the Sermon on the Mount.  The pagans worry about what they'll eat, what they'll wear, and where they'll sleep.  God's people should know better than to worry unduly about these things.  The God who fed Israel with manna in the wilderness will provide.  He is faithful to his promises.  The story of his dealings with Israel is the proof and even more so, so is his gift of Jesus, who died and rose again to set us free from sin and death.  So go to the Lord with your needs and ask.  And while you're at it, give thanks, because you know his faithfulness and his love. This is part of the witness of the people of God—it's how we are light in the darkness—and it ties back into rejoicing.  When Paul talks about rejoicing, at least part of what he's got in mind is a public display or a public witness.  The pagan Greeks in Philippi regularly held public celebrations to honour their gods.  And yet the pagans, as Jesus said, were always anxious.  Because their gods never delivered.  Pagan religion was a non-stop game of trial and error, trying to guess what the gods wanted, trying to guess what you may have done wrong to offend them, and then guessing at what you might offer to appease their anger or to ingratiate them to you in order to get what you needed or wanted.  The pagan gods were silent and they were notoriously capricious and unreliable.  And in this context Paul exhorts the Philippian Christians: Rejoice yourselves.  Let the pagans see you celebrating the fact that the Creator of the universe has, through Jesus, made you his own and lives in your midst by his own Holy Spirit.  Let the pagans, who know only mean and capricious gods and who live in a dog-eat-dog world, let them see the gracious gentleness of God in you.  Live in such a way that they see in you the God who humbles himself to die for the sake of his enemies.  And let the pagans see you living in faith, praying in confident thankfulness to the God whose story reveals an unfailing pattern of promise and fulfilment.  Shine the light of Jesus into the darkness of the world.  And if you'll do that, he says in verse 7: The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in King Jesus.   I think we tend to look at Paul's exhortation here as something we should do in order to experience the peace of God ourselves, but given the context in Philippians, I think Paul's point is actually more about our witness.  If we truly live as stewards of the good news about Jesus, if we truly live as people who know the faithfulness of God revealed in Jesus and particularly in his death and resurrection, if we truly know the life of the Spirit, the peace of God—instead of the strife and anxiety of the world—will guard our hearts and minds in a way that will astound the unbelievers around us. I like to say that Jesus calls us—his church—to be a pocket of new creation in the middle of the old—to be heaven-on-earth people, living Gods' future in the hic et nunc, in the here and now.  Brothers and Sisters, this is how we do that.  And this makes us the John the Baptists of our own place and age as we proclaim the good news about Jesus—how we proclaim and show the world that Jesus has triumphed over the principalities and powers just as he has over sin and death.  And as the world took notice of those tiny and seemingly insignificant Christian communities popping up around the Roman empire, so it will take not of us.  And some will give glory to God as they see his faithfulness, they will come in faith to Jesus and his cross.  But it will also threaten those who are invested in the present age, its pagan gods and sinful systems.  And they will fight back. So we need to ask: Does the world see our joy?  Are we the voice crying in the wilderness?  Are we the royal heralds the Lord has called us to be, summoning the word to let go of its false gods and to come to the Lord Jesus, calling the world away from sin and self and to come to the cross?  And we need to ask how the world is responding to us.  If we're faithfully proclaiming the good news about Jesus, if we're faithfully calling people to repent and to believe, if we're faithfully proclaiming that Jesus is Lord and that his kingdom has come—well—people will respond in one of two ways.  Either they'll believe or they'll get angry—as Herod got angry with John.  There's some of both out there in the world, but overwhelmingly, when I look at how people respond to or think of the church these days in our part of the world, it's often just indifference.  Why? Because we have not been the witnesses God calls us to be.  We are afraid to confront the world with the good news about Jesus and we are half-hearted in our allegiance to his kingdom.  Like old Israel, we pray to God, but we've failed to tear down the old altars to Baal and Asherah—or money, sex, and power.  We name Jesus, but we deal dishonestly in business, we sell our souls to the commercialism that surrounds us, we look to politics or to science as our saviours, and we dabble in the sexual immorality of the age.  We've failed to proclaim the gospel and we justify it, saying that we'll preach it with our lives.  But if we stop to ask what the world sees in our lives, is it really very different?  Does the world see us rejoicing in the Lord?  Does the world see us manifesting the gracious gentleness of Jesus?  Does the world see us living in faithful prayer and trusting in God, or does it see people just as anxious as everyone else?  Does it see enmity and strife and broken relationships or does it see a gospel people living out the healing and reconciling love of Jesus in loving unity?  Does the world see the peace of God ruling our hearts and minds?  Does the world see us, holding high the gospel, as a challenge to its gods and its kings and its sins?  It should.  But sadly, I think that for the Western Church at large, the answer is often “no”. And, all too often, when we do proclaim the gospel, we do so without power or authority.  Think of John boldly declaring the coming judgement and calling Israel to repentance.  It was urgent and powerful.  In contrast we tend to hold the gospel out as good advice, rather than as the good news that it is.  Friends, the gospel is the royal summons to come in faith to Jesus, the world's true Lord—the Lord who has come with mercy so that the repentant will escape when he comes one day in judgement.  This was the power behind John the Baptist' preaching.  But all too often we present the gospel as just another option on the religious smorgasbord—something you might want to try. See if you like it.  See if it works for you.  If not…oh well.  Brothers and Sisters, that's not the gospel.  The gospel is life! The gospel is good news to the people living in the midst of darkness and death: the king who will set the world to rights has come.  And that means the gospel, when preached as it should be, will challenge and upset the Herods and Caesars of our age and all those invested in the false gods of the world. The Advent message is to be prepared.  Jesus has given us a gospel mission to take the good news of his death, his resurrection, and his lordship into the world.  Brothers and Sisters, pray that we will be faithful to our mission—faithful enough to provoke opposition, because that's the kind of faithfulness that also reaps a harvest for the kingdom.  Pray for the holy boldness of John the Baptist and the gracious gentleness of Jesus.  Pray that we will be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.  Pray that the joy of the Lord will overcome us.  Brothers and Sisters, Rejoice!  Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say rejoice. Let's pray: O Lord, come among us, we pray, with your power and strengthen us with your great might; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness we are grievously hindered in running the race that is set before us, your bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be honour and glory, now and for ever.  Amen.

Dr Mike has become one of the most effective debunkers of science misinformation. His second appearance on the uber-popular show, Jubilee's Surrounded, pitted him against 20 fans of RFK Jr. Derek and Julian discuss the debate, as well as the value of Jubilee in an oversaturated media environment. Show Notes 1 Doctor vs 20 RFK Jr. Supporters (ft Doctor Mike) Surrounded Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this raw and real episode, Mack Story pulls no punches as he takes us back to his early 20s—long hours at work, chasing more stuff, and wasting every free minute hunting, fishing, partying, and coasting through life with a crew that was headed absolutely nowhere.He thought he had it all together because he was paying the bills (sometimes) and having “fun.”The truth?He was clueless, surrounded by clueless people, and leading a pack straight into the land of wasted potential. With brutal honesty and his signature blue-collar style, Mack walks us through the wake-up call that finally hit: experience by itself teaches nothing—only evaluated experience does.Drawing straight from his book Defining Influence: Increasing Your Influence Increases Your Options, Mack breaks down the game-changing difference between raw experience and reflection that actually moves you forward.He shares how he shifted from a selfish “me” mindset to a “we” mindset, why your intent behind every action is what people really judge, and how character (not just competency) determines who you attract and who you become.If you've ever felt stuck hanging with the same crowd, getting the same results, and wondering why nothing ever changes, this episode is your fork-in-the-road moment.Stop coasting. Start evaluating. Because until you look backward on purpose, you'll never move forward with purpose.#leadership #leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #podcast #reflection #intentionalliving #bluecollarleadership #skilledtrades #construction #manufacturing #selfhelp #growthmindset #successtips 

In early spring, Roxanne visits her neighbor Martin, the local beekeeper, to collect freshly cleaned beeswax from last year's hives. From the golden bricks of wax she carries home, she begins the slow, careful process of crafting beeswax candles for the first market of the season. Surrounded by the scent of lilac, honey, and woodsmoke, Roxanne works with quiet devotion—melting, pouring, and labeling each candle by hand. It's a story about rhythm, renewal, and the simple beauty of creating something warm and lasting from the gifts of nature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textNaughty For a Purpose: Giving Back & Getting Dirty at Club Trapeze | Episode 223In this episode of The Swing Nation Podcast, hosted by Dan and Lacy, your favorite top-rated lifestyle podcast about non-monogamy and swinging, the duo recap an unforgettable weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.Dan and Lacy team up with Swinger Society and Club Trapeze ATL for a Toys for Tots toy drive that raised over $5,000 in toys for kids in need, proving the lifestyle community can party hard and give back. But before the big night, the weekend kicks off with a Friday sleepover at their besties' place—starting with drinks and dinner and quickly turning into a playful, chemistry-filled night that was all captured on camera.Saturday brings more adventures, including a daytime meetup with a special friend for some fun content creation, before heading to Club Trapeze for the main event. Surrounded by old friends, new connections, and nonstop energy, the night escalates into an unforgettable scene that had plenty of eyes watching.From charity to chaos, connection to confidence, this episode is a perfect mix of heart, heat, and real lifestyle vibes—you won't want to miss it.Open Instincts NEW YEARS TicketsElectric Pleasures Events- The Swing Nation - Main Website Quick Navigation Website: -- (Find all our social media links & more!)- Swinger Society - Our Website to meet, connect & events Swinger Society Discord Our Facebook Group- Swinger Websites -Kasadie 90 day free trialUsername: TheSwingNation SDC 14 day free trial Username: TheSwingNation** Use code 36313 for 14 days free! **- Merch & More -Order Your Merch Here!- Lacy's Fun Links -VIP OnlyFansPREMIUM OnlyFans-- THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS --IKNOWMYSTATUS: Test Like a Porn StarUse Code LifeStyle and get 15% OFFShameless Care: ED MedicationUse Code TSN at checkout for $30 off your order!Promescent® Make Love Longer, It's Time for Great SexUse Code SwingNation for 5% off!Sing it Bikinis:  adjustable one-size styles, thoughtfully crafted to flatter every body type.Support the show- Thank you for the support! -

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPCompMost communication fails for a simple reason: we talk to people the way we want to be talked to.In this episode, Damian sits down with behavioural expert and Surrounded by Idiots author Thomas Erikson to explore why adaptability, not eloquence, is the habit that defines effective communication. Thomas explains how even highly capable people create unnecessary friction when they rely on their own preferences instead of tuning into the person in front of them.At the centre of the conversation is self-awareness. Thomas shows how understanding your own behavioural style makes it easier to recognise what others need, whether that's clarity, reassurance, inspiration, or detail. When that awareness is missing, conversations stall. When it's present, trust and momentum follow.In this episode, they discuss:Why people misinterpret good intentions so oftenHow different behavioural styles process information and feedbackThe cost of assuming others think like you doSimple ways to adjust your message without losing authenticityWhy asking “How would you like me to go about this?” changes everythingIf you work with people, and especially if you lead them, this episode will sharpen how you listen, how you speak, and how you create alignment without unnecessary tension. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I chat with Brian Kilmeade today in episode #870 of The ANEZ SEZ podcast...

Sonia C. and Sonia T. are getting ready for the holidays! Some of the greatest magic that they have experienced this holiday season has come from trusting their intuition and saying yes whenever possible. If you're ready to live a vibrationally-informed life and follow the nudges that your spirit keeps sending you, this episode is for you!    This week's theme is: Say yes instead of no, and get in the flow!    Join the Waitlist for Sonia Choquette's New Certification Program   Highlights: Afraid to trust your intuition? Listen to the ladies' latest adventure! [1:17]  When you're in the flow, away you can go! [7:05]  Following your vibes is a language of its own. [16:05]  Surrounded by negativity? Try this! [19:25]  "I want to trust my vibes, but I'm scared." [22:15]  Your intuition can be your greatest mentor. [25:30]  Learning to trust your vibes takes time. [30:07]  3 steps to lead as a vibrationally-informed person. [36:17]  Tool of the Week: Don't say no. Go with the flow! [39:35] Question of the Week: How can I apologize to my spirit when I get it wrong? [39:51]    There is nothing more magical than going with the flow! It can seem intimidating to trust your vibes and follow your intuition, but really, it's as easy as saying yes whenever you can. Just listed to the latest adventure of Sonia C. and Sonia T., which took them to new places, introduced them to new friends and gave them opportunities that they never would have had if they hadn't been willing to go with the flow.    What difference will it make if you do trust your vibes? It's the beautiful feeling that it's all going to work out. What greater peace could you possibly ask for in a world that is filled with uncertainty and turmoil? Give yourself the greatest gift this holiday season - the confidence of knowing that everything is going to work out exactly as it's supposed to.    Tool of the Week: Don't say no. Go with the flow! [39:35]   Question of the Week: How can I apologize to my spirit when I get it wrong? [39:51]    Continue on Your Journey:   Grab Sonia C.'s New Card Deck Here! Your Glorious Life  Sonia C's In the Moment Guidance Good Vibes Tribe  More Sonia Choquette Follow Sonia Choquette on Instagram Sonia Choquette on YouTube Sonia Choquette's Book Read Life ACCURATELY: Recognize and Respond to What's Really Happening Soul Mastery: 22 Lessons to Reinvent Your Life  Order Sonia Choquette's Trust Your Vibes Guided Journal True Balance book by Sonia C.   More Sonia Tully Psychic YOUniversity Level 1 Waitlist Psychic YOUniversity Level 2 Waitlist  Book a Reading with Sonia Tully Sonia on Substack Follow Sonia Tully on Instagram Book a Discovery Call with Sonia Tully Free Spiritual Toolkit and Meditation   Connect with Sabrina Tully  Buy Sonia and Sabrina's Book You Are Amazing   Share with us your questions and vibe stories at itsallrelatedpodcastquestions@gmail.com and vibecheck@soniatully.com

It's the time of year that we tell stories of irredeemable characters whose hearts are cold, or too small, or filled with a gaping void, who are offered a chance at redemption. In the vein of Scrooge from Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol,” and the Grinch of Dr. Seuss' “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” I give you a contemporary story with another repulsive and self-absorbed character, Dipsh*t Supreme, the hateful man who would be king. Surrounded by sycophants, toadies, enablers, and ass-kissers, can Dipsh*t, an incompetent and unintelligent man bent on revenge, retribution, and the accumulation of more and more power, find a path to redemption? Will reality win, in the end? Will he ever fill the void in his hateful heart? Filled with captivating characters like Dipsh*t, Spud Muffin, Big Brain Bobby, and more, told through compelling narration, this new and timeless classic is exclusively available here, offered in two parts. Curl up next to the fire in a warm blanket, pour yourself a cup of hot coffee, sit back, relax, and strap in for a wild and satirical ride into the depths of Dipsh*t's depraved heart for a holiday story like no other … NSFW or Children! 

Surrounded by the Enemy… and God Showed Up

Episode Title: Quiet Study Sessions Surrounded By Relaxing Rain SoundsDescription:In this episode of Thunderstorm: Sleep and Relax in the Rain, immerse yourself in the gentle rhythm of rain designed to create the perfect environment for focused study or peaceful work. Let the soft patter of raindrops wash over you, helping to calm your mind and drown out distractions. Whether you're hitting the books, working on a project, or simply need a calming background, these soothing rain sounds will support your concentration and relaxation.Picture yourself in a cozy room with windows open to a quiet, steady rain outside. The world slows down as each drop softly taps the earth, inviting you to find clarity and calm. This session is crafted to help you maintain focus, reduce stress, and enjoy a serene moment amid your busy day.Tune in, breathe deeply, and let the peaceful rain guide your study session or quiet time.DISCLAIMER

CHUS delivers an unforgettable open-air journey from Las Palapas, Mendoza (Argentina) — one of the most iconic outdoor venues in South America. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and pure energy, this set captures the true essence of connection, rhythm, and freedom under the open sky. An incredible session where groove, emotion, and power blend seamlessly, reflecting the spirit of Mendoza and the deep musical identity of CHUS. Press play and relive a magical moment where music and nature become one.

Benedikt turns a year older. Benedicte moves forward despite the curveballs.Benedikt took a week off work to celebrate his 40th birthday. He spent his birthday week with a few parties with family and friends, and seeing two concerts. On the work front, he and the team built a Snowflake integration. And with the ETL infrastructure now in place, this potentially opens doors for other integrations.Despite another major extended family upheaval, Benedicte carries on by going on morning walks and focusing on her projects. She recently shipped the new Framer plugin version, made demos, and is planning to get the documentation for the plugin.Benedikt and Benedicte talk about books, how fast the internet is breaking nowadays, and more.Mentioned on the show:Surrounded by Idiots – a book by Thomas EriksonAntifragile – a book by Nassim Nicholas TalebNonviolent Communication – a book by B. Marshall Rosenberg

You become the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. Who do you surround yourself with?

Join us for a conversation with Paige Murray, author of the beloved Rosie children's book series and a woman who's lived many lives—from small-town South Carolina girl to NASCAR's Miss Sprint Cup, broadcast journalist, cooking show host, and now ranch mama and author. Paige shares how life on the TY Ranch in Stephenville, Texas, where she lives with her husband, legendary rodeo champion Ty Murray, inspired her to start writing. Surrounded by cattle, horses, and her growing collection of rescue animals, Paige found herself watching her daughter Oakley and stepson Kase learn invaluable lessons through daily ranch life—lessons about responsibility, compassion, hard work, and the natural world. Those everyday moments of exploration and discovery became the heartbeat of the Rosie series. With Oakley as her muse, Paige created stories that capture the magic, challenges, and adventures of growing up on a working ranch. From caring for animals to exploring wide open spaces, Rosie embodies the spirit of childhood on the land—and the timeless values Paige wants to pass down to the next generation. In this episode, Paige opens up about her unexpected journey to authorship, why being a mother is her greatest calling, and how she's sharing the beauty of ranch life with children everywhere through her stories. For more information on Paige and her books go to: BootsandBiscuits Follow her on Instagram @paigedmurray Follow her on Facebook Paige Duke Murray Follow us on Instagram: @every.body.talks @jenngiamo @schully Subscribe to our YouTube channel! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening. Apple Podcasts Spotify Be sure to leave a 5 star rating! It really helps grow the show. If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing!

This week on Paranormal Activity with Yvette Fielding, we travel to one of the most atmospheric and supernaturally charged locations in all of East Sussex… the extraordinary Michelham Priory.Surrounded by a medieval moat and steeped in nearly 800 years of history, Michelham Priory has survived dissolution, war, famine, fire, and countless reinventions — and through it all, something seems to have stayed behind. Many things, in fact.In this episode, Yvette explores the Priory's long and turbulent past before diving into its most infamous hauntings:

In this reflective episode recorded from Legnica, Poland, Nancy shares raw insights from a weekend of fellowship, conferences, and quiet personal revelation. Surrounded by longtime partners and new connections from nations like Austria, Ukraine, and the UK, she invites listeners into the deeper spiritual work that often happens not on the main stage, but in the small, unseen moments. Nancy unpacks the subtle temptation to force connection or significance—and reminds us that when we live from the favor of the Father, we are free from self-promotion, comparison, and insecurity. Whether in a crowded group or quiet reflection, this episode encourages you to stay in rhythm with God's timing, live in your masterpiece skin, and let Him orchestrate what only He can. Thanks for Listening! Nancy McCready Ministries is committed to building cultures of personal and corporate discipleship so that believers can walk in maturity and their destiny with the Father. We hope this conversation today has helped you along your journey. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, so we would like to invite you to join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries LINKS Want to host or attend Cross Encounter? Click here: nancymccready.com/crossencounter/ Shop to Support NMM: nancymccready.com/shop/

This week on So What Now?, we're back from Thanksgiving break and whew child, the mess was waiting for us. We kicked things off with a "Fair or Foul?" that had me side-eyeing my whole microphone. A 34-year-old sis wants her ex to pay for her fertility treatments because she says he wasted her "prime childbearing years." I'm just saying… can you really invoice a man for your 20s? Dex had opinions, I had opinions, and we did not hold back. Then we jumped into the wildest love story of the year: a woman in Japan who actually married ChatGPT—wedding, vows, guests, and her smartphone groom "Lune Klaus." Next up was the correctional officer letting inmates lift her like she's a 25-pound dumbbell while on duty, and chile, that story took us out. And just when you think it can't get messier, we talked about the mom who ended up pregnant by her daughter's 14-year-old boyfriend. I had to pause and breathe on that one. To end on a holier-but-still-messy note, I introduced my new Bible Tea segment, bringing you life lessons with a side of scripture gossip. This week's story of Hannah and Peninnah had Dex and me pulling two completely different messages from the same verse, and honestly? You just gotta hear it for yourself. CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: CARLA WILMARIS | DEX

This week, Sabrina is on location at the legendary Guy Fawkes Inn in York, one of England's most haunted cities and the birthplace of the notorious rebel himself. Surrounded by crooked medieval architecture and history practically breathing down her neck, she dives into Guy Fawkes' explosive life and tragic end while sitting just steps away from where it all began. But the real chills come from the inn's paranormal residents. In the infamous Belfry Suite, guests report children running through empty rooms and waking up violently ill at 3 a.m., while staff casually recount having their hair yanked by unseen hands. Sabrina gathers firsthand stories of paranormal activity that has kept this place legendary for centuries. Plus, we've got a listener story from “Dr. Ghost,” who has a PhD in ghost beliefs. Link to live investigation here. Watch the video version here. Have ghost stories of your own? E-mail them to us at twogirlsoneghostpodcast@gmail.com New Episodes are released every Thursday and Sunday at 12am PST/3am EST (the witching hour, of course). Corinne and Sabrina hand select a couple of paranormal encounters from our inbox to read in each episode, from demons, to cryptids, to aliens, to creepy kids... the list goes on and on. If you have a story of your own that you'd like us to share on an upcoming episode, we invite you to email them to us!  If you enjoy our show, please consider joining our Patreon, rating and reviewing on iTunes & Spotify and following us on social media! Youtube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Discord. Edited by Jaimi Ryan and produced by Emma Leventer and Jaimi Ryan, original music by Arms Akimbo! Disclaimer: the use of white sage and smudging is a closed practice. If you're looking to cleanse your space, here are some great alternatives! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices