Podcasts about Voices in My Head

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 581 - National Day of Prayer 2025 This episode was recorded live at Springfield Regional Medical Center on the National Day of Prayer 2025. Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 581 - National Day of Prayer 2025   This episode was recorded live at Springfield Regional Medical Center on the National Day of Prayer 2025. ----more---- Rick Has A Book! Get the Audiobook, Out of the Depths: A Songwriter's Journey Through the Psalms by your host, Rick Lee James, on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0F45G6KWH?qid=1744142727&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=KEDVV78ASDMS52WQFD7W&plink=3YmaWg4y0HJ0Cjfc&pageLoadId=IaamycyuJR519uYD&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1%20     ----more----     Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James   Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James     Get the new song - Whatever You Do       VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)   VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 580 - Sean McGowan - The Holistic Guitarist   Coming Summer 2025! Place a pre-order now to receive your copy hot off the press. An essential and comprehensive guide to well-being for guitarists. How do accomplished guitarists practice? What do they work on, and for how long? How do they approach difficult, advanced material and avoid injury—or do they? Is it really possible to sustain a lifelong commitment to playing the guitar, continually improving, discovering new music, expanding your abilities, and doing it all without incident? The short answer: yes, absolutely. And this complete guide will show you how to: Promote physical well-being through stretches and exercises Avoid cumulative trauma and repetitive stress injuries Manage stress and performance-related anxiety Create effective and enjoyable practice routines Develop solid technique through exercises and études Incorporate visualization techniques into your playing Create a deeper connection with both your music and your instrument Plus, you'll get advice from acclaimed guitarists like Clive Carroll, Alex de Grassi, Vicki Genfan, Grant Gordy, Mark Hanson, Eric Johnson, Laurence Juber, Adam Levy, Juanito Pascual, and more along the way. For guitarists of all ages, styles, and levels, The Holistic Guitarist by Sean McGowan offers a comprehensive approach to staying healthy, practicing creatively, and improving as a musician. This complete guide is available in your choice of print or digital format, with 140 pages of written instruction, plus standard notation and tablature. Both editions include downloadable videos. "An incredible resource for help with the physical and mental demands of being a guitarist. Sean is thorough, concise, and eminently relatable."—Andy McKee   Pre-Order The Holistic Guitarist: https://store.acousticguitar.com/products/the-holistic-guitarist?srsltid=AfmBOoqGuR2YZy5UyDepiHSWOot3D2D7Vtnq2rqlo5y1Hb2ELfHCRSwj   Sean McGowan's Web site: https://seanmcgowanguitar.com ----more---- Rick Has A Book! Get the Audiobook, Out of the Depths: A Songwriter's Journey Through the Psalms by your host, Rick Lee James, on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0F45G6KWH?qid=1744142727&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=KEDVV78ASDMS52WQFD7W&plink=3YmaWg4y0HJ0Cjfc&pageLoadId=IaamycyuJR519uYD&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1%20     ----more----     Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James   Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James     Get the new song - Whatever You Do       VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)   VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 580 - Sean McGowan - The Holistic GuitaristComing Summer 2025! Place a pre-order now to receive your copy hot off the press.An essential and comprehensive guide to well-being for guitarists.How do accomplished guitarists practice? What do they work on, and for how long? How do they approach difficult, advanced material and avoid injury—or do they? Is it really possible to sustain a lifelong commitment to playing the guitar, continually improving, discovering new music, expanding your abilities, and doing it all without incident?The short answer: yes, absolutely. And this complete guide will show you how to:* Promote physical well-being through stretches and exercises* Avoid cumulative trauma and repetitive stress injuries* Manage stress and performance-related anxiety* Create effective and enjoyable practice routines* Develop solid technique through exercises and études* Incorporate visualization techniques into your playing* Create a deeper connection with both your music and your instrumentPlus, you'll get advice from acclaimed guitarists like Clive Carroll, Alex de Grassi, Vicki Genfan, Grant Gordy, Mark Hanson, Eric Johnson, Laurence Juber, Adam Levy, Juanito Pascual, and more along the way.For guitarists of all ages, styles, and levels, The Holistic Guitarist by Sean McGowan offers a comprehensive approach to staying healthy, practicing creatively, and improving as a musician.This complete guide is available in your choice of print or digital format, with 140 pages of written instruction, plus standard notation and tablature. Both editions include downloadable videos."An incredible resource for help with the physical and mental demands of being a guitarist. Sean is thorough, concise, and eminently relatable."—Andy McKeePre-Order The Holistic Guitarist: https://store.acousticguitar.com/products/the-holistic-guitarist?srsltid=AfmBOoqGuR2YZy5UyDepiHSWOot3D2D7Vtnq2rqlo5y1Hb2ELfHCRSwjSean McGowan's Web site: https://seanmcgowanguitar.comGet the Audiobook, Out of the Depths: A Songwriter's Journey Through the Psalms by your host, Rick Lee James, on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0F45G6KWH?qid=1744142727&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=KEDVV78ASDMS52WQFD7W&plink=3YmaWg4y0HJ0Cjfc&pageLoadId=IaamycyuJR519uYD&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1%20----more----Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.comDon't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.comBlessings,Rick Lee JamesGet the new song - Whatever You DoVINYL SALETHUNDER by Rick Lee JamesONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)VINYL SALE -“KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Pope Francis- Episode 579

Pope Francis - Episode 579 - Voices in my Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast)Get the Audiobook, Out of the Depths: A Songwriter's Journey Through the Psalms by your host, Rick Lee James, on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0F45G6KWH?qid=1744142727&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=KEDVV78ASDMS52WQFD7W&plink=3YmaWg4y0HJ0Cjfc&pageLoadId=IaamycyuJR519uYD&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1%20----more----Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.comDon't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.comBlessings,Rick Lee JamesGet the new song - Whatever You DoVINYL SALETHUNDER by Rick Lee JamesONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)VINYL SALE -“KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 578 - When Superman Day Falls On Good Friday Get the Audiobook, Out of the Depths: A Songwriter's Journey Through the Psalms by your host, Rick Lee James, on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0F45G6KWH?qid=1744142727&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=KEDVV78ASDMS52WQFD7W&plink=3YmaWg4y0HJ0Cjfc&pageLoadId=IaamycyuJR519uYD&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1%20----more----Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.comDon't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.comBlessings,Rick Lee JamesGet the new song - Whatever You DoVINYL SALETHUNDER by Rick Lee JamesONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)VINYL SALE -“KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Lisa from Connect Social is back in the van! And yep, the chaos kicks in immediately. Last time we had her on, the power cut out mid-chat — so this time we crossed our fingers and jumped straight back into the deep end. ADHD meds, weird habits, relationships, love, friendship events… and a whole heap of laughs.We cover:My own ADHD diagnosis & the do-it/don't-do-it voices in my headLisa's take on adult friendships, traffic light parties & weird wristband codesWhy Connect Social isn't just for singles anymoreThe challenge (and joy) of creating real spaces for connectionWild theories about birds, Red Bulls, and scabs (yep, you read that right)And somewhere in there, we almost talked about her business.Massive thanks to Lisa for jumping back in. We'll see if she lets me come crash her bowling night for Ep175…Big thanks to our Patreon legends who help make this show happen. Want to hear full episodes, behind-the-scenes reels, or support the van rolling? Jump on here: https://patreon.com/podvanAll the links:

2 mates, Niall & Miki, discussing the day to day struggles in life, from a Man's point of view. This week the boys discuss dating in 2025, what would be in your 72hr survival kit if we went to war and the crazy voices in our heads.Hope you enjoy...Support the show

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 577 - Salvation - What does that word even mean? That is the topic of this podcast.     Get the Audiobook, Out of the Depths: A Songwriter's Journey Through the Psalms by your host, Rick Lee James, on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0F45G6KWH?qid=1744142727&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=KEDVV78ASDMS52WQFD7W&plink=3YmaWg4y0HJ0Cjfc&pageLoadId=IaamycyuJR519uYD&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1%20     ----more----     Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James   Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James     Get the new song - Whatever You Do       VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)   VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 577 - Salvation - What does that word even mean?That is the topic of this podcast.Get the Audiobook, Out of the Depths: A Songwriter's Journey Through the Psalms by your host, Rick Lee James, on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0F45G6KWH?qid=1744142727&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=KEDVV78ASDMS52WQFD7W&plink=3YmaWg4y0HJ0Cjfc&pageLoadId=IaamycyuJR519uYD&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1%20----more----Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.comDon't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.comBlessings,Rick Lee JamesGet the new song - Whatever You DoVINYL SALETHUNDER by Rick Lee JamesONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)VINYL SALE -“KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

The last days before the Great Hunt.Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.“Can the scorpion ever stop being a scorpion? “"Do we get our legally permitted weaponry back?" The bishop still held my hand."Sure. If it makes you feel better.""I would like to meet your people then," he gave my paw one last shake then released me. "Shall we go?""I will have someone take you to your car. I want to briefly meet with the President, of Havenstone, then I'll join you in the garage. We'll drive over to JIKIT and I'll make the introductions. Good enough?""That is acceptable," he nodded."What about you two?" I regarded the nun and the Swiss Super-soldier. The nun remained vigilant, and silent. The Swiss' eyes flickered to his boss before settling back on me."It is what I volunteered for," he stated firmly."Okay. Please never say I didn't give you a chance to take the sane way out. Also, Bishop Nicolö, circumstances have conspired to up my prospective wedding date to January 1st.""That will be more difficult. Why the change?" he remained grim."We are having twins. By March, this will be very visible.""That is, unfortunate," he shook his head."You have no idea," and then a brainstorm. "And I am curious about resurrecting the Order of the Dragon, the Societas Draconistarum." Technically that meant 'Society of the Dragonists' which was more appropriate than the literal Ordo Draconis."Precisely how do you plan to recreate a crusading Christian Order which was the purview of the Hungarian monarchs?" he didn't sound the least skeptical, just curious."I have billions of euros to fund such a thing," I winked. "Of far greater critical importance, I know where I can find the supernatural guidance and spiritual imperative for such an organization.""You are going to produce a dragon?" his eyes grew larger even as he fought down his fear. Good man. He was adaptive. He'd need to be."I never said such a thing. That would make me sound crazy," I smiled broadly. "Besides, when I say 'dragon', you think 'devil' and that's way too pedestrian for where we are going.""I am not a moral relativist.""Neither am I. I'm out to save lives and nurture the drive in the human spirit to reach for freedom, love and liberty. As you might imagine, I'm pretty freaking outnumbered.""I think you are crazy," he re-evaluated things."I just might be. In all honesty, you should back out now. Take your two compadres back to 25 East 39th Street (the Holy See's Permanent Observer Offices to the UN in NYC) and report 'Mission Failure'. You'll most likely live longer," I reasoned."I am not afraid to die," Sister Rafaela Sophia finally voiced an opinion."That's idiotic," I scoffed before the bishop could reprimand her for opening her mouth. "You should be.""My soul is in God's hands," she set her jaw."Does he talk to you?" I countered."His message is clear.""Not what I asked. I asked if he specifically directed you to toss your life fruitlessly away as an object lesson for the reckless, or careless?""This is uncalled for," Nicolö intervened."Nope. I bet you a phone call to my Brother to physically restore your bishopric that there are four people in this room who have murdered in cold blood," I kept eye contact with the nun, "and she's the odd one out. Right Juanita?""Yes, Ishara," Juanita slipped up. Her spycraft, like mine, needed work."You were in the military?" the bishop asked my bodyguard."Was? I am. Right now," she related. "I will be until I die."That earned me looks from the three Catholics."She is loyal," Nicolö nodded slightly toward her, referring to Juanita's declaration."Huh? To me? Nope. She's loyal to my office, which we shan't get into right now. Back to you, Sister Rafaela Sophia. Are you out to be a martyr, or has some saint, or angel, given you a directive the other two seem to be unaware of which causes you to devalue your life?""I am devoted to the One True God, Christ, our Savior," and Juanita snorted, "and the Virgin Mary," the nun stated firmly. "I don't hear voices in my head.""Juanita, that was rude. Apologize to our guest," I kept looking forward."No." Well, fuck you too."Gun," I commanded. I held out my left hand."What? No. I will not give you one of my guns," she resisted."Juanita, give me your primary weapon, or I will ask Pamela to beat you up the moment I depart for the Great Hunt. After yesterday's stunt, you know she will," I threatened. Fair, I was not. She drew a Glock-20 and handed it to me. I went through the routine, dropped the magazine then ejected the round before opening the door.Oh look, there were four SD chicks outside, ready to escort my visitors downstairs. I didn't even need to waste a phone call. It wasn't like the conference room wasn't being monitored."Excuse me," I took a half step out the door then hurled all three items down the hall. Looking back at Juanita. "Go fetch.""Fuck you," she snapped."And insulting her faith was as degrading to both her faith and her as me doing this to you is degrading to you right now," I lectured her. "It is important to her, therefore it is important to me because she is my guest in the same way it is important to me that I let my bodyguard do her job without being a total asshole all the time. Now go get your God-damn weapon," I barked. Off she went. I left the door open."Now Sister Rafaela Sophia, the point of all this is: I don't give a crap if you are willing to die for God. In fact, that makes you less than worthless to me and the team. I want to know if you are willing to put other motherfuckers in the ground so that Bishop Nicolá, or Mathias, might get to keep doing their jobs.""Murder is a sin," she declared."Go home," I sighed while shaking my head."She answers to me, the Church and God, not you, Mr. Nyilas," the bishop stepped forward."Then you can go home too," I shrugged. "I'm not asking for remorseless killers. I'm asking for people willing to kill to get the hard work done and best of all, for people who know the difference.""Everyone on JIKIT is a professional soldier, or killer?" he asked."No, but the ones who aren't don't carry guns and know to get down when things get funky," I bantered."I vouch for her," he insisted. Juanita came running back into the room."Cool beans. I don't know you either.""You apparently know my service history," he volleyed."Yeah. Ten years a foreigner in the service of France, then you went straight into a university which turns out Jesuits," I riposted."What turned your life around?" he evaded. That was okay. I'd gotten what I wanted. I was willing to bet he had read every bit of public information about me and it was rumored the heavy Catholic membership in the FBI had its benefits to the Church as well. Not so much as to give them insight into JIKIT, but,"Someone risked their life for me. It's been pretty much downhill from there," I confessed. It was the truth. After Katrina gave me the life line on Day Two, it had all spiraled to the revelation of my heritage, Dad's death, Summer Camp, the Hamptons, Romania and Aya's kidnapping."A person, a soldier, died saving my life," the bishop empathized. "Her story is similar. She seeks redemption. She is not suicidal. I am staking both our lives on it."Did he mean him and Mathias, or him and me? I wasn't certain. Still, it was good enough for now. I'd gotten a look at their emotional make up, even the relatively quiet Swiss."Very well," I agreed. "I have to go see the President about my new job description. I'll catch up with you at your car." To the SD team leader, "Take them to the garage. I will join the group of you very soon.""Yes Ishara," she nodded. I exited the room, Juanita in tow. Two SD entered. I was gone before the Papal team left. Upstairs we went, with one last chore to discharge. I had to check on Ms. French to be absolutely freaking sure it was Shawnee, because anyone else would spell disaster.{8:30 am, Monday, September 8th. Last day}A Room full of asistants:Well, there it was, the office of the Executive Director to the President, and not 'Executive Assistant', because this was Katrina's final 'fuck you, no, just her final 'fuck you' before the Great Hunt got underway. I shouldn't assume things, dang it!Anyway, according to the gray-haired matron running gatekeeper to the Office of the President, this was where I was supposed to show up. I shot Juanita a worried look. She glanced my way and shrugged, momentarily willing to not give me shit about the past 24 hours because where I was situated would determine how easily she could do her job.In we went. In the suite were three desks, the 'big' desk situated at the far end of the office space and two far more modest ones on either side of the entryway. The room expanded beyond the chokepoint formed by the two closest desks into a cluttered area. The walls were cluttered with inset bookshelves and portraits of women. Facing one another were a loveseat on my left with bookend plush chairs in an 'L' facing and a full sofa on the right. There were end tables at the ends of the sofa and the corners between the loveseat and each chair.As the door opened, I hadn't knock as this was my office, or so it seemed, the occupants, who had all been sitting in quiet conversation in the central section, began reacting. Oh look ~ Constanza! I nearly had a heart attack before I realized there were three other Amazons also in the room. Sadly, none were behind the 'big desk', so I couldn't tell who was in charge. Two of the other three choices weren't too much better. First off,"Ishara," Marilynn Saint John stood to greet me. I'd last seen her when I'd dedicated her grandmother's (Hayden's) spirit to the halls of my ancestors, not hers, after forcing the political crisis leading to Hayden's suicide ~ her taking herself to the cliffs and in doing so, destroying the Amazon Cult of Blood Purity. Marilynne was clearly still bitter with me. Umm, I could still incite passion in women I hadn't slept with, yet, woot?"Cáel," the senior-most and only friendly face in the room spoke next. Thank goodness it was Beyoncé Vincennes, Head of House Hanwasuit and House Ishara ally."Cáel Ishara," the third individual was deferential which I wasn't sure how to take as the last time I'd encountered her, yeah, things hadn't gone well either."Beyoncé," I started off with a smile. From there, I had to figure out, ah, Beyoncé's eyes flickered to Constanza then Sabia. I knew Marilynn, with her young age, had the least seniority, "Constanza, Sabia, Marilynn. How's tricks?"Glum faces by everyone except Beyoncé. I didn't ask about Sabia's particular well-being. It had been months since I'd beaten her into the mats of the Full-blooded gym. She'd attacked Yasmin, the Brazilian Hottie and my Brazilian Jujutsu sparring buddy, and I'd retaliated by ambushed her when she turned her back on us. Besides, she'd been giving me shit before I even could see straight.Constanza was minus her left eye because of her dire insult to me. If she wasn't capable of working, she wouldn't be here. If she appreciated my 'mercy' in sparing her life ~ her insult was worthy of her death ~ Constanza hid it well. I hadn't spared her expecting a change of heart. I hadn't felt words alone warranted anyone's death. I was a big boy and could take a few insults. House Ishara, as represented by me, could care less. These days, my sisters would be less understanding despite them knowing my heart."Constanza Landau of House Jaya and Marilynn Saint John of House Anahit are Assistants to President Shawnee French," Beyoncé eased things along, "so will be working closely with us, at least for the short term. Sabia Noel of House Guabancex, who I now think you know as well, has joined you as the other 'Assistant' to the 'Executive Director to the President', (that would make me an 'adept', but adept at what?), and since two of the three Regents are unfamiliar with the workings of Havenstone proper, Shawnee has asked me to perform in that role."Beyoncé was, or had been, Havenstone HQ's CFO (Chief Financial Officer). From what I was quickly piecing together, she would essentially be making all the day-to-day decisions concerning the running of Havenstone (how the Host made the majority of its money) until the Regents got up to speed.Only Buffy had actual experience with the New York office and, from what she had told me, solely within Executive Services. While ES knew 'who' did what inside Havenstone, they weren't aware precisely how those Amazons got their jobs done. That would have been an impossible task. Katrina could do it, but she knew it was beyond the ability of most of us 'mere mortals'. Since we were currently at war, the Host needed Katrina completely focused on her duties as Chief Spy-mistress, not baby-sitting the adults.Shawnee indeed had much gravitas among the other House Heads. Not only had she risen up to lead a First House, she had performed heroically during the final days of the last Secret War. Afterwards she had moved into the realm of Amazon jurisprudence and mediation. Until yesterday, she had lived in a House Arinniti freehold in Minnesota's Great Lakes region thus her desire for the 'Training Wheels' period.The Regency would not rule through telecommunication (the upper echelons feared being eavesdropped upon beyond the standard Amazon (read: paranoid) levels) and Havenstone: New York was the center best situated for the current war-fighting operations, so here she lived. I was sure a team from Executive Services was buying, outfitting/spy-proofing and fortifying a dwelling suitable for the President of a Fortune 500 company. Hayden's home would remain the domicile of Sydney thus Marilynn.The same rigmarole would be done for Rhada and Buffy (though I imaged Buffy would bitch endlessly). Publically, they were VP's of a company worth hundreds of billions of dollars and they had to present the public trappings of such leaders.Why did the Amazons do this ~ unmask their leadership to public exposure? Legal-simple: they could request and expect all levels of public and private security for their executives who happened to also be important officials of the Host. Certainly not all executives at Havenstone were officeholders, House Heads, or House Apprentices, but the high level of competence which permitted one often led to the other.Beyonce:As an example: Beyoncé wasn't the most 'bad-ass' lethal chick in House Hanwasuit. As she was preparing to be casted, her intelligence, creativity and diligence at her future craft, finances, was noted by the Host and the members of her House. In due time her name was circulated as Apprentice and the elders approved. When her elder cousin, the prior House Head, took herself to the cliffs, Beyoncé assumed the top spot. Beyoncé wasn't even one of that woman's three daughters.Mirroring her advancement in her House was her advancement in Havenstone's Accounting, Acquisitions and Banking Divisions until she was appointed CFO Havenstone HQ ~ the supreme financial authority inside Havenstone, though the individual regional branches had a greater degree of autonomy than you might normally expect from a 21st century conglomerate, or a Bronze Age autocracy.I had to constantly remind myself, despite the near-constant feuding, Amazons exhibited a phenomenally higher level of trust than I'd ever found in any other society I'd ever witnessed, or read about, before. Though technically Beyoncé could have gone to President Hayden to enforce her decisions ~ or now the Regency ~ she was far more diplomatic in her approach in dealing with the other 'continental' CEO's and CFO's.That meant she had to wrangle the aspirations and resources from:North America (including Latin America, the 'Canadian Arctic' and the North Pacific Ocean),South America (includes both the South Atlantic and South Pacific as far as Samoa),Europe (mostly Central Europe these days plus Antarctica, the 'Russian' Arctic and the North Atlantic),Africa (mostly West-central Africa),India (the subcontinent plus the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean) and,Southeast Asia (which includes Australia)All of which suggested Havenstone hadn't redrawn the Amazons' geographic demarcations since the late 19th century. As an example, an East African venture, say in Tanzania, was as likely to be under the purview of Havenstone: India (due to its control over the Indian Ocean) as Havenstone: Africa (which traditionally had no East Coast holdings due to their constant struggles versus the Arabic slave trade).Returning to Beyoncé: initially she had held the proper 'conservative' (aka man-hating) mindset. My behavior during that first Board Meeting began to change her opinion of me and the New Directive. After the Archery Range incident, Beyoncé became a vocal proponent of the New Directive and faced challenges within her ranks. House Heads do not have to accept challenges and Beyoncé didn't, reasoning with her detractors they had no alternatives save the 'Old Ways' which spelled doom for the Amazon Race.Bing-bang-boom ~ I became the Head of a resurrected House Ishara by the Will of the Ancestors and Beyoncé was vindicated. Not necessarily in the New Directive, but in her support of me thus the rebirth of a sister First House. The purge following High Priestess' Hayden's death was her ultimate absolution. The Ancestors and Destiny had spoken and shown Beyoncé had been piloting House Hanwasuit along the proper course all along.Back to my current circumstances:Oh, why was I Assistant to the Executive Director to the President? It gave me direct access to the finances of Havenstone which was a critical leg of the war-fighting stool ~ people, morale, money and equipment. As Chief Diplomat, I helped with all four of those in varying degrees, allied troops, allied victories, allied bank accounts and allied armaments.The Great Khan, my spiritual 'Blood-Brother', was ramping up his logistic support for my Amazons in Africa, Asia and the Americas. We were 'Allies in the Struggle' and he wasn't going to wait for the Condottieri to begin coordinating with the Seven Pillars to declare them to be his enemies. They were already fighting the Amazons and 9 Clans, his allies, so their fates were sealed.In Japan, my Amazons provided small yet highly effective strike groups which the Ninja families furnished all the support services for. Everything from food to bullets to medical attention as needed. Without reservation, we shared their death-grapple with the Seven Pillars.From the dispatches I was getting back from my family members and envoys in Japan, we were making serious diplomatic inroads with the Ninja. Once again, it was the Amazons shocking capacity for violence as well as their fanaticism, professionalism and proficiency which all impressed our hosts and terrified our enemies, and this from people of a philosophical mindset which had them historically battling samurai.The Black Lotus were running around like rhesus monkeys on crack cocaine unleashed in a China Shop and given RPG's. While the Amazons couldn't help them in China, Indochina & Thailand ~ the Khanate could and was. The Amazons were of more help in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, where the Black Lotus and Amazons were going everywhere on the offensive against the Seven Pillars while the normal tight cohesion and iron-clad confidence, traits which made the 7P's so dangerous ~ were shaken by their horrendous losses in the 'Homeland' aka Mainland China.Less we forget, the 'military intelligence' wing of their organization had been decimated by the Khanate's Anthrax attack due to members of the Earth & Sky sacrificing themselves by being injected with the toxin then allowing themselves to be captured, which always ended in torture and death.Furthermore, the People's Republic of China, while having a scary 18% of the population either captured, imprisoned, dead, or displaced due to the Khanate invasion, that had come with the loss of 63% of their landmass (they had lost all of Nei Mongol, Ningxia & Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Regions, Qinghai and Gansu as well as 90% of Yunnan, 80% of Sichuan and 20% of Shaanxi provinces) to the Khanate and the 'abomination' that was a free Tibet.Then came the Russian 'stab in the back' which entailed the loss of another 10% of their people falling under foreign dominion as well as losing 8% of their most industrialized territory, Manchuria (Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces ~ the Nei Mongol portion of 'Manchuria' was in the Khanate's greedy clutches, from the viewpoint of a Seven P's warrior).Don't get me wrong, they weren't about to throw in the towel. If anything, they were becoming more dedicated to trying harder, digging deep into their knowledge of every atrocity, inhumanity and perversion now deemed necessary to re-chart history back onto its 'correct' path. It was this willingness to act in an even greater sociopathic manner which was being used against them. After all, the 7P's had plenty of proxy allies, who were starting to get really nervous about what their paymasters were now asking them to do,We Amazons were getting some extra special help too. The Booth-gan (Do not call them Thuggee ~ the confederate 9 Clan member based out of India though long since ensconced within various Hindi enclaves across the Globe) had created an all-female group of ultra-fanatical Kali-devotees ~ a gift for the upcoming battle fomented by the Will of the Goddess herself.While Aya was our Queen and the Regency would rule until she wished to assume command of the Amazon People, the nuts-and-bolts of the Host's activities were handled by Saint Marie as Golden Mare (our Minister of War) (technically she held the top spot due to our State of War, though no Golden Mare had ever exercised such authority over a Queen (and she definitely believed Aya was our Queen)), Katrina (as Minister of Intelligence and Security), Beyoncé (as Havenstone (the multinational corporation) ~ our Treasurer/Economic Tsarina) and me (our Foreign Minister).Saint Marie had decided to forgo a public face in order to better facilitate her moving around to various battle fronts and holding clandestine meetings with her junior regional commanders. Her Havenstone corporate title was 'Chief of Security Training and Certification'. As an extra level of deception, the head of Security Services wasn't even a Director-level position, instead being folded into the duties of the Office of the President.To my current circumstances ~ I had been given Constanza's house name which could only mean she wasn't currently assigned to the Security Detail; a fact that couldn't have made her bad attitude any better. Marilynn had completely lost her way as an Amazon when I first met her, burying her pain and confusion in endless partying and intoxicants. I believed only her grandmother's status as High Priestess kept her from the severest of reprimands, or death. I didn't even know what Marilynn's caste was. Sabia,"While I'm sure you are both far more qualified than I, precisely how did you two get these jobs?" I had to ask my two non-coworkers. Constanza glowered. Marilynn flinched."I have an in depth knowledge of Havenstone security procedures and resources," Constanza replied."Shawnee requested me," was Marilynn's comeback. "I also have intimate knowledge of the City of New York and its environs.""Actually, Buffy Ishara recommended you both to Shawnee," Beyoncé corrected their misconceptions. I knew the score. I'd be working intimately with the tight community around the President (Shawnee) and Vice Presidents (Buffy & Rhada). Buffy wanted me to be surrounded by women who hated my guts, so I wouldn't end up boinking them. It rarely worked that way. All too often ladies who hated my still-beating heart ended up punishing me with sex. I wasn't sure why that happened, but it did."Beyoncé, didn't the Chief Diplomat of the Host have her own office? I'm pretty sure Troika had one before her unfortunate collision with Saint Marie," I felt entitled to inquire."Do you feel you've earned that office space?" she riposted."Oh, fuck no!" I waved my hands one over the other to accentuate my denial. "I was just wondering where I could stick Juanita while I'm hanging around, here.""She has the desk right outside the door, Cáel," Beyoncé smiled knowingly. "So there is no way you can sneak past her.""Oh," I grunted. "Buffy again?""No. Pamela Pile put in that particular request.""Oh, Sweet Mother of God, now she is conspiring against me too?""Yes. Some of us realize the greatest hazard to your health is yourself, Ishara," Beyoncé chided me. "We'd like to keep you around, so we listen to those charged with that nigh impossible task.""Is she going to be hanging around the office often?" Constanza asked, either myself, Juanita, or Beyoncé; I wasn't sure. She = Pamela."Please, Constanza," I attempted to intervene, "don't make Pamela kill you. It will upset Mona." Constanza's scowl was accentuated by the eyepatch covering her ruined left socket, the one Pamela had carved out when Constanza had insulted me and House Ishara on our first day of rebirth. I didn't tell Juanita this, because Juanita might just shoot Constanza over the insult before Pamela got a chance to finish the job.The tension was palatable."Mona and I have talked, about Romania, and other things," Constanza grudgingly allowed. It took me a second to realize there was a hidden meaning to what she said. Mona was part of my personal Security Detail bodyguard unit. If she felt Constanza, the woman who had raised her after her birth-mother had died, was a threat to me, she'd feel duty-bound to snuff Constanza first. Amazons were hard-ass bitches alright and I think Mona had made that clear."I hope things can improve between us," I offered to Constanza. "Beyoncé, I just stopped in to say 'hey'. I'm off to JIKIT and I've got three of the Pope's people waiting on me in the garage so,""Vice President Varma requested a moment of your time," Beyoncé smirked. "She is in 2604.""Who?""Vice President Rhada Varma, a moment of your time, alone?" she clarified."Sure thing," I backed out of the office. Once I had some space, I turned to Juanita. "Give me three minutes then bust in and say, I don't know, a tsunami is about to overwhelm the city, or something. Otherwise, I won't get out for at least an hour and I think I've put the Bishop and his people through enough delays as it is.""Are you actually asking me to stop you from having an in-office liaison?" she studied me intently as we walked in the direction of Rhada's office."Yes. It's not likely to happen often, believe me.""Oh, I do, in that you won't ask me to do it often," she grumbled. I'd deal with Juanita's morale problem later. Right now, I had to gird my loins so they wouldn't do anything else with Rhada. I had work to do, damn it!Rhada was sitting at her desk, working on something, stylus raised up so she could chew on the end. Her hair was pulled back in a half-ponytail, the type that captured the rear half of the hair in a ponytail while leaving the front and bangs free to flow down. Rhada's blouse was white & billowy and, as I was soon to discover, her pants were ultra-tight and contour hugging."Mr. Nyilas," she greeted me. "I would like a moment of your time," she relayed what I already knew. She was more than a tad nervous to boot."Vice President Varma," I started off."When in private you may call me Rhada," she interrupted."Rhada, you look more ravishing than ever."That got up her and coming around her desk, which revealed her ultra-tight pants with no sign of her wearing underwear. Yikes! My cock was preparing to do what a cock was meant to do and I just didn't have the time, Really!"Do you have any time?" she let her bosom heave."Not today, ugh," I groaned. See, Rhada took the stylus and dragged it down her chin, throat and in between her bountiful mounds.All of which exposed the top of her black bra."Are you sure, Master?" she enticed me by turning around and then leaning over her desk, point that ass in my direction. My mouth began salivating and my groin ached. I found myself quick-stepping to her and giving those buttocks two firm slaps, one on each cheek."No, damn it, though I'm going to make you pay for this when I get back," I rumbled."Master will make me wait?" she taunted me."That will cost you even more," I growled. "I have business which simply won't wait and here is my captive teasing me with the treasures of her flesh. Bad, war captive," I spanked her yet again, hard. "Bad!" and I spanked her a fourth time. With each beating, Rhada gasped in pain and then exhaled in pleasure."If I've been bad, Master must be extra harsh with me when he returns in triumph from the Great Hunt," she gloated. Rhada had gotten what she wanted, which was another affirmation of my lust for her and our 'game'. I could provide her the release she so desperately craved while allowing her the safety of remaining in the Amazon fold. It was a perfect pairing, for her.I had other problems, such as all the other baby mamas in my life plus the extra-marital affairs I was contemplating. I still took the moments we had to snuggle with Rhada, her grinding that tush into my rod while I held both her arms tightly to her side while raining kisses down onto her neck and head."Sir! A giant tsunami is approaching the city!" Juanita exploded through the door."What?" I coughed. I had a face full of hair."Huh?" Rhada pushed up and away from me. I let her go."Right now," Juanita insisted. She really needed to stop taking me so seriously when I gave her such advice."Really?" from Rhada. She shot me a curious look so I shrugged. What else was I supposed to do with such a flimsy lie forcing our separation? At least I got out of there on time?{9:50 am, Monday, September 8th ~ Last day}(JKIT HQ)"Is this a common occurrence?" Sister Rafaela Sophia whispered to the closest woman, who happened to be Wiesława, the Polish Amazon. Since she hadn't arrived with us from Havenstone, the nun might have assumed she was with the 'Americans', or British."What?" Wiesława responded evenly."Weapons combat, they look real," the nun clarified."They are real. We always practice with real weapons.""Really?""Of course," Wiesława smiled at her. "We believe a few cuts and scrapes now will save lives when the true tests come.""Oh, you are with, Havenstone?" Rafaela clued in."Yes. I am Wiesława of House Živa. I am currently assigned to Unit L, Cáel's unit within JIKIT," she offered her hand to shake. Despite being a full-blooded Amazon from a freehold, her 'human' skills were progressing nicely. The nun shook it."I am Sister Rafaela Sophia of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, that is a Roman Catholic Religious Order." Pause. "Do you hate Catholics too?""Yes. We have lived beside your people for many centuries and found your clergy to be much more dangerous than your pagan predecessors. Still, Cáel thinks you can be relied on and he's proven we can trust outsider women, which I was raised to believe was unlikely, and outsider men, which was basically anathema, so I'm willing to set aside my prejudices and judge you as an individual," the Pole imparted."Outsider men?" Rafaela mumbled."Well, yes," Wiesława smirked. "You are a nun, right?""Yes.""So you set aside the World of Men to live mostly among women, right?""Not entirely," the nun chose her words carefully. "We still rely on priests for religious rights and of course obey the life teachings of Christ and follow the leadership of his Holiness, the Pope, a man.""No one is perfect," the Amazon bantered back."Do you know the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ?" Rafaela ventured into dangerous waters."Yes. He was the semi-historical Son of your supposed One True God. We are not monotheists. We are Polytheists. Živa is my House's matron Goddess. It is also the name of the first woman to lead the House, her birth name surrendered to Destiny so all the daughters who came afterwards would be equals.""Oh, is Mr. Nyilas also pagan?" she inquired."I am unsure. From what I have been told, he has commended the spirit of his fallen father to your Jesus in a sacred ceremony then, in the presence of your Trinity and the Goddess Ishara, brought in new members to his House. I suspect he may be both," Wiesława reasoned. "Why don't you ask him?""Because he's fighting for his life?" Rafaela looked my way.See, the entire time their discussion had been going on, I had been sparring in a spare room at JIKIT HQ with Estere Abed, the Hashashin assassin (rather redundant ~ like saying the Sahara Desert). I had two tomahawks while she had a scimitar and curved dagger. While we sparred using the furniture as obstacles, Agent-86 was briefing me on various World events to get my input.Addison Stuart (CIA) and Lady Fathom Worthington-Burke (MI-6) were having a chat with Bishop Nicolé de Santis, verifying for themselves he was worth adding to the team. Juanita was having a similar discussion with Rikki Martin (US State Department) concerning my earlier encounter with the Papal team. Nicolé's buddy, Wachtmeister Mathias Bosshart of the Swiss Guard, was getting acquainted with the other security personnel.In comparison, those two had it easy. Both men were in their elements. Nicolé was a spook who pretended to be a diplomat for the Pope and was well acquainted with terms like 'deniable assets', 'plausible deniability' and your direct superior referring to requests concerning your identity/diplomatic status by saying 'I never heard of him and if I had, I have no idea what he was doing when you caught him doing what I don't know what he was doing', or something like that.Mathias was in the company of military-security specialists, brother professionals who were introducing him to his 'sister' professionals. Our Homeland Security gang were almost entirely former military by now. They got along with our JSOC folks and both had gained a limited acceptance with the Amazon security contingent.They bonded over the fact they were forced to work with really shady characters ~ the 9 Clans menagerie ~ who didn't always appreciate JIKIT operational security. Without going into particulars, the Wachtmeister was given the impression the abnormal was the norm and if you didn't think there was a 'down-side' to being able to carry your personally favorite bang-bang (the SG 552-2P Commando in his case) with some serious attachments (read: grenade launcher) around in downtown Manhattan, you probably didn't belong on this team.Back in the room,"He's not fighting for his life," Estere laughed. "He is fighting for mine.""Right," I responded sarcastically. We went through a flurry of exchanges, ending up with me kicking a chair at her. Estere stepped over it, colliding with me.I blocked her dagger, disarmed her scimitar and,"You are dead," she panted down at me, smiling. I was on my back, her straddling me. She had a belt-knife to my throat. I hadn't see her draw it. The scimitar 'disarm' had been a distraction."Woot!" I exhaled."But you're dead," Sister Rafaela misunderstood my good humor."He survived a minute and thirty-four seconds more today than his previous record," Estere responded. She slithered off of me, doing my arousal no good whatsoever, then offered me a hand up."And that's better?""He's a rank amateur with a few months on the job. I've been training to kill people for nearly two decades," Estere smiled. "Care to have a go?""With him, or you?""Either," Estere offered."I don't have a knife, or any hand weapons," she stated."We'll need to remedy that," Wiesława stated. "You should at least carry a knife.""Really? Why?""It is a nearly universal tool," I verbally stepped up. "Even if you are disarmed, you should be able to find one relatively easily, people are less likely to miss a stolen knife than a purloined gun, and a concealed blade could come in handy.""Do you train in knife-work?" Rafaela eye-balled me."Absolutely. It is part of my culture," I grinned."Okay. Can we spar, hand-to-hand?""Sure," I nodded. I put my tomahawks in their harnesses then put my harnesses aside. Estere gave me a wink before giving us the fighting space."So," Rafaela began to circle, "are you Christian?""By your definition, or mine?""By the definition of the Catholic Church."Oh cool, she went for a Savate stance. This was going to get ugly.My "no," was followed by her kick and my block, lunge and grapple. She wasn't nearly as good as Felix. I had her down and in a choke hold within fifteen seconds.Perhaps she thought I'd take it easy on her. She tapped out. I released her, retreated and flowed back to my boxing stance. It took her a moment to realize this was 'practice', not 'an interview'. She hadn't failed in anyone's eyes. We were both doing this to get better."See, I really, truly believe I have talked to supernatural entities ~ some who are considered divinities," I continued. This time she was more careful, trading jabs and blocks with me. "They don't claim to be the One True God. I believe in such a thing, but I also believe having been given the Message, Humanity has been left to muddle things out for ourselves."Whoops, she popped me one."The Woman-Thing this morning?""Yep," I evaded another flurry. She got cocky and I landed three blows, dropping her to the ground. I didn't help her up. Instead, I withdrew and let her get back up on her own before deciding if she wanted to continue. She did."I believe I've seen dragons and ghosts. I have felt legions of my ancestors give me quiet encouragement when I needed it. I know the dead have been brought back to life," I came at her. This time we both went for body blows, knees, elbows and fists. She was not SD-caliber and she needed to be. I grappled and she was forced to tap out again. After she regained her feet, she held up a hand for a pause."Do you believe any of that?" she addressed Estere."I am an adherent of Ismaili Islam yet nothing Cáel has encountered is contrary to my belief system. The Universe is a complex place and the Divine Light is often seen through a fractured lenses," she counseled the nun."Among the escapees were lawyer Francisco Luemba, Catholic Priest Raul Tati, economist Belchior Lanso Tati and former policeman Benjamin Fuca who are serving jail sentences of between three and six years each for supposed links to the rebel group FLEC (Frente para a Libertaé'o do Enclave de Cabinda), which carried out the attack on the Togolese football team at the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in January, 2010," Agent-86 read off yet another bit of global minutia."We need to get to them," I half turned. Sister Rafaela punched me in the gut and I folded up."Oh!" she gasped. "I'm sorry.""Okay," I mumbled. I had to keep with the plan. "Those men. We need to contact our Coils people in Kinshasa and the Warden of the Mountain Ways ('she' was the Amazon Host's leader of Africa ~ in the ancient times, the mountain ways had been the routes of southern vulnerability for the Amazon tribe thus the name).""Okay," both Agent-86 and Estere answered."Why?" 86 added."The Coils and the Host have had a serious problem with no nation in Africa giving them even back room recognition so we are going to take over our own country, Cabinda. It's been struggling to be free of Angola since 1975 and, by latest estimates, we've got strike elements of over 2,000 Amazons ready and waiting next door in Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of Congo.""So you are going to go to war with Angola?" Estere frowned. "Don't we have enough enemies?""Au contraire," I grinned wickedly. "The resistance movement is genuine," I ticked off my points, "they have tons of offshore oil, and after we set off some spectacular explosions in the two main Angolan ports which are just down the coast, we allow global panic to bully the UN into intervening before the Angolan military launch an effective counter-offensive ~ considering the Angolan Armed Forces (I'd been reading up on a ton of CIA & MI-6 briefings) will most likely involve attrition warfare since they can't beat us in a stand-up fight.""They, the Angolans, have no overland access, they are separated by 60 kilometers of territory belonging to the Democratic Republic of Congo over some sad ass roads Plus the Congo River itself which is freaking huge by the time it gets that close to the Atlantic, Cabinda rests on the Atlantic Ocean by the way. No bridges. The Angolan Navy is anemic. Let me think."I began pacing."Hmm, they have no paratroopers though they have some Special Forces, we will need to hit as many of them in the barracks as we can. Their last invasion was from the north, overland, from the Republic of the Congo, in 1975, not likely to happen this time, though I may have my 'Brother' weasel up a battalion of Indian paratroopers to act as convincing peacekeepers after the initial take over.""Perhaps we can recruit some Vietnamese. I'm sure they'll love fighting in someone else's jungle for a change. We'll need some of 'our' guys to seize the port of Soyo, it is on the wrong side of the river, but has the major refinery the Cabindans will need. Since the entire surrounding province are the same ethnic make-up as the Cabindans, we'll have to take that too.""Man-o-man, I bet by the time this is over they'll really wish they'd given little Cabinda independence back in 1975. As for their other refinery, it is in their capital, Luanda, a few big explosions there too will get the markets jittery. Check that ~ the complete and utter destruction of their major petroleum facility will create a stampede for Peace," I continued. I walked over as our resident computer intelligence genius worked his magic."Blowing things up, you mean killing people," the nun blanched."Yes. This is what I do," I spared her a sympathetic glance. "I've got a madman roaming around in my head who provides me truly epic military advice which normally, but not always, means blowing shit up and killing folks. Welcome to the team," then as the data appeared, "Holy Shit! Did they build their oil refinery in the midst of their ghetto?" I was staggered. The refinery in Soyo was isolated from the town so it could be easily (and safely) seized. It was the one in Luanda which was the 'Holy Shit' site."It looks that way," Agent-86 agreed nonplussed. "Hmm, yeah, here is the port facility then your neighborhood of shoddily constructed one- and two-story dwellings between the refinery and the inland storage tanks, the perimeter barrier appears to be a chain link fence. I'd hate to be their Chief of Security.""Oh yeah," I choked. Estere slipped around to get a look."Whoops," she snorted."What are these people thinking?" I continued. "The whole shebang is exposed to the northern quarter of the city. The storage tanks have residential dwellings on all four sides with numerous side streets. Two teams with RPGs and four rounds apiece, Holy Crap. Sorry Sister.""But I want to save lives," she sputtered."Limiting the collateral damage could be pretty tough," Estere frowned. She toggled throw a series of maps to multiple pictures."Oh, look (dripping sarcasm); they light up the refinery at night. You can sit off the coast in a speed boat under cover of darkness and attack from there," she noted."Damn. Those are a lot of lights," Agent-86 agreed."24-7 operation," I suspected."We will need some experts," the government agent nodded."Or we are going to kill a fuck-load of innocent people. Not just the workers, but can you imagine a fire spreading to those neighborhoods? Shit," I muttered."You can't seriously be contemplating doing something like this," the nun sputtered. "It is inhumane. Think of the families, the children.""Lady, yes I am. Do you have any idea what the Human Rights record of the Angolan Army in Cabinda is? It is truly horrific and in case you missed it, one of the guys in dire need of rescuing by me, due to him being a huge rebel leader who has managed to escape, is also a Catholic priest. He's going to be part of the new government we are going to install once we kill a few hundred Angolans ~ mostly soldiers (more like well over a thousand).""We are going to kill a few hundred so a few hundred thousand can live free, democratic lives without worrying about the local police and political establishment torturing and murdering them. It is all part of the plan.""I think I need to talk with the Bishop.""Hang on. Let me finish," I forestalled her. "He'll get briefed along with everyone else. After all, it is a majority Roman Catholic country as is Angola, so I'm sure your guy can be of immense help.""The people you are putting at risk don't deserve this," she protested."They never do," I nodded in agreement with her. "It rarely stops terrible crap from happening to them though."I felt sorry for the Sister. She thought the Bishop was going to put a stop to this. Poor girl; he was going to do the exact opposite. See, the two competing forces at play here were a communistic kleptocracy (currently ruling Angola) and Catholic liberation theology united with a Cabindan national identity dating back to 1885. At stake was 900,000 barrels a day of petroleum. That was a bunch of funding for somebody. Last I checked, the state run energy conglomerate had misplaced $32 billion, in just three years.Mind you, the Coils of the Serpent and the Amazon Host didn't want to help the People of Cabinda out of the goodness of their hearts either. They wanted cover for the importation of weapons and other war-fighting material so they could kill the Condottieri in Africa. If the rebel leaders-turned-legitimate government didn't play ball well, the Coils were in the 'assassinating people' business and somewhere along the line the survivors would figure out keeping 'us' happy kept them alive. Problem solved.It was Bishop Nicolé de Santis' job to facilitate that understanding. If certain people with Vatican credentials explained the 'facts of life' to the new regime a lot more lives could be saved, Catholic lives. In turn, he could work to make sure the new group in power wasn't nearly as corrupt as the gang we were tossing out. Better education and quality of life, improved infrastructure & security and a nice shiny cathedral, or two.We, as in JIKIT and our component members, didn't want to rule the country and dominate the people's lives. We needed the ports and the airfields with a blind eye turned to our skullduggery. Sure, there would be future considerations. Amazons and Coil members would be fighting and dying for these people's freedom ~ public recognition definitely not required. No; the Amazons wanted to be left alone in their deep jungle homes which was an isolation they basically already had. This was a future chit which said 'don't come looking'.The Coils? Let's just say in the future Cabinda would have embassies around the globe and if occasionally they wanted someone to slip through under diplomatic cover ~ they were good for it. And if the Cabindans ever needed help in the future they knew they had friends in dark places who were now invested in Cabinda's survival. It was a win-win-win, unless you were an Angolan big-wig, or one of their foot-soldier currently serving in Cabinda. Amazons weren't big on taking prisoners, or even giving the opposition the option of giving up.For me, it wasn't lunch yet and here I was plotting to overthrow yet another government in yet another country ~ though in only two, small provinces this time. Thank the Goddess I had the rest of the week

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 576 - Phil King - Miscarriages PHIL KING OFFERS HOPE AMIDST LOSS WITH POIGNANT    ‘MISCARRIAGES' NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Unveiling one of his most emotive and powerful singles yet, acclaimed singer/songwriter and worship leader Phil King bows “Miscarriages” today. Written and produced by King with children's choir and string arrangements by Tyler Michael Smith, “Miscarriages” aims to bring comfort to grieving parents while serving as an important reminder that earthly loss is only temporal.    King, a father of twins, was moved to pen the poignant ballad upon witnessing multiple families in his own circle experience the heartbreak of miscarriage. “After grieving with some good friends who lost a child in the womb, we learned that another couple was pregnant with twins," he explains. "We were overjoyed to celebrate with them, but then my wife received a call with more devastating news—they had lost their ‘Baby B,' a reference to the second child conceived in a twin pregnancy. In our journey of becoming twin parents, ‘Baby B' would have been our son. Hearing this news and imagining the pain of losing our own son is what set me on course to compose ‘Miscarriages.'”   “After I wrote the song, I sent it to both couples with the intent of bringing comfort to them,” King shares. “Along with their reactions, and after playing it for a few others, I decided that with all the other millions of stories of miscarriages out there and so few songs on the subject, this one needed to be available for anyone to hear.”     He adds, “In Heaven, families are reunited every day. My hope is that ‘Miscarriages' reassures parents with the truth that their baby is not actually lost. Rather, their child is safe in Heaven with Jesus, waiting for them on the other side of eternity. I hope this knowledge will prevail in the hearts and minds of people who have struggled with the grief of miscarriage as they listen.”     A pro-life advocate, King performed his anthem “Not Forgotten” with GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Francesca Battistelli before 20,000 people at Focus on the Family's 2019 “Alive From New York” gathering. Featuring 4D ultrasound footage projected on screens in Times Square, the event underscored the undeniable scientific evidence that a baby in the womb is fully human, fully alive and fully worthy of protection.    “Miscarriages” is King's second single of the year, arriving on the heels of “Heal Our Land.” A fervent prayer for America which released prior to last month's Presidential Inauguration, the song is a plea for peace, spiritual transformation and personal revival in the wake of change, tension and new beginnings.    ABOUT PHIL KING  Singer/songwriter, recording artist and worship leader Phil King is passionate about composing and sharing music that points people to Jesus. His acclaimed songs include the multilingual anthem “So Worthy,” which has been embraced by audiences around the world, as well as "Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)," a duet with Dove Award-winning worship leader Meredith Andrews. King has also written and co-penned songs for such artists as Matt Redman, Leeland, Micah Tyler, Christine D'Clario and Rita Springer, and he has been featured on recordings and at live events with Lauren Daigle, Michael W. Smith, Jekalyn Carr and Danny Gokey, among others. Formerly a worship leader at Christ for the Nations and a worship pastor at Dallas' Gateway Church, King currently serves as a worship pastor at Trinity Fellowship Church in Amarillo, Texas. He and his wife Kalyn are the parents of a twin son and daughter.    For further information, visit philkingmusic.com or turningpointpr.com. Follow King on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.          ----more----     Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James   Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James     Get the new song - Whatever You Do       VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)   VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 576 - Phil King - MiscarriagesPHIL KING OFFERS HOPE AMIDST LOSSWITH POIGNANT‘MISCARRIAGES'NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Unveiling one of his most emotive and powerful singles yet, acclaimed singer/songwriter and worship leader Phil King bows “Miscarriages” today. Written and produced by King with children's choir and string arrangements by Tyler Michael Smith, “Miscarriages” aims to bring comfort to grieving parents while serving as an important reminder that earthly loss is only temporal.King, a father of twins, was moved to pen the poignant ballad upon witnessing multiple families in his own circle experience the heartbreak of miscarriage. “After grieving with some good friends who lost a child in the womb, we learned that another couple was pregnant with twins," he explains. "We were overjoyed to celebrate with them, but then my wife received a call with more devastating news—they had lost their ‘Baby B,' a reference to the second child conceived in a twin pregnancy. In our journey of becoming twin parents, ‘Baby B' would have been our son. Hearing this news and imagining the pain of losing our own son is what set me on course to compose ‘Miscarriages.'”“After I wrote the song, I sent it to both couples with the intent of bringing comfort to them,” King shares. “Along with their reactions, and after playing it for a few others, I decided that with all the other millions of stories of miscarriages out there and so few songs on the subject, this one needed to be available for anyone to hear.”He adds, “In Heaven, families are reunited every day. My hope is that ‘Miscarriages' reassures parents with the truth that their baby is not actually lost. Rather, their child is safe in Heaven with Jesus, waiting for them on the other side of eternity. I hope this knowledge will prevail in the hearts and minds of people who have struggled with the grief of miscarriage as they listen.”A pro-life advocate, King performed his anthem “Not Forgotten” with GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Francesca Battistelli before 20,000 people at Focus on the Family's 2019 “Alive From New York” gathering. Featuring 4D ultrasound footage projected on screens in Times Square, the event underscored the undeniable scientific evidence that a baby in the womb is fully human, fully alive and fully worthy of protection.“Miscarriages” is King's second single of the year, arriving on the heels of “Heal Our Land.” A fervent prayer for America which released prior to last month's Presidential Inauguration, the song is a plea for peace, spiritual transformation and personal revival in the wake of change, tension and new beginnings.ABOUT PHIL KINGSinger/songwriter, recording artist and worship leader Phil King is passionate about composing and sharing music that points people to Jesus. His acclaimed songs include the multilingual anthem “So Worthy,” which has been embraced by audiences around the world, as well as "Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)," a duet with Dove Award-winning worship leader Meredith Andrews. King has also written and co-penned songs for such artists as Matt Redman, Leeland, Micah Tyler, Christine D'Clario and Rita Springer, and he has been featured on recordings and at live events with Lauren Daigle, Michael W. Smith, Jekalyn Carr and Danny Gokey, among others. Formerly a worship leader at Christ for the Nations and a worship pastor at Dallas' Gateway Church, King currently serves as a worship pastor at Trinity Fellowship Church in Amarillo, Texas. He and his wife Kalyn are the parents of a twin son and daughter.For further information, visit philkingmusic.com or turningpointpr.com. Follow King on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.----more----Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.comDon't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.comBlessings,Rick Lee JamesGet the new song - Whatever You DoVINYL SALETHUNDER by Rick Lee JamesONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)VINYL SALE -“KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Episode 575 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) - Overturn the Tables - A Sermon from SRMC Chapel   This Podcast episode is a sermon and music from Rick Lee James delivered at Springfield regional Medical Cecnter Chapel in March 13th, 2025.      ----more----     Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James   Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James     Get the new song - Whatever You Do       VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)   VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Episode 575 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) -Overturn the Tables - A Sermon from SRMC ChapelThis Podcast episode is a sermon and music from Rick Lee James delivered at Springfield regional Medical Cecnter Chapel in March 13th, 2025.Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.com  * Web Site: https://rickleejames.com* PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com* SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing* Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts* Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 Endorsements:“A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.”-CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/“I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.”–Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary)"I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release."-Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter)"Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus."-Mike HarlandRICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

In this powerful sermon, Pastor Eli Nelson tackles the spiritual battle we face in our minds and how to confront and conquer the lies the enemy plants in our hearts. With a focus on 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, he shares how we can stand firm in the truth of God's Word to demolish strongholds and take every thought captive. Pastor Eli encourages us to replace negative, worldly thinking with God's truth and divine power. This message reminds us that the battle is won in the mind, and only by renewing our thoughts with the Word of God can we walk in victory. If you're struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, or mental strongholds, this sermon will empower you to take back control of your thoughts, overcome fear, and live a victorious life in Christ. Join us as we dive into God's Word and learn how to fight back against the enemy with divine power.

Finally, I hear you say! Or is that the voices in my head?Sincere apologies for the gap between episodes, but it is here now, so stop whining!Yes, another collection of YOUR best bits of the show.Thank you, again, for all you wonderful support over the years.Foxy Stoat!https.//376miles.substack.com

Episode 574 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) - 70 Christians found beheaded in church in DRC   This episode deals with sensitive information that listeners may find disturbing. I encourage discretion especially around children.   The topic this week:   Christians in DRC have again been left reeling after a heinous act of violence that has left 70 believers dead. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in the country as they face escalating persecution. Link to this story/petition https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/drc-attack-church/       ----more----     Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James   Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James     Get the new song - Whatever You Do       VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)   VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Episode 574 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)70 Christians found beheaded in church in DRCThis episode deals with sensitive information that listeners may find disturbing. I encourage discretion especially around children.The topic this week:Christians in DRC have again been left reeling after a heinous act of violence that has left 70 believers dead. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in the country as they face escalating persecution.Link to this story/petition: https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/drc-attack-church/Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.com  * Web Site: https://rickleejames.com* PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com* SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing* Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts* Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 Endorsements:“A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.”-CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/“I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.”–Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary)"I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release."-Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter)"Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus."-Mike HarlandRICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 573 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Recorded live at Springfield Regional Medical CenterDon't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.com  * Web Site: https://rickleejames.com* PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com* SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing* Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts* Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 Endorsements:“A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.”-CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/“I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.”–Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary)"I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release."-Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter)"Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus."-Mike HarlandRICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

12.8.24 - Too Many Voices In My Head - Gabriel Romero by JLRV | Jesucristo La Roca Viva

Text Theshortdesk PodcastEP 195!!!!3:20- Ronnie Keith reflects on the 4 year anniversary of the podcast.14:30- Fan mail17:00- Super Bowl Recap of the game and halftime show feelings40:30- Darrell's Question of the day46:40- A lot in the news as we discuss an epidemic with rising rent prices and pay not matching, we get cut off discussing Marcus Jordan being arrested and more news.1:15:33- One Has to Go!1:17:33- What are we doing award1:19:05- Sports with DwayneSONG OF THE WEEK:Dwayne: Capleton- Stand TallDarrell: Devin The Dude- Boo Boo'nRonnie Keith: Bun B ft Pimp C, Z-Ro, Jeezy, and Jay-Z-  Get ThrowedEMAIL: Theshortdeskpodcast@gmail.comFB/IG: Theshortdesk PodcastTwitter: TheshortdeskUse my special link https://zen.ai/uQkFLEY_TedWNfNOZoR4bPR4j1xUVxkRPi0SuDovOcA to save 20% off your first month of any Zencastr paid planCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr https://zencastr.com/?via=ronald

Episode 572 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) - Post Grammys ReflectionJust a few thoughts on my trip to the Grammys this year, playing on a nominated album, and what it's like to be in LA for the event.Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.com  * Web Site: https://rickleejames.com* PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com* SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing* Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts* Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 Endorsements:“A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.”-CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/“I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.”–Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary)"I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release."-Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter)"Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus."-Mike HarlandRICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 571 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) - What Is White Privilege?   In this episode, recorded the day after MLK Day 2025, I present a brief devotional on White Privilege, what it is, and why it is essential not to ignore its effects.   ----more----     Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James   Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James     Get the new song - Whatever You Do       VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)   VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

In this episode, recorded the day after MLK Day 2025, I present a brief devotional on White Privilege, what it is, and why it is essential not to ignore its effects.Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.com  * Web Site: https://rickleejames.com* PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com* SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing* Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts* Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 Endorsements:“A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.”-CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/“I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.”–Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary)"I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release."-Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter)"Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus."-Mike HarlandRICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Jason Lovins - Pilgrim Road -Episode 570 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)     JASON LOVINS BAND CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH PILGRIM ROAD   NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Celebrating two decades of music and ministry in 2025, the Jason Lovins Band is poised to commemorate the milestone year with Pilgrim Road (New Day Digital Distribution), out January 17. Featuring 11 tracks produced by the Kentucky-based group and showcasing their signature sound—a unique tapestry of gospel, country and pop influences—Pilgrim Road is hallmarked by guest appearances from bluegrass hitmakers Chosen Road and longtime NewSong frontman and acclaimed singer/songwriter Russ Lee. The title cut, a modern hymn written by Noah Baker and Jason Lovins, encapsulates the album's theme as well as the overarching mission of the Jason Lovins Band. “Not only does ‘Pilgrim Road' capture the heart of what we want to say with this record—sharing the Gospel and reflecting on the journey from Genesis to Revelation—but naming the album Pilgrim Road felt right as we look back on 20 years together and see God's faithfulness every step of the way," says Lovins. "Even after all this time, it feels like we're just getting started, and we're excited for the road ahead.” Further highlights of Pilgrim Road include the project's latest single, “Hide My Soul,” a joyful worship anthem penned by Daniel Doss, Emma Feldman, Jonathan Jackson and Jonathan Turner, along with the band's two guest collaborations: a bluesy bluegrass take on the 1890 Gospel classic “Life's Railway To Heaven” featuring Chosen Road, and the impassioned pop anthem “Constant” with vocal contributions from Russ Lee. In addition, Pilgrim Road continues the Jason Lovins Band's longstanding tradition of showcasing a Spanish-language selection on each album. “En La Cruz,” a rendition of the beloved hymn “At The Cross,” is a nod to group member Rodney Mora's heritage and serves as a poignant reminder of the Gospel's power to transcend languages and cultures. “Our pianist Rodney Mora was born and raised in Venezuela and grew up in a Christian home, which is not the norm there,” explains Lovins. “I remember the first time we sang a song together, me in English and Rodney in Spanish, it really opened my eyes to just how big God is. He has no barriers, and He understands and hears us both.” “Hymns have shaped our lives and faith, and we feel blessed to carry them forward,” Lovins adds. “I grew up surrounded by these songs that have stood the test of time and tell great stories of the faith. Hymns have a way of bridging and connecting generations, so we want to keep putting our own twist on them.” ABOUT THE JASON LOVINS BAND   With a unique fusion of country, gospel and worship styles anchored in Jason Lovins' Appalachian heritage, the Jason Lovins Band has been delivering modern arrangements of sacred hymns alongside their own acclaimed originals since 2005. Lovins' personal testimony propels the band's mission and purpose, and they have released 11 full-length recordings to date, including the three-volume Songs From Sunday series and two Christmas projects. Helmed by Lovins and comprised of members Rodney Mora, Aaron Crozier and Jonathan Nicholson, the Jason Lovins Band has opened for Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Crowder and Point of Grace, among others. In addition, the group has appeared at Billy Graham Crusades and multiple Southern Baptist state conventions, and they perform at numerous churches and conferences around the country each year. Jason Lovins' life is a testament to the faithfulness of God—the only Father he has ever known. Born in Huntington, West Virginia, to a 15-year-old girl who was assaulted and impregnated by a stranger as she walked home from the community swimming pool, Lovins was raised by his mother and grandmother in a devout household of faith. As a child he traveled throughout Appalachia with his grandmother's Gospel singing group, but it was his first encounter with contemporary Christian music as a teenager that changed the trajectory of his life. Immediately captivated by the modern worship he heard at a youth group meeting, Lovins was inspired to embark on a lifelong mission of ministry-driven music. Early in his career, while performing with his college band in a local church, Lovins felt compelled to tell his birth story for the first time on stage. Deeply moved by his testimony, the church's pastor made Lovins promise he would continue to share the pivotal account each time he performed. Since that day, Lovins' testimony has been a cornerstone of the Jason Lovins Band's ministry platform. For further information, visit jasonlovins.com or turningpointpr.com. Follow the Jason Lovins Band on Instagram and Facebook. ----more----     Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James   Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James     Get the new song - Whatever You Do       VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)   VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

JASON LOVINS BAND CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH PILGRIM ROAD NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Celebrating two decades of music and ministry in 2025, the Jason Lovins Band is poised to commemorate the milestone year with Pilgrim Road (New Day Digital Distribution), out January 17. Featuring 11 tracks produced by the Kentucky-based group and showcasing their signature sound—a unique tapestry of gospel, country and pop influences—Pilgrim Road is hallmarked by guest appearances from bluegrass hitmakers Chosen Road and longtime NewSong frontman and acclaimed singer/songwriter Russ Lee. The title cut, a modern hymn written by Noah Baker and Jason Lovins, encapsulates the album's theme as well as the overarching mission of the Jason Lovins Band. “Not only does ‘Pilgrim Road' capture the heart of what we want to say with this record—sharing the Gospel and reflecting on the journey from Genesis to Revelation—but naming the album Pilgrim Road felt right as we look back on 20 years together and see God's faithfulness every step of the way," says Lovins. "Even after all this time, it feels like we're just getting started, and we're excited for the road ahead.” Further highlights of Pilgrim Road include the project's latest single, “Hide My Soul,” a joyful worship anthem penned by Daniel Doss, Emma Feldman, Jonathan Jackson and Jonathan Turner, along with the band's two guest collaborations: a bluesy bluegrass take on the 1890 Gospel classic “Life's Railway To Heaven” featuring Chosen Road, and the impassioned pop anthem “Constant” with vocal contributions from Russ Lee. In addition, Pilgrim Road continues the Jason Lovins Band's longstanding tradition of showcasing a Spanish-language selection on each album. “En La Cruz,” a rendition of the beloved hymn “At The Cross,” is a nod to group member Rodney Mora's heritage and serves as a poignant reminder of the Gospel's power to transcend languages and cultures. “Our pianist Rodney Mora was born and raised in Venezuela and grew up in a Christian home, which is not the norm there,” explains Lovins. “I remember the first time we sang a song together, me in English and Rodney in Spanish, it really opened my eyes to just how big God is. He has no barriers, and He understands and hears us both.” “Hymns have shaped our lives and faith, and we feel blessed to carry them forward,” Lovins adds. “I grew up surrounded by these songs that have stood the test of time and tell great stories of the faith. Hymns have a way of bridging and connecting generations, so we want to keep putting our own twist on them.” ABOUT THE JASON LOVINS BANDWith a unique fusion of country, gospel and worship styles anchored in Jason Lovins' Appalachian heritage, the Jason Lovins Band has been delivering modern arrangements of sacred hymns alongside their own acclaimed originals since 2005. Lovins' personal testimony propels the band's mission and purpose, and they have released 11 full-length recordings to date, including the three-volume Songs From Sunday series and two Christmas projects. Helmed by Lovins and comprised of members Rodney Mora, Aaron Crozier and Jonathan Nicholson, the Jason Lovins Band has opened for Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Crowder and Point of Grace, among others. In addition, the group has appeared at Billy Graham Crusades and multiple Southern Baptist state conventions, and they perform at numerous churches and conferences around the country each year.Jason Lovins' life is a testament to the faithfulness of God—the only Father he has ever known. Born in Huntington, West Virginia, to a 15-year-old girl who was assaulted and impregnated by a stranger as she walked home from the community swimming pool, Lovins was raised by his mother and grandmother in a devout household of faith. As a child he traveled throughout Appalachia with his grandmother's Gospel singing group, but it was his first encounter with contemporary Christian music as a teenager that changed the trajectory of his life. Immediately captivated by the modern worship he heard at a youth group meeting, Lovins was inspired to embark on a lifelong mission of ministry-driven music. Early in his career, while performing with his college band in a local church, Lovins felt compelled to tell his birth story for the first time on stage. Deeply moved by his testimony, the church's pastor made Lovins promise he would continue to share the pivotal account each time he performed. Since that day, Lovins' testimony has been a cornerstone of the Jason Lovins Band's ministry platform. For further information, visit jasonlovins.com or turningpointpr.com. Follow the Jason Lovins Band on Instagram and Facebook.Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.com  * Web Site: https://rickleejames.com* PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com* SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing* Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts* Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 Endorsements:“A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.”-CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/“I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.”–Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary)"I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release."-Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter)"Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus."-Mike HarlandRICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Cross Purposes with Jonathan Rauch -Episode 569 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)     Joining me today is Jonathan Rauch, an award-winning journalist, author, and public intellectual whose work has shaped critical conversations on politics, culture, and religion.   Jonathan's latest book, Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy, courageously and thought-provokingly examines the challenges facing American Christianity today. With declining church attendance, a rise in political polarization, and questions about religion's role in a liberal democracy, Jonathan offers a fresh perspective, arguing that Christianity can and must become an ally of secular society rather than its adversary.     Drawing from history, current events, and his unique perspective as a gay Jewish atheist, Jonathan calls for a reimagining of faith's role in public life.  Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy releases on February 4th, 2025 PRE-ORDER CROSS PURPOSES ON AMAZON   ----more---- Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James   Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James     Get the new song - Whatever You Do       VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)   VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Joining me today is Jonathan Rauch, an award-winning journalist, author, and public intellectual whose work has shaped critical conversations on politics, culture, and religion.  Jonathan's latest book, Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy, courageously and thought-provokingly examines the challenges facing American Christianity today. With declining church attendance, a rise in political polarization, and questions about religion's role in a liberal democracy, Jonathan offers a fresh perspective, arguing that Christianity can and must become an ally of secular society rather than its adversary.  Drawing from history, current events, and his unique perspective as a gay Jewish atheist, Jonathan calls for a reimagining of faith's role in public life. Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy releases on February 4th, 2025Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesEmail: Rick@RickLeeJames.com  VINYL SALETHUNDER by Rick Lee JamesONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)VINYL SALE -“KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Feelings -Episode 568 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)     Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get Rick's newest song - Whatever You Do Up on the Mountain Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can't wait to meet you Up on the Mountain onJuly 12th. Blessings, Rick Lee James             10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp Instructions Visit https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com At checkout use code: 10off Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.   Official Music Video:   Web Site: https://rickleejames.com   PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892  Endorsements: “A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.” -CCM Magazinehttps://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/ “I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.” –Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary) "I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release." -Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter) "Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus." -Mike Harland RICK LEE JAMES INFO Web Sites: https://www.rickleejames.com Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls         More from Rick Lee James Shine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video:   Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:   https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa        

The topic of this episode is FEELINGS.Happy New Year!Don't forget about our music sale on Bandcamp.Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off of your entire purchase.Blessings,Rick  Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.comBlessings,Rick Lee JamesVINYL SALETHUNDER by Rick Lee JamesONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)VINYL SALE -“KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Urges -Episode 567 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)     Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get Rick's newest song - Whatever You Do Up on the Mountain Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can't wait to meet you Up on the Mountain onJuly 12th. Blessings, Rick Lee James             10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp Instructions Visit https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com At checkout use code: 10off Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.   Official Music Video:   Web Site: https://rickleejames.com   PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892  Endorsements: “A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.” -CCM Magazinehttps://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/ “I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.” –Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary) "I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release." -Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter) "Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus." -Mike Harland RICK LEE JAMES INFO Web Sites: https://www.rickleejames.com Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls         More from Rick Lee James Shine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video:   Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:   https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa        

The topic of this episode is URGES.Also, if you are looking for Christmas giftsUse the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off of your entire purchase.Blessings,Rick  Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.comBlessings,Rick Lee JamesVINYL SALETHUNDER by Rick Lee JamesONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album)VINYL SALE -“KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES

Thoughts -Episode 566 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)     Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get Rick's newest song - Whatever You Do Up on the Mountain Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can't wait to meet you Up on the Mountain onJuly 12th. Blessings, Rick Lee James             10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp Instructions Visit https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com At checkout use code: 10off Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.   Official Music Video:   Web Site: https://rickleejames.com   PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892  Endorsements: “A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.” -CCM Magazinehttps://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/ “I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.” –Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary) "I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release." -Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter) "Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus." -Mike Harland RICK LEE JAMES INFO Web Sites: https://www.rickleejames.com Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls         More from Rick Lee James Shine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video:   Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:   https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa        

In this week's episode, I take a look back at the movies and TV shows I watched in Autumn 2024, and rate them from my least favorite to my favorite. TRANSCRIPT Hello, everyone. Welcome to episode 230 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is December the Sixth, 2024, and today we are looking at my movie/TV show roundup for Fall 2024. Before we get to that, we'll have an update on my current writing projects and then we will do Question of the Week.   First up, I'm pleased to report that the rough draft of Orc Hoard is done at 78,000 words, so it'll probably end up being about exactly the same length as Half-Orc Paladin, the previous book in the series. I've also written a short story called Commander's Wrath that newsletter subscribers will get a free ebook copy of when Orc Hoard comes out and hopefully we're on track to have that out before Christmas. I'm also 7,000 words into Shield of Deception, which will be the fourth book in The Shield War series and if all goes well, I'm hoping to have that out in January or February. In audiobook news, recording is currently underway for Cloak of Masks and that will probably be out towards the end of January or perhaps February, depending on how long processing takes.   00:01:02 Question of the Week   Question of the Week is designed to inspire enjoyable discussions of interesting topics. This week's question, what do you listen to while working: genre of music, audiobooks, podcast, nothing else so you can concentrate, et cetera. No wrong answers obviously, and we had quite a few answers.   David says: I listen to audiobooks and music. Music ranges from classical to country to pop, bands and soul artists to instrumental. No rap or heavy metal or dance music or I listen to music from YouTube channels. If I have to really focus on what I'm doing, I'll turn it low so it doesn't distract.   Justin says: video game music is my first choice. It can help you grind in real life just like it does in the game. If that isn't working for me, then rock or classical music with movie soundtracks at third.   Brooks says: I tend to gravitate towards hard rock/punk rock. I have to stay adrenalized. Outside work, I'll listen to almost anything.   Michael says: I find I can't listen to words or lyrics without getting distracted by them, so instrumental music is the way to go. Usually video game music too (the Stelara soundtrack is particularly epic), movie scores (Kingdom of Heaven is one of my favorites), or Dungeon Synth, an amazing music genre I only discovered recently.   Barbara says: sometimes I play music while writing, but most of the time I prefer the silence so I can better hear the voices in my head. Of course, I prefer very specific types of music that always end up coming back no matter how much I try to stray.   Jenny says: lots of EDM and techno if words would distract me or my solid nineties pop punk angsty mix. I also have a giant one I called “I heard it in a video game” for background music. John says: When I did/could work, I enjoyed outlaw country music, particularly that from Texas. Put me in a kick butt and take names kind of mood. When you're a plumber who gets paid by the work done, not the hour, that's where one wants to be.   (A different) John says: I only listen to music when I'm working in the kitchen. I'm eclectic. Sometimes classical music, sometimes ‘80s prog rock with Hawaiian music and occasionally jazz tossed in.   Juana says: I like rock and roll from many eras. I put my eclectic music on shuffle. I also listen to movie soundtracks: Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter, Animal House, et al.   Brandy says: If I'm cooking, I listen to Pandora. There's a pop ‘90s - ‘20s station. I do have a few that are specifically listed, angry or sad, one more angry German metal or Mongolian throat metal, the other more goth and industrial. I read books instead of listening. If I'm proofing, I usually have something on in the background. Today it's Sanctuary Season One.   Morgan says: ADHD means I jump around a lot on what I'm listening to depending on the day, but audiobooks- usually fantasy or horror. Podcasts- Pathfinder actual play podcasts, horror podcasts, and wrestling/gaming news podcasts. Music, whatever artist/album I'm obsessing over at the time, but usually prog rock, metal, or rap.   Matthew says: I always have my iPad for background noise. If I'm particularly invested in getting chapters done, I'll put on something largely audible.   Gary says: audiobooks, podcasts, worship music, Christian hard rock.   Bob says: Retired now, but when I was working I didn't listen to anything-needed to concentrate on what I was doing. When paying bills, I sometimes have some Morse Code on in the background (one of my previous means of paying the bills). On long car trips, it's nice to have some distraction -whatever radio station I can find, preferably one with a story. In truck stops, we used to find some stories on disc that had the actors doing the voice of the characters and some of them were pretty good.   For myself, I almost always listen to music while I'm working and that genre is usually soundtracks and video games, movies, and TV shows (in that order) that I liked, which makes it difficult to discuss music with people, I have to admit. I do listen to podcasts when I'm working outside, so long as I'm not using a power tool that requires earplugs for safe operation (which sadly seems to be most of the time).   00:04:42 Main Topic: Autumn 2024 Movie/TV Review Roundup   Now on to our main topic, the review roundup of the movies and streaming shows I watched in Autumn 2024. I was going to do a combined Autumn/Winter 2024 one, but it was getting a bit too long, so Winter 2024/2025 will be its own post in a few months. I seemed to watch a lot of time travel movies this time around and quite a few with Space Magic. As ever, the grades are totally subjective and based on nothing more than my own thoughts and opinions. Now let's take a look at the movies and streaming shows from least favorite to most favorite.   First up is Escanaba in Da Moonlight, which came out in 2001 and it is a surrealist comedy about hunting traditions set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. 42-year-old Reuben Sodi is the only man in his family who has never shot a buck, so when he complains about this to his Native American wife, she casts a spell to help Ruben bag his first buck, which results in a very bizarre nighttime journey/vision quest. This includes UFOs, visitations by nighttime spirits, and a Department of Natural Resources officer having a mental breakdown. This was a funny movie, but it was definitely very weird and even more specific. If you're at all familiar with the hunting culture of Upper American Midwest, you'll get the humor. If you're not familiar with it, this will be like watching a movie from another planet. Overall grade: C.   Next up is Looper, which came out in 2012. I didn't actually like this movie very much, but I respect how well done it was. Joseph Gordon Levitt plays Joe and is a type of assassin called a looper living in the US in 2044. About 30 years after 2044, time travel is invented but immediately outlawed. Since it's difficult to get away with murder in 2074 due to advanced technology, crime syndicates have taken to sending people they want eliminated back in time to 2044 where the loopers immediately execute the target in exchange for a big fat payout. Loopers can live like kings, but there's a price. Eventually the loop is closed and the looper's future self is sent back to be killed by his past self. Failure to comply results in an extremely grisly fate at the hands of the syndicate. Joe, being a hardened killer and drug addict, is fine with all this and even helps turn in a fellow looper who failed to close his own loop. Then Joe's future self arrives. Joe is about to kill Future Joe (played by Bruce Willis), but Future Joe escapes and Present Joe has to hunt down and kill Future Joe if he wants to survive.   In the process, Present Joe stumbles across the farm of a woman named Sarah (played by Emily Blunt) and her young son Sid. Present Joe realizes that future Joe has traveled back to kill the child, Sid, who will be responsible for the death of Future Joe's wife in the future. Despite everything he's done, Present Joe is not okay with this and gears up to help Sarah defend Sid from Future Joe. This movie was on the very dark side of noir filmmaking: no good characters, essentially only various degrees of bad people trying to navigate their way through the maze of time crimes. I did strongly dislike how fundamentally nihilistic the movie was and the addition of telekinesis did seem like kind of a plot crutch. There is also some unnecessary nudity. Rian Johnson is actually an excellent filmmaker. Knives Out and Glass Onion were both very good, but I cannot imagine how someone will watch Looper and think, hey, this guy is a good choice for a Star Wars movie. Overall Grade: B-   Next up is Agatha All Along, which came out in 2024. It was extremely well written and well-acted. You almost have to watch it twice just to admire how well put together the plot was. I wasn't expecting to like Agatha All Along, but it is an excellent example of writing a show with a villain protagonist and actually pulling it off. The show is also a good example of something I've talked about before on the podcast and the blog: characters can be likable, emotionally sympathetic, or both. It's sometimes tricky to write a character who's both, unlikable but emotionally sympathetic. By contrast, Agatha Harkness is an excellent example of a character who's both likable and highly, highly unsympathetic. Agatha All Along is indeed a show with a villain protagonist, but Agatha is charismatic enough to remain likable even though she's unquestionably an absolute monster who deserves every bit of suffering she endures.   Actress Kathryn Hahn deserves major credit for making someone as evil as Agatha so charismatic. Agatha retains just enough of a sliver of sympathy to keep the audience from turning on her, but even when she shows flashes of humanity, beneath that there are even more layers of monster. She also does a very sort of a modern Doctor Who/ Sherlock thing where she talks very fast and puts up a flippant and silly facade, but she's actually calculating things several steps in advance and manipulating everyone around her to her final goal. Anyway, the plot of Agatha All Along is that Agatha finally breaks free from the spell of the Scarlet Witch placed on here at the end of Wandavision. However, Agatha doesn't have any magic left, which is a major problem for her because she has very many enemies who very much want to see her dead as soon as possible, but then a mysterious teenager turns up and asks for Agatha's help. He wants to walk the legendary Witches' Road and it has said that someone who walks the road and survives to the end will receive their heart's desire. Since Agatha doesn't have any other options and she has some major enemies, she agrees. Agatha, the teenager, and the Witches' Road itself all have very dark secrets and their reveal makes for some major drama. As I mentioned, the show was very well written and acted. I suspect that may be the secret for movie or TV success in the 2020s economic climate: good actors, an excellent script, and keep your costs down. Overall grade: B   Our next movie is Field of Dreams, which came out in 1989. An Iowa farmer discovers he's a very specific kind of necromancer, like how sports medicine is a specific field of study. Maybe sports necromancy is a specific subclass for evil wizards or something. All joking aside, the main character is Ray Kinsella (played by Kevin Costner) and he's walking his cornfield one day and he hears a mysterious voice tell him “If you build it, he will come.” Ray builds a baseball field in one of his cornfields and began speaking to the ghost of Shoeless Joe, a popular baseball player who died in 1951. Soon a lot of other ghosts arrive and start playing baseball as well. The mysterious voice starts urging Ray to “ease his pain” and Ray concludes this must means Terrance Mann (played by James Earl Jones), an activist writer from the sixties who dropped out of the public eye and is living in seclusion. So Ray starts on a cross country trip to persuade Mann to come to his baseball field. This movie is really perhaps the ur-example of the Feel-Good Eighties Movies and maybe a Baby Boomer movie. The characters speak with near religious reverence for the ‘60s, baseball is the Great American Pastime, and Ray really wants to heal his relationship with the father he rebelled against back in the ‘60s. The best part of the movie was unquestionably James Earl Jones' character and his performance as he resigns himself to Ray's craziness and then starts to believe in it was pretty great. Overall grade: B Next up is Holiday, which came out in 1938. Holiday is a romantic comedy from the 1930s. Cary Grant plays Johnny Case, who has fallen in love with Julia Seton, the daughter of a wealthy New York banking family. However, his more individualistic outlook soon puts him at odds with Julia's more traditionalist family, though this draws the attention of Julia's elder sister Linda (played by Katharine Hepburn). It felt a bit like watching a play and a little research revealed that it was indeed based on a play from 1928, which may be why the film didn't do so well when it originally came out, though it is regarded as a classic today.   Viewers in the Great Depression era would probably find it difficult to sympathize with a man who wanted to turn down a well-paying job at a bank, not out of moral objections to the bank's business practices, but because he would feel constrained. The Seton family is played as eccentric and somewhat troubled, but not as buffoons or villains as rich people were often portrayed in other 1930s movies. Good performances and worth watching as a classic, though sound technology has improved quite a bit in the last 90 years, so you probably will want to watch it with the captions on. Overall grade: B   Next movie is Twisters, which came out in 2024. This is basically the same movie as Twister from back in 1995, but with some of the plot of Pride and Prejudice bolted on. Kate Carter (played by Daisy Edgar-Jones) is an Oklahoma storm chaser with her boyfriend and best friends. One day, one of their storm chases goes horribly wrong, killing Kate's boyfriend and most of their friends. Five years later, Kate is working for the National Weather Service in New York when her old friend Javi, the other survivor of that storm, asks for her help testing a new radar tracking system. Kate reluctantly agrees and they return to Oklahoma and crosses horns with storm YouTuber Tyler Owens (played by Glenn Powell) who makes videos of his truck shooting fireworks into tornadoes. Naturally, Kate and Tyler immediately misunderstand each other in the same way as in Pride and Prejudice but are forced to work together when it turns out that Javi's company might have ulterior motives. I thought this was a thoroughly enjoyable summer popcorn flick. Given how both Covid and the 2023 writers' strike hit this movie's production like two successive freight trains, it's astonishing it turned out so well. Overall grade: A-   Next up is The Rings of Power Season 2, which came out in 2024. I have the same attitude towards this as I do with Starfield. I really like it. In fact, my Xbox told me I played Starfield for 270 hours in 2024, but I get why some people do not. This show is essentially very elaborate fan fiction. The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, despite the changes from the book, was still recognizably The Lord of the Rings. The Rings of Power is almost entirely its own thing. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this for a couple of reasons and hope it continues. First, it's nice to have an epic fantasy TV series that's not a nihilistic pornographic torture fest like Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon and is more competently executed than Disney's ill-fated Willow Series.   Second, all things must be taken in their context. What do I mean by this? Perhaps a food comparison will illustrate the point. The book the Lord of the Rings is like Kobe beef prepared by the finest chefs in the world, the sort of experience you get maybe once or twice in your life if fortune smiles upon you. The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is like a high-quality supermarket steak grilled in the backyard by someone who's pretty good at it. The Rings of Power is like McDonald's, but there are times when you really want some McDonald's. In fact, I kind of want a Big Mac after saying all of that, but The Rings of Power is really good McDonald's, the kind of McDonald's you have after driving the car for 250 miles without stopping across one of America's flatter and less populous states. The only place to eat for like a hundred miles in any direction is this McDonald's in the same building as a gas station, so you stop and don't expect very much, but it turns out the fries are crispy and salty and the nuggets are just right.   I don't think it's surprising that The Rings of Power has had such a mixed reception. The Venn diagram of “enjoys Lord of the Rings” has some wildly divergent circles to it and that is a testament to the fact that the Lord of the Rings is such a great work of literature that so many people from so many very different ideological identity groups enjoy and identify with the book. Even ideological identity groups that are mortal foes agree on their approval of the Lord the Rings. So naturally each different group has its own strong opinion of what an adaptation should look like.   With that very long-winded introduction out of the way, I liked season two and I thought it was an improvement over Season One, a lot more narrative tension. Season One perhaps spent too much time setting the table and building context, but Season Two works well in making Season One better in hindsight. The Rings of Power version of Galadriel is improved in Season Two because she was one of the few characters in Season One able to throw off Sauron's mental domination and seduction. The highlight of the season was the toxic dynamic between Sauron and Celebrimbor.  Actors Charlie Vickers and Charles Edwards did an amazing job portraying the slow-moving disaster that Sauron and Celebrimbor's collaboration would create, two intellectual equals working together to create something great, but nonetheless, Sauron twists everything to his own ends. Their final scene together was just astonishingly good. The portrayal of Sauron is both very modern and true to Tolkien, a destructive narcissist who actually believes whatever lies he's speaking at any given moment. He really, truly believes he's going to heal Middle Earth, no matter how many people he has to kill to do it. The scenes with Prince Durin, his father, and one of the dwarven rings of power were great as well. It had the same sort of feel to it as an adult child watching with horror as a beloved parent succumbs to a drug addiction. The best new character the show created (in my opinion) is Adar, one of the progenitors of the orcs. Tolkien himself could never really decide on the origin of the orcs and came up with different thoughts throughout his lifetime. When editing The Silmarillion, Christopher Tolkien settled on the corrupted former elves version, which seems to be what his father had been leaning towards anyway. Rings of Power takes that to its logical conclusion. Adar wants his orcish progeny to live free of the dark lords Morgoth and Sauron, which makes sense because in the books, the orcs hated Morgoth and Sauron and only served them out of fear. Indeed, in The Lord of the Rings, Sauron seems to have secret police and informers among the orcs to keep track of their loyalties. Since the show displays how twisted and cruel Sauron really is, it makes sense that Adar is willing to go to any lengths to stop Sauron, no matter how extreme. The orcs are still monsters, including Adar himself, but they're monsters who want to be free of an even greater monster than themselves. If you've read The Silmarillion or The Lord of the Rings, you'll know all the characters' efforts are doomed to failure, especially Adar and Celebrimbor's, which lends an air of inevitable tragedy to everything that happens. I know some people were mad that Tom Bombadil was basically Wizard Yoda, but I thought it worked. Tom Bombadil is so inscrutable of a character that he can really do whatever he wants so long as he's inscrutable. It was also great how composer Bear McCreary wove a variation of Sauron's theme throughout the show. The soundtrack was A+ work in my opinion. Overall, I enjoyed the show and would like it to continue. If you know the difference between Fëanor, Finwë, Finrod, Felagund, Finarfin, Findulias, Fingon, and Fingolfin (without having to look it up), and in fact have everything about them from The Silmarillion memorized, you'll hate this show. But I think it's worth watching. Overall Grade: A-   Next up is Casa Bonita Mi Amor, which came out in 2024. Way back in the 1990s I saw an episode of Frasier where Frasier and his brother Niles decide to buy a restaurant. A series of hilarious cascading disasters result. At the time I decided I never wanted to own a restaurant and every piece of both factual information and fictional media I have consumed since has not changed this decision. Casa Bonita Mi Amor definitely will not challenge that decision. Apparently, Casa Bonita was a beloved theme restaurant in Colorado that went out of business during Covid. Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of South Park, decided to buy the restaurant themselves and reopen it. They budgeted $3.6 million for the restoration of the building. Costs soon swelled to $40 million and the problems were still only just beginning. This is an excellent and entertaining example of the “rich man buys restaurant, soon finds himself over his head” genre of documentary filmmaking. Overall grade: A   Finally, my two favorite things I saw in Autumn 2024 and the first of them is the movie Frequency, which came out in 2000. It's another variant on a time travel story, but I like this one considerably better than Looper. Frank Sullivan is a firefighter and devoted family man living in New York circa 1969. His son John is a police detective living in the house 30 years later in 1999 with emotional problems because he never got over his father's tragic death in a dangerous fire 30 years earlier in 1969.   When the son of a friend stumbles across his father's old ham radio, John lets the kid goof around with it. Later that night, John starts talking to someone on that radio and to his astonishment realizes he's talking to his father from 30 years ago on the same ham radio. Desperate, John tries to warn Frank about the fire that kills him and it works. Frank survives the fire and instead of dying 1969, instead dies in 1989 from lung cancer due to a pack a day habit. The scene where history changes and John suddenly realizes what has happened was pretty great, but this isn't the ending. We're only 40% of the way through the movie. John successfully managed to put right what once went wrong.   However, in doing so, he accidentally also put wrong what once went right. His mother is a nurse and in the original timeline was on bereavement leave the day after Frank's death. In the new timeline, Frank is okay, so she goes to work and saves a patient who otherwise would've died in medical error and the patient happens to be the deadly serial killer known as the Nightingale. To his horror, John realizes that The Nightingale is now free to continue his murder spree and his new target is John's mother and Frank's wife.   As I've mentioned numerous times before, I'm not really a fan of time travel stories, but this one was quite well done. Interestingly, the plot structure was similar to Avengers Endgame. The Avengers go back in time to steal the Infinity Stones to undo Thanos' Snap, but Past Thanos figures out what's going on and follows the Avengers back to the present and attempts to make things even worse than they already are. John manages to save Frank from the fire, but this means the Nightingale serial killer survives and might create a worse present than the one John already has, so that really adds an altogether excellent element of dramatic tension to the entire movie. As one amusing side note, this movie shared Field of Dream's reverence for baseball as the Great American Pastime and John manages to convince Frank he's telling the truth about their time travel radio by accurately predicting the outcome of baseball games. Overall grade: A Now the second favorite thing I watched in Autumn 2024, The Grand Tour: One for the Road, which came out in 2024. I admit that when I started self-publishing in 2011, I knew absolutely nothing about the contemporary United Kingdom, like I couldn't even told you whether the UK used the Pound or the Euro. When I started getting book royalties from Amazon UK, let's just say I learned about currency conversion rates really fast, but as UK book royalties fluctuated as they do, I started reading the UK news since when there's an election or major news event in the UK, book royalties tend to drop for a few days after the same way they do when something similar happens in the US. Because of that, I saw the news article when Jeremy Clarkson was fired from Top Gear in 2015 for punching out a producer. At the time, there were some seasons of Top Gear on Netflix, so I was curious and started watching and was thoroughly entertained.   When Grand Tour started on Amazon, I started watching that as well and I was also thoroughly entertained, but all good things must come to an end. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May go on one last road trip adventure across Zimbabwe. The usual hijinks ensue for one last time, and it was a fitting end to Top Gear/The Grand Tour. I'll miss the show, but I am grateful for over a decade of entertainment from Top Gear/The Grand Tour and from the various spinoffs like Clarkson's Farm and James May's travel show. Overall grade: A   So that is it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show. I hope you found the show useful. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes on https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave your review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy and see you all next week.

Sensations -Episode 565 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)     Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get Rick's newest song - Whatever You Do Up on the Mountain Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can't wait to meet you Up on the Mountain onJuly 12th. Blessings, Rick Lee James             10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp Instructions Visit https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com At checkout use code: 10off Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.   Official Music Video:   Web Site: https://rickleejames.com   PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892  Endorsements: “A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.” -CCM Magazinehttps://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/ “I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.” –Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary) "I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release." -Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter) "Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus." -Mike Harland RICK LEE JAMES INFO Web Sites: https://www.rickleejames.com Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls         More from Rick Lee James Shine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video:   Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:   https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa        

Caleb & Kelsea Yetton -Episode 564 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)      Listen Here No One Knows Me Like You, the latest release from The Rock Music—a collective of Spirit-led, Christ-centered worshippers flourishing for more than two decades as a ministry of The Rock Church in Salt Lake City—is set to bow October 4. Spotlighting longtime group members Caleb & Kelsea Yetton, the five-song EP draws thematic inspiration from the title track, a soaring pop anthem produced by Carter Frodge (Newsboys, The Afters) and written by The Rock Music's Caleb Yetton and Steele Croswhite along with acclaimed singer/songwriter Joel Vaughn.  The No One Knows Me Like You EP also showcases two originals penned by Caleb & Kelsea Yetton and led by Kelsea—“Holy Savior,” an intimate, low-fi worship ballad, and the impassioned “Revolution Medicine." Rounding out the project, The Rock Music delivers signature renditions of renowned favorites “All Hail King Jesus” and “You're Beautiful,” songs with deep meaning to the collective's Salt Lake City congregation as well as the Yetton family.      “There are two messages that I hope resonate with listeners,” Caleb Yetton says of the title-track and overarching theme of the EP. “First, we are fully known by God and fully loved. Because of the love and grace of Jesus, we have a home in Him, and we drink the Living Water that quenches our thirst for belonging. Secondly, we are not alone in feeling misunderstood, unknown or insecure. As we have played 'No One Knows Me Like You' in our worship services and unpacked the idea behind it, people are impacted by the message. The enemy would have us believe we are the only ones who are messed up or lonely, but that is not true. We all need Christ's love to heal us.”           Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get the new song - Whatever You Do Up on the Mountain Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can't wait to meet you Up on the Mountain onJuly 12th. Blessings, Rick Lee James             10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp Instructions Visit https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com At checkout use code: 10off Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.   Official Music Video:   Web Site: https://rickleejames.com   PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892  Endorsements: “A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.” -CCM Magazinehttps://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/ “I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.” –Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary) "I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release." -Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter) "Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus." -Mike Harland RICK LEE JAMES INFO Web Sites: https://www.rickleejames.com Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls         More from Rick Lee James Shine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video:   Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:   https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa        

Admitting that you hear voices in your head may not be at the top of your list of things to bring into the light. But I want you to rest assured you aren't the only one who hears them. Truth be told, we all do. The tricky part comes when we need to discern whose voice they are. You might think I'm crazy when I tell you I have heard voices in my head over the years.  I used to think it was normal to have a committee meeting in my head every time I needed to make a decision or simply sit still for a while.  Little Ones on Their Knees Journal https://RaisingKidsonYourKnees.org/little-ones-on-their-knees Listen to Legacy - A Mom Podcast with Tina and her daughter Britt https://open.spotify.com/show/7gUlB9MmhN1cTJT3RqYt2o?si=72bd9a71c126465c Flying Arrow Productions

William Willimon Changes His Mind -Episode 563 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)  In his new book Changing My Mind: The Overlooked Virtue for Faithful Ministry, Professor William H. Willimon narrates some of the twists and turns in his own journey as a pastor.    The context of ministry continually changes, the surrounding culture changes, and a living God demands constant movement and change. So, the book argues, pastors and preachers must be prepared to change! Some of the current assumptions about how to persevere in ministry need to be questioned. What ideas and approaches do we need to change, in ourselves and in our ministries? And how, exactly, do we change our minds and practices, when we're called to be steady, stable, and sure?  The book consists of guidance from an older, experienced pastoral leader to other pastoral leaders, especially young and new ones. Willimon frames the material around the ways he has changed his mind and offers crucial ways that he once thought about ministry compared and contrasted with how he thinks now. He depicts the pastoral vocation as requiring adaptation and revision by its practitioners. Along the way, the book includes conversations with First and Second Timothy as the precursor of this book, an older, experienced pastor (Paul) offering advice to a young, unseasoned pastor (Timothy).  William H. Willimon is professor of the practice of Christian ministry at Duke Divinity School and a retired United Methodist Church bishop. A widely published author, preacher, and teacher of preachers, Willimon has written more than eighty books, many of which have been translated into many languages and have sold over a million copies. He is the author of Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation (Abingdon), The Gospel for the Person Who Has Everything (Paraclete Press), Leading with the Sermon: Preaching as Leadership (Fortress Press), and Aging: Growing Old in the Church (Baker Academic), among others.  For twenty years Willimon served as dean of Duke Chapel and professor of Christian ministry at Duke Divinity School. He has served congregations in Georgia and South and North Carolina and is a retired bishop of the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church.         Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get the new song - Whatever You Do Up on the Mountain Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can't wait to meet you Up on the Mountain onJuly 12th. Blessings, Rick Lee James             10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp Instructions Visit https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com At checkout use code: 10off Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.   Official Music Video:   Web Site: https://rickleejames.com   PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892  Endorsements: “A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.” -CCM Magazinehttps://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/ “I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.” –Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary) "I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release." -Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter) "Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus." -Mike Harland RICK LEE JAMES INFO Web Sites: https://www.rickleejames.com Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls         More from Rick Lee James Shine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video:   Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:   https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa        

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Randall Goodgame & Scripture Hymnal- Episode 562  THE SCRIPTURE HYMNAL (RABBIT ROOM PRESS, OCT. 21) 100 word-for-word Bible passages set to original music Conceived and written by acclaimed singer/songwriter and family content creator Randall Goodgame, along with contributions from a diversity of award-winning writers, including Ellie Holcomb, Ginny Owens, Andrew Osenga, Taylor Leonhardt, Dwan Hill and Ben Shive, among others. Newly minted songs designed to help make the Bible more accessible to all ages for both corporate worship and family devotional experiences.   Randall Goodgame Shares About The Scripture Hymnal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjh8YM7fEB4   ABOUT RANDALL GOODGAME Randall Goodgame is a Dove Award-nominated singer/songwriter and founder of the world-renowned Slugs & Bugs family music series. Hailed by CCMMagazine.com as “…the greatest thing to happen to children's music in a generation,” Goodgame has 15 albums to his credit and has contributed to numerous additional recordings. He has also penned songs for Caedmon's Call, Andrew Peterson, Jason Gray, Jill Phillips, and Veggie Tales, among others. Following the 2007 release of Goodgame's Slugs & Bugs & Lullabies, a collaboration with Andrew Peterson, the Slugs & Bugs brand quickly became among the most revered and critically lauded series in Christian family entertainment. The collection boasts 10 albums, including the popular Sing the Bible series, and has amassed millions of streams. Goodgame is also the author of four children's picture books (B&H Kids), and he co-created and starred in the 26-episode Slugs & Bugs Show, a unique streaming series available via RightNow Media and home video.     Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get the new song - Whatever You Do Up on the Mountain Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can't wait to meet you Up on the Mountain onJuly 12th. Blessings, Rick Lee James             10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp Instructions Visit https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com At checkout use code: 10off Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.   Official Music Video:   Web Site: https://rickleejames.com   PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892  Endorsements: “A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.” -CCM Magazinehttps://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/ “I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.” –Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary) "I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release." -Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter) "Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus." -Mike Harland RICK LEE JAMES INFO Web Sites: https://www.rickleejames.com Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls         More from Rick Lee James Shine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video:   Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:   https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa      

The Professor Frenzy Show Episode 329 Creepshow Vol 3 #2  from  Image  |  Writer(s): Eugenio Mira John Ridley   | Artist(s): Stefano Raffaele Jorge Fornes  |  $3.99 Universal Monsters Frankenstein #3  from  Image  |  Writer(s): Michael Walsh   | Artist(s): Michael Walsh Toni Marie Griffin  |  $4.99 Babs #3  from  Ahoy Comics  |  Writer(s): Garth Ennis   |  Artist(s): Jacen Burrows |  $3.99 Conan The Barbarian Vol 5 #16  from  Titan Comics  |  Writer(s): Jim Zub   | Artist(s): Doug Braithwaite  |  $3.99 Cursed Library #2 Omega  from  Archie Comics  |  Writer(s): Eliot Rahal   | Artist(s): Craig Cermak  |  $4.99 The Moon Is Following Us #2  from  Image  |  Writer(s): Daniel Warren Johnson  | Artist(s): Riley Rossmo Daniel Warren Johnson  | $3.99  Voices in my Head #1 from Image Comics (W) Joe Pruett (A) Juan Doe, Phil Hester, Andrew Robinson, Michael Gaydos $5.99  Hello Darkness #4  from  BOOM! Studios  |  Writer(s): Garth Ennis   |  Artist(s):Becky Cloonan  |  $5.99  Vampiress Carmilla Magazine #24 from  Warrant Publishing Company  | Writer(s): Don Glut   |  Artist(s): Various  |  $6.99 Gatchaman #4 from MadCave Studios  (W) Cullen Bunn (A) Chris Batista $4.99  Tin Can Society #2 from Image Comics (W) Peter Warren (A) Francesco Mobili $3.99  Void Rivals #13 from Image Comics (W) Robert Kirkman (A) Lorenzo De Felici, Patricio Delpeche $3.99 Headless Horseman Halloween Annual 2024 #1 (One Shot)  from  Dark Horse  |  Writer(s): David Dastmalchian   |  Artist(s): Lukas Ketner  |  $7.99 The Feeding #1 (One Shot)  from  Image  |  Writer(s): David M. Booher   | Artist(s): Drew Zucker  |  $4.99 This Week's Best New Comic Books Night Club 2 #3  from  Dark Horse  |  Writer(s): Mark Millar   |  Artist(s): Juanan Ramirez  |  $4.99 Feral #7  from  Image  |  Writer(s): Tony Fleecs   |  Artist(s): Trish Forstner Tone Rodriguez Brad Simpson  |  $3.99 Maria Llovets Violent Flowers #2  from  Image  |  Writer(s): Maria Llovet   | Artist(s): Maria Llovet  |  $3.99 Come Find Me An Autumnal Offering #1 (One Shot)  from  DSTLRY Media  | Writer(s): Becky Cloonan   |  Artist(s): Becky Cloonan  |  $8.99 Dwellings All Hallows Eve Special #1 (One Shot)  from  Oni Press  |  Writer(s):Jay Stephens   |  Artist(s): Jay Stephens  |  $5.99 Hexiles #1  from  Mad Cave Studios  |  Writer(s): Cullen Bunn   |  Artist(s): Joe Bocardo  |  $4.99 Savage Sword Of Conan Vol 2 #5  from  Titan Comics  |  Writer(s): Jason Aaron  |  Artist(s): Geof Isherwood  |  $6.99 Uncanny Valley #6  from  BOOM! Studios  |  Writer(s): Tony Fleecs   |  Artist(s):Dave Wachter  |  $4.99 Nostalgia House of Secrets #92 - cover dated July 1971, cover priced 15 cents. This week's that guy that was in that show is  Ted Marcuse Today our Frenzy Faves is a favorite Twilight Zone episode The Mind and the Matter, Season 2 Episode 27, Original air date May 12, 1961

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Lou Diamond Phillips - Episode 561  Welcome To The Neighborhood/ Voices In My Head Crossover   This week I am featuring a recent conversation that I had the chance to do live with Lou diamond Phillips at the Cincinnati comic Expo for my other podcast, Welcome to the Neighborhood: A Mister Rogers tribute podcast.   Lou is not only a talented actor, writer, Director, and author, he is also one of the kindest people I have ever had the chance to meet. I hope you will enjoy this brief, but Rich conversation that we had together and Cincinnati, Ohio just a couple of weekends ago.   Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get the new song - Whatever You Do Up on the Mountain Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can't wait to meet you Up on the Mountain onJuly 12th. Blessings, Rick Lee James             10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp Instructions Visit https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com At checkout use code: 10off Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.   Official Music Video:   Web Site: https://rickleejames.com   PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892  Endorsements: “A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.” -CCM Magazinehttps://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/ “I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.” –Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary) "I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release." -Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter) "Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus." -Mike Harland RICK LEE JAMES INFO Web Sites: https://www.rickleejames.com Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls         More from Rick Lee James Shine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video:   Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:   https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa      

The Professor Frenzy Show Episode 328 Epitaphs From The Abyss #4 (EC Comics) from  Oni Press  |  Writer(s): J Holtham   |  Artist(s): David Lapham Claire Roe Leomacs  |  $4.99 Prodigy Slaves of Mars #3 from Dark Horse Comics (W) Mark Millar (A) Stefano Landini $4.99 Hard Case Crime Minky Woodcock The Girl Called Cthulhu #1  from  Titan Comics  |  Writer(s): Cynthia von Buhler   |  Artist(s): Cynthia von Buhler  |  $3.99  Hate Revisited #4 from Fantagraphics Books (W/A) Peter Bagge $4.99 Witchblade #4 from Image Comics (W) Marguerite Bennett (A) Giuseppe Cafaro $3.99 Godfather Of Hell #1  from  Vault Comics  |  Writer(s): Cavan Scott   |  Artist(s):Pius Bak  |  $4.99 Black Cloak #9 from Image Comics (W) Kelly Thompson (A) Meredith McClaren $3.99  Where Monsters Lie Cull-De-Sac #1  from  Dark Horse  |  Writer(s): Kyle Starks  | Artist(s): Piotr Kowalski  |  $3.99 Ice Cream Man Presents Decompression In A Wreck Deluxe Special #1 (One Shot) from  Image  |  Writer(s): W. Maxwell Prince   |  Artist(s): Martín Morazzo Chris O'Halloran  |  $7.99 House Of Slaughter #26  from  BOOM! Studios  |  Writer(s): Sam Johns   | Artist(s): Letizia Cadonici  |  $3.99 Vicarious #1 from BOOM! Studios (W) Ryan Parrott (A) Eleonora Carlini  $4.99  Best New Comic Books Gatchaman #4 from MadCave Studios  (W) Cullen Bunn (A) Chris Batista $4.99  Tin Can Society #2 from Image Comics (W) Peter Warren (A) Francesco Mobili $3.99  Voices in my Head #1 from Image Comics (W) Joe Pruett (A) Juan Doe, Phil Hester, Andrew Robinson, Michael Gaydos $5.99 (cover Brian Bolland)  Void Rivals #13 from Image Comics (W) Robert Kirkman (A) Lorenzo De Felici, Patricio Delpeche $3.99 Headless Horseman Halloween Annual 2024 #1 (One Shot)  from  Dark Horse  |  Writer(s): David Dastmalchian   |  Artist(s): Lukas Ketner  |  $7.99 Creepshow Vol 3 #2  from  Image  |  Writer(s): Eugenio Mira John Ridley   | Artist(s): Stefano Raffaele Jorge Fornes  |  $3.99 The Feeding #1 (One Shot)  from  Image  |  Writer(s): David M. Booher   | Artist(s): Drew Zucker  |  $4.99 The Moon Is Following Us #2  from  Image  |  Writer(s): Daniel Warren Johnson  | Artist(s): Riley Rossmo Daniel Warren Johnson  | $3.99 Universal Monsters Frankenstein #3  from  Image  |  Writer(s): Michael Walsh   | Artist(s): Michael Walsh Toni Marie Griffin  |  $4.99 Babs #3  from  Ahoy Comics  |  Writer(s): Garth Ennis   |  Artist(s): Jacen Burrows |  $3.99 Conan The Barbarian Vol 5 #16  from  Titan Comics  |  Writer(s): Jim Zub   | Artist(s): Doug Braithwaite  |  $3.99 Cursed Library #2 Omega  from  Archie Comics  |  Writer(s): Eliot Rahal   | Artist(s): Craig Cermak  |  $4.99 Hello Darkness #4  from  BOOM! Studios  |  Writer(s): Garth Ennis   |  Artist(s):Becky Cloonan  |  $5.99 Vampiress Carmilla Magazine #24 from  Warrant Publishing Company  | Writer(s): Don Glut   |  Artist(s): Various  |  $6.99 MORE FUN Monsters on the Prowl #29; cover dated August 1975; cover priced 25 cents. This week's that guy that was in that show is  Ken Berry Today our Frenzy Faves is a favorite Twilight Zone episode The Brain Center at Whipple's, Season 5 Episode 33, Original air date May 15, 1964

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Halloween Be Thy Name - Episode 560  Welcome To The Neighborhood/ Voices In My Head Crossover   A Holy Reflection on Halloween   Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get the new song - Whatever You Do Up on the Mountain Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can't wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th. Blessings, Rick Lee James         ----more----   10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp Instructions Visit https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com At checkout use code: 10off Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.   Official Music Video:   Web Site: https://rickleejames.com   PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892  Endorsements: “A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.” -CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/ “I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.” –Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary) "I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release." -Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter) "Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus." -Mike Harland RICK LEE JAMES INFO Web Sites: https://www.rickleejames.com Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls         More from Rick Lee James Shine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video:   Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:   https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa            

Tyler Smyth has dedicated his life to music. As a music producer, Tyler has landed multiple #1 singles in the rock category, both on the Billboard charts and on terrestrial rock radio. He was named as the first ever #1 Hard Rock Producer on the charts debut, holding the #1, #2, and #5 spots simultaneously with his productions from Falling in Reverse & I Prevail and has since held the #1 spot 39 times and counting. In 2019, he received two Grammy nominations (Best Rock Album & Best Metal Performance) for the 2019 Grammy awards as the sole Producer of I Prevail's album TRAUMA. I Prevail's follow-up album, TRUE POWER, debuted as the Spotify #2 album in the US, #4 album worldwide. Falling in Reverse's brand new album POPULAR MONSTER debuted as the Spotify #2 album worldwide and includes multiple RIAA gold and 2x platinum certifications for songs like “Popular Monster”, “Voices in My Head”, “ZOMBIFIED” and more. As the frontman of Dangerkids, guitarist of Let's Get It, and several other signed acts — Tyler has performed over 1000 shows around the world in his lifetime. He serves as a special guest mentor at Musician's Institute for 4 years running, and has contributed to several internet publications & podcasts on the topics of music production, performing, touring, creating a fanbase, and more.His producer credits include Falling in Reverse, I Prevail, Lights, Skillet, NASA, SEGA, and more.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:Following your passionsThinking outside of the box with songwritingCreating “moments” with your musicWorking with bands like I Prevail and Falling In ReverseUsing automation in your mixes to create excitementThe quest for perfectionThe “white noise” trick for setting up your mix levelsAssigning a mission statement to each songThe reason song names matterTo learn more about Tyler Smyth, visit: https://tylersmyth.com/Looking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/ Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors:Want to make the process of dealing with mix-revisions easy? Check out Samply and get three months free off any plan: http://samply.app/?utm_source=mymDownload Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts:

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 559: Like A Child A reflection on the Kingdom of God and how we enter it.   you have probably heard Springfield Ohio mentioned quite a bit in the news lately. Well, I live in Springfield and that's what this episode is about. Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get the new song - Whatever You Do Up on the Mountain Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can't wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th. Blessings, Rick Lee James         ----more----   10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp Instructions Visit https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com At checkout use code: 10off Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.   Official Music Video:   Web Site: https://rickleejames.com   PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892  Endorsements: “A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.” -CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/ “I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.” –Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary) "I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release." -Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter) "Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus." -Mike Harland RICK LEE JAMES INFO Web Sites: https://www.rickleejames.com Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls         More from Rick Lee James Shine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video:   Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:   https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa            

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 558: Haitian Scapegoats in Springfield Ohio   you have probably heard Springfield Ohio mentioned quite a bit in the news lately. Well, I live in Springfield and that's what this episode is about. Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get the new song - Whatever You Do Up on the Mountain Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can't wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th. Blessings, Rick Lee James         ----more----   10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp Instructions Visit https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com At checkout use code: 10off Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.   Official Music Video:   Web Site: https://rickleejames.com   PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892  Endorsements: “A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.” -CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/ “I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.” –Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary) "I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release." -Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter) "Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus." -Mike Harland RICK LEE JAMES INFO Web Sites: https://www.rickleejames.com Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls         More from Rick Lee James Shine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video:   Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:   https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa            

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Dan starts with an alleged anonymous modern encounter involving a man hearing a girl's voice as a child - a voice asking him to wake up, and a voice that keeps asking this for many, many years - well into adulthood. And then finally, something very strange happens that leaves him feeling certain that this voice did not just belong. Then, a tale that is about the mysterious and troubling disappearance of a young man who disappeared in the Idaho wilderness, not far from where Dan grew up, back in 2018.  Lynze takes us back to our childhoods with a creepy game of hide and seek. Then she wraps up this episode with an unexplainable story from an EMT. Patreon Monthly Donation: This month, we are donating to the Army of Survivors who's mission is to bring awareness, accountability, and transparency to sexual violence against athletes at all levels. Accountability for perpetrators and the institutions that enable them; Transparency so athletes do not fear retaliation when reporting abuse, and institutions do not cover it up.  Nearly 6 million children and young adults in the United States are survivors of sexual violence through their participation in sports. This translates to nearly 13% of all student-athletes — and likely many more than that — as we know this crime is consistently underreported. The culture of sports today often makes athletes feel like they have to say yes to whatever they are asked to do because otherwise their career, their love of their sport, or their identity within that sport, could be threatened. We empower athletes with compassion, strength, and courage to embrace the fundamental truth that they have a right to safety. We will donate 13,760 to The Army of Survivors. We will put 1,530 into the scholarship fund for next year. If you would like more info you can visit thearmyofsurvivors.orgThank you for continuing to send in your stories, Creeps and Peepers!**Please keep doing so!!Send them to mystory@scaredtodeathpodcast.comSend everything else to info@scaredtodeathpodcast.comWant to be a Patron? Get episodes AD-FREE, listen and watch before they are released to anyone else, bonus episodes, a 20% merch discount, additional content, and more! Learn more by visiting: https://www.patreon.com/scaredtodeathpodcast.Please rate, review, and subscribe anywhere you listen.Thank you for listening!Follow the show on social media: @scaredtodeathpodcast on Facebook and IG and TTYouTube: Website: https://scaredtodeathpodcast.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scaredtodeathpodcast/](https://www.facebook.com/scaredtodeathpodcast/)Instagram: https://bit.ly/2miPLf5 Mailing Address:Scared to Deathc/o Timesuck PodcastPO Box 3891Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816Video/Audio by Bad Magic Productions with support from Logan Ray KeithOpening Sumerian protection spell (adapted):"Whether thou art a ghost that hath come from the earth, or a phantom of night that hath no home… or one that lieth dead in the desert… or a ghost unburied… or a demon or a ghoul… Whatever thou be until thou art removed… thou shalt find here no water to drink… Thou shalt not stretch forth thy hand to our own… Into our house enter thou not. Through our fence, breakthrough thou not… we are protected though we may be frightened. Our life you may not steal, though we may feel SCARED TO DEATH."

Have you ever had feelings of insecurity and inadequacy? Ever felt like an imposter when surrounded by big names? Friends, today I get real about feeling like a fraud. That's why I delve into the concept of imposter syndrome and that nagging inner voice that questions our abilities and worthiness. Some of the insights that I want you to walk away with are how to: Overcome insecurity and use it as a tool for growth Recognize your inner saboteur and challenge its negativity Use feelings of insecurity as a springboard for action, not self-deprecation I've had to battle with self-doubt and the voices in my head that whisper I'm not good enough. I want us to use self-doubt as a tool for growth, not a weapon of self-destruction. Ask yourself ‘If not me, then who? If not now, then when?' Unleash your Godfidence to find your voice; The world needs your message! Let us know how you are taming your inner saboteur by tagging me @biancaolthoff. XO, B RESOURCES/LINKS Quote The beauty of that voice of insecurity is an earnest recognition that I'm not everything. But the dark side of that voice is when we let that voice convince us that we're nothing. Takeaways Imposter syndrome is common and can make us doubt our abilities and feel like frauds. The voice of insecurity can be used as a tool for self-reflection and growth. Humility is a choice and allows us to recognize our limitations while still using our gifts. We should remind ourselves that we are called to fulfill a purpose and use our voices. Asking 'If not me, then who? If not now, then when?' can help overcome self-doubt and take action. ⋇ Convoy of Hope - Empowering Women and Girls Together Donate here ⋇ Bianca's new book Grit Don't Quit: Developing Resilience And Faith When Giving Up Isn't An Option ⋇ The Grit Don't Quit Bible Study is now available. ⋇ So grateful to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Dwell! Go to dwellbible.com/wgt to receive your 25% discount today.  ⋇ Subscribe to We're Going There on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss out on any of the great topics and conversations. Don't forget to leave a loving review! Apple Spotify ⋇ Visit biancaolthoff.com/resources to learn more about books and other resources from Bianca. ⋇ Want to stay connected, join the community today. ⋇ WGT email: podcast@inthenameoflove.org ⋇ Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.” Youtube: https://youtu.be/mD3Nlb5YZ5s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices