Podcasts about your heart

In this episode of Stranger Fruit, we explore the word that so many of us chase: “Finally.” Whether it's the long-awaited match, graduation, or the completion of a major milestone, “finally” often marks an emotional finish line. But is it ever really the end? Or just the start of something new? Dr. Steven Johnson, PGY-1 neurology resident at Howard University, joins us to unpack what it means to enjoy the fruits of our labor without immediately chasing the next thing. Together, we explore the hedonic treadmill, the trap of endless striving, and the art of sitting still in satisfaction. Timestamps: 00:16 Exploring the Meaning of 'Finally': Triumph, Relief, and Determination 01:13 A Medical Student's Perspective on Reaching the 'Finally' Stage 03:51 Facing the Unknown: Preparing for Residency and Future Growth 05:30 Reflection and Confidence: Overcoming Obstacles on the Medical Journey 06:22 Analogies to the NFL Draft: Confidence, Weaknesses, and Leadership 08:28 The Hedonic Treadmill: Cultivating Gratitude and Avoiding Complacency 09:15 Constant Motion: Embracing Pain and Growth on the Treadmill of Life 11:33 Leaning into Difficulty: Embracing Pain for Accelerated Growth 12:49 Maintaining Momentum: Avoiding Stagnation and Static Energy 18:53 The Quality of Work vs. The People Around You 20:10 Reframing Happiness: Finding Contentment in the Present Moment 22:10 Gratefulness and Reflection: Breaking the Cycle of Always Looking Forward 25:29 The Keys to Your Heart and Mind 26:10 When Finally Isn't What You Thought: Dealing with Disappointment 28:07 Motivations and Reflections 29:13 Knowing the Journey is the Destination 30:36 Looking in the Mirror: Who Am I? 31:51 Seeing Someone You Don't Like 33:48 Moving Forward: Instilling Memories 35:51 Planting the Seed: The Word Finally Places Too Much Emphasis on the Destination 37:31 Embracing the Growing Pains for Future Success 40:47 When Was the Moment You Realized You Weren't Invincible? 43:35 What are You More Afraid Of? Success or Failure? 47:52 Final thoughts and closing remarks  

About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a weekly column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

Because marriage matters, we must guard our hearts, minds and lives against the devastating danger of adultery by cultivating a Christ-like love that values the good of marriage. I. Adultery is a Devastating Sin Because Marriage is a Vital Good Given by God. Ex 20:14; Heb 13:4 II. The Heart of the Matter is the Condition of Your Heart! Mt 5:27-28; III. Christian Obedience to God's Commands Flow from a Heart made new in Christ

The story of Balak and Balaam reveals what God truly desires - not elaborate sacrifices, but a heart that beats with His will. The post The Desire of Your Heart appeared first on Emmaus Road Fellowship.

Silver Quintette - "Sinner's Crossroads" [0:00:00] Womack Singers of Stanford, N.C. - "You Can't Hide" [0:05:36] Charotte Ann Leaks - "Branded By Jesus" [0:09:20] Famous Ward Singers - "Prince of Peace" [0:14:20] Spiritual Gospel Singers - "It's Good To Be Saved" [0:16:54] Traveling Echoes - "He Cares for Me" - Traveling Echoes [0:22:16] Straight Street Holiness Choir - "Well Made Up Mind" [0:24:24] Atkins All-Stars of Chicago - "Trouble Don't Last Always" [0:33:11] Heavenly Five of Anderson, IN. - "Angels Watching Over Me" - Here I Am [0:40:39] Mountain Travelers - "Steal Away to Jesus" [0:43:43] Songs of Love of Martinez, GA - "God is Alright" [0:48:40] Alexander Gospel Singers - "Search Me Lord" [0:52:01] Rev. Otis Weaver - "Jesus is Standing at Your Door of Your Heart" [0:54:15] https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/153768

Silver Quintette - "Sinner's Crossroads" [0:00:00] Womack Singers of Stanford, N.C. - "You Can't Hide" [0:05:36] Charotte Ann Leaks - "Branded By Jesus" [0:09:20] Famous Ward Singers - "Prince of Peace" [0:14:20] Spiritual Gospel Singers - "It's Good To Be Saved" [0:16:54] Traveling Echoes - "He Cares for Me" - Traveling Echoes [0:22:16] Straight Street Holiness Choir - "Well Made Up Mind" [0:24:24] Atkins All-Stars of Chicago - "Trouble Don't Last Always" [0:33:11] Heavenly Five of Anderson, IN. - "Angels Watching Over Me" - Here I Am [0:40:39] Mountain Travelers - "Steal Away to Jesus" [0:43:43] Songs of Love of Martinez, GA - "God is Alright" [0:48:40] Alexander Gospel Singers - "Search Me Lord" [0:52:01] Rev. Otis Weaver - "Jesus is Standing at Your Door of Your Heart" [0:54:15] https://freeform.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/153768

What if the belonging you've been craving isn't about fitting in—but about showing up as yourself? In this episode, I'm joined by my longtime friends and collaborators Tori and Shannon for an honest, laughter-filled conversation about Camp Is In Your Heart—a one-of-a-kind gathering designed to spark connection, creativity, and community for adults. We share stories from camp, behind-the-scenes details (including the handmade swag bags), and reflect on how meaningful spaces for growth and friendship have evolved over the years. Whether you're camp-curious, looking for deeper connections, or simply craving space to feel seen and supported, this conversation reminds you that camp isn't just a weekend—it's a feeling you carry with you.

Dear friends,Welcome to Season 3, Episode 11 of the podcast!We have a special invitation for you. Those of us from Shekina Garden will be offering a weekend pilgrimage of rhythm and rest called Exploring the Christ Path. This is in partnership with Upcycle House and takes place in Piecavilleo, Italy, August 28-31 of this year. You can find the details at https://www.shekinacommunity.com/2025-italy! There are still a few spots available and time to sign up!Today's episode is a lectio divina on Psalm 90: 1-4, 12, and 14 with Ro. This recording comes from our daily meditation sessions at Shambhala in Your Heart festival in Chiang Dao, Thailand, so you may hear some festival noise in the background. Each meditation we offer has three parts.First, Ro will offer some exercises to help you find quiet readiness for meditation.Second, she will guide you through the verses with lots of space for your own contemplation. And third, we encourage you to process your meditation by sharing your experience and thoughts— if you are meditating with others—or journaling or recording your experience in some way if you are meditating on your own. One of the ways we fund our community is through the support we receive on Patreon! If you want to join in, the link is http://patreon.com/shekinameditationpodcast or send a donation through http://shekinacommunity.com/donateFollow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/shekinagardenWe are so thankful for your support,Much love,The Shekina Garden Community

Meghan reveals why the words to Roxette's "Listen to Your Heart" isn't just feel-good advice—it's scientifically backed wisdom your body's been trying to tell you all along. Meghan breaks down the biology behind intuition, explains why your mind keeps you stuck in familiar (but soul-crushing) territory, and shares simple practices to tune into the expansion vs. contraction signals your body is constantly sending you. Whether you're standing at a crossroads, feeling disconnected from your current path, or exhausted from overthinking every decision, this episode offers a refreshing alternative: trusting the intelligence you already carry within. Learn to distinguish between fear-based thinking and heart wisdom, and discover why the most courageous pivots don't come from logic—they come from truth. Perfect for anyone ready to stop gaslighting their own inner knowing and start making decisions that actually feel aligned. Links + Resources Full show notes Learn: Try my FREE Coherence session Blog: How to Retrain Your Brain for Happiness Blog: Creating Inner Harmony in 30 Seconds Shop: Try this HeartMath Inner Balance Coherence Device Shop: 30% off Rise + Shine: Guided Path to Heart-Led Living and Leadership

205 Nadine is taking a semi-sabbatical this year to study, try new things, & travel, and she's sharing her adventures with you in a podcast series that will air monthly throughout the year. In this 6th episode, she shares the highlights, challenges, and takeaways from her June area of interest: roadtripping. Covered in this episode:Why she traveled 2000 miles in 3 weeksWhere she went and who she visitedThe moments that made her emotional The 5 things that roadtripping does for your soul*This is the sixth episode in a year-long series for paid subscribers. Access for the full episode is available when you become a paid subscriber on Substack.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

“Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and the power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.”  - Ecclesiastes 5:19What if true joy doesn't come from gaining more, but from gratefully receiving what God has already provided? Today, John Cortines joins us to explore what he calls the Cycle of Grateful Living—and how it transforms our approach to money and contentment.John Cortines is the Director of Grantmaking at The Maclellan Foundation. He is the author of our new study on the book of Ecclesiastes, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money, as well as the co-author of God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School and True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart.The Heart of Ecclesiastes: Joy as a GiftEcclesiastes 5:18–20 forms the foundation of our new Wisdom Over Wealth study:“It is good and fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil... this is God's gift to man... God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.” - Ecclesiastes 5:18–20These verses, nestled within the longest section on money in the book, offer a radical invitation: rather than striving for more, we're called to enjoy what we've already received. Even the ability to enjoy life's blessings is a divine gift.Introducing the Cycle of Grateful Living: E.A.T.To help us live out this vision, here's a simple acronym from Ecclesiastes 5:19: E.A.T.—Enjoy, Accept, Toil.Enjoy God's ProvisionEverything we have—our wealth, relationships, health, and even the capacity to enjoy them—is a gift from God. Acknowledging this turns entitlement into gratitude and replaces striving with trust. Accept Life's BrevityEcclesiastes frequently reflects on death, not to breed fear, but to awaken us to the preciousness of life. Acceptance of our limits and mortality grants deeper purpose and contentment in the present moment. Toil with JoyWork is not something to escape from. Ecclesiastes calls us to rejoice in our toil. True fulfillment isn't found in early retirement or unending leisure, but in the meaningful work God places before us.What Gets in the Way?Gratitude can often feel elusive in the routines of everyday life. Often, we slip into discontent when we:Take God's provision for grantedIgnore life's brevity and live mindlesslyComplain about work instead of finding purpose in itThe world's promises—especially those of financial independence or early retirement (FIRE)—can become mirages. We've probably all been there, dreaming that if we work hard and save enough, we will someday be free. But that vision of life can be so hollow because the human condition is to be oriented to purpose, to work. Even if you're retired, it's not so you can sit on a beach for 20 years.We were made to participate in God's creative, redemptive work. That's why embracing our toil with joy brings far more satisfaction than escaping it.Wealth Without Joy: A Modern ParadoxWhile many of us live more comfortably than royalty of past centuries—with cars, clean water, air conditioning, and vacations—anxiety and discontent remain widespread.Billionaires are often no happier than the rest of us. Without a grateful heart, even abundance can feel empty.The Cycle of Grateful Living isn't just about how much we have—it's about how we relate to what we have. It teaches us to stop chasing wealth and start engaging with it through the lens of joy, acceptance, and purpose.From Ecclesiastes to Jesus: A Unified MessageJesus echoes the wisdom of Ecclesiastes in Luke 12. He reminds us of the birds and flowers—simple creatures that don't worry, yet are lovingly provided for by God.“Consider the lilies, how they grow... If God so clothes the grass... how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!” - Luke 12:27–28James 1:10–11 also makes a similar connection where riches are likened to wildflowers—beautiful for a moment, but quickly fading. The message is clear: our time is brief, but God is faithful.So, how should we respond? By living present to God's provision, content in our limitations, and faithful in our work.Ecclesiastes 5:20 offers a powerful conclusion:“He will not much remember the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.”What does this look like practically? It's about presence. A life that's not dominated by worry or comparison, but one that's centered on Jesus. It's a heart too full of gratitude to be caught up in regret.Invite Jesus Christ into this moment. Ask for help to enjoy what He's provided, to accept this season, and to do today's work with joy.Every generation has had its turn. Ours is now. The call of Ecclesiastes is to live wisely in the present, not with frantic striving, but with deep joy, humble acceptance, and faithful effort.We're like the birds and flowers. Here for a precious moment, sustained by the generous hand of God. Let's embrace the Cycle of Grateful Living.Want to Go Deeper?If you're ready to experience joy in the everyday and live a grateful life rooted in God's wisdom, check out Wisdom Over Wealth, written by John Cortines. This month, when you give a gift of $35 or more, we'll send you a copy as our way of saying thank you for supporting this ministry. Visit FaithFi.com/wisdom to learn more.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm retired and own my home, but I'm facing some financial trouble. A lien was just placed on my house, and I'm worried I might lose it. I also have more than $3,000 in credit card debt, and I'm unsure of the following steps to take.I was recently at the bank and they offered me a HELOC, even though I don't really need one. They ran a hard credit check, and I noticed the credit score they showed was over 20 points lower than what I had seen on my own report. Why is there such a big difference?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Maria Morera Johnson interviews musician Cristina Bernal in an intimate conversation about faith, sacrifice, values, and surrendering her gifts to God. CONTENT WARNING: In this episode, Cristina Bernal shares briefly about exposure to immoral practices in the music industry that led to her awakening in the faith. Caution is recommended, especially when young listeners may be present. from CristinaBernalMusic.com: Growing up in the music industry Cristina always knew she wanted to do something big with her gifts and talents. After leaving what would have been her second record deal in 2011, Cristina got involved in leading worship for her young adult community. From there she knew she had a calling to serve the Lord with her gifts and talents. Along with writing and releasing pop music she has served in the worship community since. She has traveled around the United States leading worship for conferences, retreats, parish missions, as well as locally at her home parish. Cristina signed with Catholic Christian Record label NOVUM RECORDS in July of 2022. She has released a Mass Setting Album and is working on another Album of Worship Music for Mass. Links for this Show:  Novum Records' new song: Back to Your Heart featuring Cristina Bernal Seeking Pop Stardom, Cristina Bernal Found God Instead Cristina Bernal Music

In this episode of Draw Near, we reflect on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ and invite you to rediscover the power, beauty, and reality of the Eucharist. More than a symbol, the Eucharist is the living presence of Jesus—true food for the soul, strength for the weary, and healing for the brokenhearted. Together, we explore: How to cultivate a deeper devotion to the Eucharist in your daily life What it means to live eucharistically—offering your life as a gift How the Eucharist has brought strength and healing in personal moments of struggle With heartfelt stories, Scripture, practical takeaways, and wisdom from the saints, this episode will leave you inspired to approach every Mass and every moment with renewed gratitude and reverence. Challenge for the Week: Choose one simple way to deepen your Eucharistic devotion—adoration, prayer after Communion, or offering your day intentionally to God—and share it with someone. Whether you're struggling to connect with the Eucharist or simply desire more, this episode offers encouragement and spiritual depth that will draw you closer to the Heart of Christ. *Mentioned in this episode: * Stay With Me - Prayer of St Padre Pio After Communion Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You. Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life, and without You, I am without fervor. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light, and without You, I am in darkness. Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will. Stay with me, Lord, so that I hear Your voice and follow You. Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You very much, and always be in Your company. Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You. Stay with me, Lord, for as poor as my soul is, I want it to be a place of consolation for You, a nest of love. Stay with me, Jesus, for it is getting late and the day is coming to a close, and life passes; death, judgment, eternity approaches. It is necessary to renew my strength, so that I will not stop along the way and for that, I need You. It is getting late and death approaches, I fear the darkness, the temptations, the dryness, the cross, the sorrows. O how I need You, my Jesus, in this night of exile! Stay with me tonight, Jesus, in life with all it's dangers. I need You. Let me recognize You as Your disciples did at the breaking of the bread, so that the Eucharistic Communion be the Light which disperses the darkness, the force which sustains me, the unique joy of my heart. Stay with me, Lord, because at the hour of my death, I want to remain united to You, if not by communion, at least by grace and love. Stay with me, Jesus, I do not ask for divine consolation, because I do not merit it, but the gift of Your Presence, oh yes, I ask this of You! Stay with me, Lord, for it is You alone I look for, Your Love, Your Grace, Your Will, Your Heart, Your Spirit, because I love You and ask no other reward but to love You more and more. With a firm love, I will love You with all my heart while on earth and continue to love You perfectly during all eternity. Amen Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

What's your favorite story from the Bible? It's the question we're asking at Avenue this summer! This sermon series invites various speakers to share their favorite Bible stories, offering fresh perspectives on familiar passages that will reveal how these timeless stories continue to speak into our lives with power and relevance. Through personal reflection and biblical truth, we'll discover how God's Word is living and active in every season.Sermon: "How's Your Heart"Speaker: Brian Hogan

01 ARTY x Nu-La - Flames 02 Ferry Corsten - Lose Myself 03 Equinøx - Cada Vez 04 01 Dirty Signal - Feel It 05 Masters At Work - Work (Ravekings & I.GOT.U Remix) 06 Liu, Sevek, Mougleta - Place in Your Heart 07 John Alto - Before The Fire 08 Gregor Salto & Emmanuella Sabajo - Mi Afo Kon 09 01 Filth & Pleasure - Full Metal 10 01 ZYNØX - Without You 11 PUSH, DJ Ghost - Getting Into The Zone 12 DJ HEARTSTRING - Back To My Love 13 Hardwell feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn - Echo (Giuseppe Ottaviani Remix) 14 01 Frankyeffe, Amiley - Save Me 2025 15 Ben Nicky & Paul Gannon - Voicemail 16 NOVAH, CERES - Papi 17 STVW x Bertie Scott - THNKS FR TH MMRS 18 Lock 'N Load x Ruthless x Potato - Blow Ya Mind

01 ARTY x Nu-La - Flames 02 Ferry Corsten - Lose Myself 03 Equinøx - Cada Vez 04 01 Dirty Signal - Feel It 05 Masters At Work - Work (Ravekings & I.GOT.U Remix) 06 Liu, Sevek, Mougleta - Place in Your Heart 07 John Alto - Before The Fire 08 Gregor Salto & Emmanuella Sabajo - Mi Afo Kon 09 01 Filth & Pleasure - Full Metal 10 01 ZYNØX - Without You 11 PUSH, DJ Ghost - Getting Into The Zone 12 DJ HEARTSTRING - Back To My Love 13 Hardwell feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn - Echo (Giuseppe Ottaviani Remix) 14 01 Frankyeffe, Amiley - Save Me 2025 15 Ben Nicky & Paul Gannon - Voicemail 16 NOVAH, CERES - Papi 17 STVW x Bertie Scott - THNKS FR TH MMRS 18 Lock 'N Load x Ruthless x Potato - Blow Ya Mind

Dear friends,Welcome to Season 3, Episode 10 of the podcast!We have a special invitation for you. Those of us from Shekina Garden will be offering a weekend pilgrimage of rhythm and rest called Exploring the Christ Path. This is in partnership with Upcycle House and takes place in Piecavilleo, Italy, August 28-31 of this year. You can find the details here! There are still a few spots available and time to sign up!Today's episode is a lectio divina on Ephesians 3:14-21 with Miri. This recording comes from our daily meditation sessions at Shambhala in Your Heart festival in Chiang Dao, Thailand, so you may hear some festival noise in the background. Each meditation we offer has three parts.First, Miri will offer some exercises to help you find quiet readiness for meditation.Second, she will guide you through the verses with lots of space and prompts for you to enter with your own imagination.And third, we encourage you to process your meditation by sharing your experience and thoughts— if you are meditating with others—or journaling or recording your experience in some way if you are meditating on your own. One of the ways we fund our community is through the support we receive on Patreon! If you want to join in, the link is http://patreon.com/shekinameditationpodcast or send a donation through http://shekinacommunity.com/donateFollow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/shekinagardenWe are so thankful for your support,Much love,The Shekina Garden Community

204 To celebrate Nadine's July masterclass with literary consultant, April Eberhardt, we're bringing back this conversation with April. (find out more information at nadinekenneyjohnstone.com/classes)Nadine talks with her about the rapidly changing world of publishing and new doors of hybrid and self publishing women writers have for how to get their work in front of readers.About April:April Eberhardt, a literary change agent and advocate, is passionate about helping authors be published in the most effective and satisfying way. After 25 years as a corporate strategist and management consultant, April joined the literary world, where she saw strategic opportunity to play a role in the changing world of publishing.
 April advises and assists authors as they choose the best pathway to publication for their work, be it indie or traditional, digital or print. She provides advice and guidance to authors who wish to explore non-traditional paths to publication, including hybrid publishing. If you have questions about how to publish your work most effectively, including which path might be most profitable and satisfying, please email. April serves as a consultant to new publishing startups, and serves on the Advisory Council for The American Library in Paris.aprileberhardt.comAbout Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a weekly column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

Pacific Street Blues & AmericanaJune 22, 2025Support our Show and get the word out by wearin' our gear In the Market for Blues August 8-9 More info @ OmahaBlues.comPlaying with FireJuly 25/26August 15/16More info @ PlayingWithFireSpotlights Shows1. BB King / Ain't Not One Like My Baby2. Johnny Burgin /Silently Suffering 3. Aretha Franklin / Share Your Love with Me 4. Babby Harden / Feels So Good 5. Mississippi Heat / Madeleine6. John Nemeth / Home in Your Heart 7. Monkey House / Return of the Mayfly 8. Wilco / Any Major Dude 9. Chris Thomas King / Baptized in Dirty Water 10. Keb Mo & Taj Mahal / Room on the Porch 11. Danielle Nicole / Fireproof12. Tommy Castro / I Got Burned 14. The Doors / Roadhouse Blues 15. Willie Dixon / Backdoor Man 16. Richie Havens / Streets of Philadelphia17. Rodney Crowell / I Wish It Would Rain What's the Common Thread, The Music Trivia Game18. Beatles / Day in the Life19. Rolling Stones / Yesterday's Paper 20. Graham Parker & the Rumor / Slow News Day21. John Fogerty / Headlines 22. Bob Dylan / Ballad of a Thin Man

Hiding the Word of God in Your Heart

Faith, Your Heart, & Stepping Out by Hope Church Luton

In this episode of Chef Life Radio, I sit down with Kimberly Flear, founder of Last Call Coaching, to discuss mental health challenges in the hospitality industry and the importance of creating a recovery-friendly workplace. Join the Crew & Support The Show Kimberly shares her personal journey and the initiatives she champions, such as breathwork, body movement, and post-shift debriefs, as strategies to combat burnout and emotional strain. We explore the need for a cultural shift towards support and accountability, emphasizing the importance of meeting people where they are and the long-term vision of changing industry norms.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview00:21 - Meet Kimberly Flear: Mental Health Advocate02:03 - The Stigma of Mental Health in Hospitality03:30 - Kimberly's Personal Journey and Industry Challenges10:09 - Pathways to Recovery and Support Systems20:20 - Self-Care Practices and Personal Growth25:57 - Future Vision and Industry Change31:46 - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLinks In The ShowLast Call Coaching | Sobriety Support for Hospitality WorkersKimberly on LinkedinStay Tall & Frosty and Lead from Your Heart,AdamJoin the Crew & Support The Show @Join the Crew & Support The ShowSubscribe: The Recipe For Your Success Newsletter Learn More @ Chef Life Coaching Like, Follow & Subscribe to Chef Life Radio @ Listen to Chef Life Radio: Empowering Culinary Leaders to Create Thriving, Sustainable Kitchens Realignment Media

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, we welcome Dr. Shanté Holley to the show! Dr. Shanté is a certified life coach, writer, professor, and host of the podcast The Whole In Your Heart podcast on YouTube. Specializing in guiding individuals through the complexities of healing, wellness, and personal development, today we have a conversation for you about the art of surrender. We explore how to trust the timing of your life, the difference between surrender and submission, and how to accept what you cannot change while still believing deeply in yourself and what is possible. We'll go into how to process anger and hurt when you've been wronged, how to stop living in the past, and how the very act of trying to control outcomes is often where we lose our power.  Dr. Shanté offers insights into why force is the opposite of surrender, how to recognize the subtle ways we abandon ourselves, and why surrender is not weakness, but strength. If you've been holding on too tightly to old beliefs, are having a hard time letting go, feeling stuck, or if your strength has started to look more like struggle, this episode is for you! Let's do the Flirties, and meet Dr. Shanté! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy- all over the world! Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee! About our guest:  Dr. Shanté Holley is a certified, trauma-informed mental health coach with over 20 years of experience as a college professor. She is a respected voice in the mental wellness community, with a passionate following of more than 270K on social media, a ranked publication on Substack, and viral content that has reached millions.  Known for her accessible, and impactful approach to mental health, she has been featured on both local and national news outlets, using her platform to share practical insights and advocate for mental wellness. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Shanté delivers high-value content on a variety of topics related to emotional resilience, trauma recovery, and self-care, with engagements across the country. Her expertise has led to partnerships with major organizations such as the Immigrant Justice Corps, American Red Cross, SAMHSA, and the Ad Council, where she collaborates on campaigns aimed at promoting mental health awareness and community support. In addition to her work in mental health coaching, Dr. Shanté is a prolific podcaster with three successful shows that collectively boast hundreds of thousands of downloads. Her podcasts serve as valuable resources for individuals seeking guidance on personal growth, mindset, healing, and navigating life's challenges. Dr. Shanté also serves on the Board for Belonging Through Art, an organization dedicated to reducing loneliness and fostering positive social connections through art. Her commitment to improving mental wellness extends to her academic work, where she was a Fulbright Scholarship Finalist for her research on Blaxit: The Interconnectedness of Racial Trauma, Healing, and Black Immigration to Portugal, a groundbreaking project that explored the intersections of cultural identity, trauma, and healing. With her extensive background in mental health, education, and media Dr. Shanté Holley is a trailblazer in the field, committed to helping individuals heal, grow, and thrive. You can connect with Dr. Shanté on Substack, listen to the "Whole in Your Heart" podcast on YouTube, learn more on her website, and @drshantesays on Instagram. About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun! As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage. Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self. His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

"Preparing The Ground of Your Heart" | Min. Barbara Odom | June 11,2025 by Pastor Jonathan M. Anderson, Sr.

Feeling drained, short-tempered, or emotionally numb? It may not just be your schedule—it might be disappointment. This episode uncovers the hidden emotional weight behind daily irritation, burnout, and fatigue, and shows how unprocessed grief and unmet expectations can quietly harden your heart. Discover how disappointment often disguises itself as stress, anger, or exhaustion—and how to recognize it before it turns into bitterness or resentment. You'll walk away with specific questions to help you identify the root of your weariness, plus a powerful mindset tool to process what you're really feeling with both honesty and hope. This is your invitation to stop pushing through and start healing the disappointment that's been quietly draining your energy and joy. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: [00:00] Could Unprocessed Disappointment Be What's Draining You? [03:00] Why Is Disappointment Really Just Grief Without Closure? [05:00] How Emotional Pain Shows Up in the Body (and Why You Can't Ignore It) [06:00] Where Is Disappointment Hiding in Your Life—Marriage, Parenting, Faith, or Career? [10:00] How Small Losses Quietly Accumulate Into Deep Emotional Exhaustion [12:00] What Happens to Your Heart and Faith When You Don't Face Disappointment? [14:00] 3 Clarity-Building Questions to Expose Hidden Hurt [16:00] Why Naming What Hurts is the First Step Toward Freedom [17:00] What Does God Do When You Tell Him You're Disappointed? [18:00] How to Heal Disappointment Through Community, Tools, and Christ-Centered Support RESOURCES: 6-WEEK LIVE STUDY with ALICIA in JULY/AUGUST 2025 on DISAPPOINTMENT:  Ready for healing from disappointment in marriage, mothering, career and more?  Join me in July/August 2025 in the Emotional Confidence Club where I'll be leading ladies through a 6-week process of noticing disappointments, processing the honest feelings behind it, and applying what we learn to everyday relationships.  Go to AliciaMichelle.com/club to apply and join us. RELATED EPISODES: 312: What to Do When You Can't Stop Crying, Snapping, or Shutting Down  309: Are You Holding Back Emotionally Because You're Afraid to Be Hurt Again?  302: How Toxic Thinking Led to Infidelity and How Managing Emotions Led to Healing  Send us a textWant support applying what you're learning here each week about managing emotions with science and scripture? Come join us in the Emotional Confidence Club—apply now at AliciaMichelle.com/club.

Tom Logue - June 8th 2025 True worship starts where no one else can see—in the heart. As we continue our The King & His Kingdom series in Matthew 15, Jesus calls out empty external worship and reminds us that what truly defiles a person comes from within. This message invites us to examine our hearts, repent where needed, and embrace the cleansing power of Jesus' blood. In a world obsessed with appearances, Jesus invites us into something far deeper—a life of genuine worship that flows from a transformed heart. Learn more about our church: https://restoredtemecula.church Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restoredtemecula and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoredtemecula #Matthew15 #HeartOfWorship #TrueWorship #JesusTransforms #TheKingAndHisKingdom #RestoredTemecula #ChristianSermon #GospelOfMatthew #Repentance #KingdomGrowth Share this message with someone who needs to hear it! Chapters (00:00:15) - A message about Restored Church(00:00:57) - A Prayer for Our Church(00:01:38) - The King and His Kingdom(00:04:51) - Holy Spirit Prayers(00:06:32) - Jesus calls out hypocrisy of the Pharisees(00:11:06) - Jesus' Parable for the Young People(00:12:30) - God's Kingdom Growth(00:18:18) - A Message on Spiritual Growth(00:22:15) - Pharisees: Worship happens in the heart before it happens(00:27:05) - How's Your Heart?: Self Diagnosing Your Heart(00:29:34) - The Real Condition of My Heart(00:35:47) - God's Primary Concern is Your Heart(00:41:38) - First John: If You Walk in the Light(00:46:01) - The Blood of Jesus(00:48:14) - Wonders of the World(00:52:18) - Temptation to Pay More Attention to Your Worship(00:56:19) - Proverbs 7: Forgive Me My Sins(00:58:22) - Prayer for the Room(01:00:17) - Wonders of the Kingdom

202 Nadine is taking a semi-sabbatical this year to study, try new things, & travel, and she's sharing her adventures with you in a podcast series that will air monthly throughout the year. In this 5th episode, she shares the highlights, challenges, and takeaways from her May areas of interest: acknowledging our growth and celebrating in a way that feels deeply meaningful.Covered in this episode:How to take imperfect actionWhy celebration is essential How to celebrate in a way that actually feels meaningfulWhat GROW meetings are and why they're so impactfulHow unstructured time can be a gift for creativity and self-discoveryFinding balance between structure and freedom *This is the fifth episode in a year-long series for paid subscribers. Access for the full episode is available when you become a paid subscriber on Substack.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She has helped those writers publish countless books and hundreds of essays in The New York Times, Vogue, The Sun, The Boston Globe, Longreads, and more. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. She interviews renowned female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story, and writes a weekly column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

How Healthy is Your HeartDate: 8th June 2025Passage: Mark 7:14-23

Introducing the Band:Your hosts Scot Bertram (@ScotBertram) and Jeff Blehar (@EsotericCD) are joined by guest Jeff Pojanowski. Jeff is a professor at Notre Dame Law School, where he teaches and writes about philosophy of law and legal interpretation. He also writes occasional columns for The Pillar. He has been living happily in Northern Indiana after escaping Washington, D.C., 15 years ago.Jeff's Music Pick: Turnpike TroubadoursThis is a rarity for Political Beats, in which we present a show driven largely by our guest's preferences. Jeff Pojanowski joined us previously for Pavement and Crowded House and by now we trust his musical judgement. For quite a while, he's been selling us hard on taking up the career of Turnpike Troubadours for an episode. With the recent release of a new album, and additional endorsements of the band from others in our sphere, it seemed a good time to take him up on the offer.We're awfully glad we did.The Turnpike Troubadours, hailing from Oklahoma, have become one of the leading purveyors of Red Dirt country music, featuring songs that are masterclasses in storytelling, instrumentation, and authenticity. Look, if you don't like fiddle, you might be in the wrong place. Formed in 2005 by frontman Evan Felker and bassist R. C. Edwards, the band's early years were shaped by relentless touring. The first album, Bossier City, is almost more a collection of demos. The group wasn't quite fully formed yet. But on Diamonds & Gasoline (2010), everything began to click into place. As the band matured, their songwriting deepened without losing its raw immediacy. Albums like Goodbye Normal Street (2012) and The Turnpike Troubadours (2015) would be highlights of any band's career. Felker's songwriting stands out not just for its precision (though occasional lyrical duplicity can leave the listener wondering exactly what a song is about), but for its ability to evoke vivid rural landscapes. These are songs about places and towns that many Americans easily can picture in their mind. Musically, Kyle Nix's fiddle and Ryan Engleman's guitar work offered a dynamic counterpoint that always serves the song first.The band's career wasn't without turbulence, of course. After the 2017 release of A Long Way from Your Heart, the band entered a hiatus amid Felker's battle with alcoholism. Fans cheered the band's 2022 comeback, marked by the release of the Shooter Jennings-produced A Cat in the Rain. It's impossible to listen to songs on the record without putting them in the context of Felker's troubles. It's an album that likely had to be made, however, to bring the band to 2025's The Price of Admission, a release that all three of your hosts come to praise.There's probably still a lot of music left in the tank for Turnpike Troubadours, and there's no better time than now to jump on board to discover what you might have been missing.

The process of forgiveness and reconciliation is a two-way street, and both parties are equally responsible for putting in the work to restore the relationship. Yes, even if you were the one wronged! In part two in this miniseries on forgiveness to reconciliation, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender discuss the four steps of making amends and emphasize the importance of approaching each one with humility. Whether you've been wronged or have wronged someone else, you must set aside your pride and commit to rebuilding trust, whatever that might look like for your situation. It's certainly not easy, but when done with sincere intentions (and often with the aid of outside counseling), the process of reconciliation can become a powerful example of peacemaking. Quote of the episode: “You're going to find true peacemaking to be way more effective and way more fruitful if you're willing to put in the work.”—Julie Bender Resources Mentioned Join the Re|engage Marriage Enrichment and Restoration course The Peacemaking Process graphic: Related "If You're Tired of Resentment Living Rent-Free in Your Heart – 259" "Forgiveness Is the Key to Living a Bitter-Free Life" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

201 To celebrate Nadine's June 18 masterclass with author Peg Conway called "Inviting Yourself Back to the Page" we're bringing back Peg's episode about memoir writing and self compassion. Registration for the class will be live on June 3 at nadinekenneyjohnstone.com/classes. About the episode:Nadine talks with memoirist Peg Conway about her book, The Art of Reassembly: A Memoir of Early Motherloss and Aftergrief.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a weekly column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

Forgiveness is a radical act—it's not about holding someone's offense over their head like a debt, and it's also not about forgetting what they've done. So what is forgiveness in and of itself? In part one of two in this miniseries on forgiveness to reconciliation, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender debunk several misconceptions around what real forgiveness entails, revealing a much simpler approach that removes the pressure and pain normally associated with it. You'll learn how your relationship with God plays a critical role in truly forgiving someone and a sample prayer that you can use when you're not sure where to start. We've also included a graphic of the prayer below—scroll down to screenshot and save it for easy reference. Join us next week for part two of the series, where Darlene and Julie unpack the process of reconciliation. Quote of the episode: “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5: 23-24). Resources Mentioned Join the Re|engage Marriage Enrichment and Restoration course The Forgiveness Prayer (F-R-E-E) Face the truth of the sins against you and grieve the hurt Release your wounds to God and ask for healing Entrust your claims for justice to God Exalt God for offering peace through Christ to all Related "Forgiveness Is the Key to Living a Bitter-Free Life" "Why You Need to Forgive When Forgiveness Seems Impossible" "My Parents' Murder-Suicide and the Road to Forgiveness with Tracy Brandt – 208" "If You're Tired of Resentment Living Rent-Free in Your Heart – 259" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

We are back after some time away to talk 2024! Today, we've got two 5-song playlists to dig into, next week we talk 2 albums.We swap songs and talk about what stood out to us during a great year for music. You can also check out our mid-year review we did in season 1, but this episode we take a step back and get the big picture a few months after the debris has settled.We'll talk about Danny's country takes, Julius's in depth thoughts on the Drake vs Kendrick beef, the state of rap music, and the release of "Diamond Jubilee" in the streaming age.Songs discussed:"Bi" - SahBabii"$10 Cowboy" - Charley Crockett"Common Denominator" - 454 ft. tutu"I Never Lie" - Zach Top"Days" - Ravyn Lenae"Wild Juanita's Cactus Juice" - Kaitlin Butts"meet the grahams" - Kendrick Lamar"On My Knees" - MJ Lenderman"If You Hear Me Crying" - Cindy Lee"Keep Me in Your Heart" - Willie NelsonLinks to playlists below:Danny's Songs: Spotify - Apple Music - YoutubeJulius's Songs: Spotify - Apple Music - YoutubeSend us a text message!You can follow us here: Instagram Twitter Tiktok Send us a message, we'd love to hear from you! Email is thegmspod at gmailLeave us a rating and review if you want to!Thanks for listening!

200 To celebrate 200 episodes and to honor the publication of Jane's new book, we're bringing back this listener-favorite episode!Writing guru Jane Friedman answers all your burning questions about the business of being a writer (which also happens to be the title of her latest book). Covered in this episode:-How the pandemic changed the publishing industry (for the better)-How to have an honest outlook about getting published and still have hope-How to give yourself yourself grace when you're burnt out-Marketing approaches that actually work-How to write newsletters that people want to read-The best writing advice books-The best writing advice given and receivedAbout Jane:Jane Friedman has spent nearly 25 years working in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. She is the editor of The Hot Sheet, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, and was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World in 2023. Her latest book is THE BUSINESS OF BEING A WRITER (University of Chicago Press), which received a starred review from Library Journal. In addition to serving on grant panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Creative Work Fund, she works with organizations such as The Authors Guild to bring transparency to the business of publishing. Learn more at JaneFriedman.comTwitter: @janefriedmanInstagram handle: @janefriedmanYouTube: http://youtube.com/@janefriedmanJane's upcoming newsletter classAbout Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a weekly column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

In part two of this deep conversation, two “happy” masters of meditation, Loch Kelly and Henry Shukman, explore a range of topics and questions through the lens of awakening as a natural human potential. What can we learn about how to shift into awake mind and heart to live with and recover from injury and long Covid? What is effortless focus and flow, aka Flow Know? And why is it so important for meditation and mindfulness practitioners to understand the distinctions between conventional mindfulness and more direct paths like Zen and Effortless Mindfulness? And finally, what are the benefits of new emergent spiritual models that integrate nondual mindfulness and Internal Family Systems? How does it work and how are models like this different from more traditional approaches to waking up and growing up? Loch and Henry Shukman engage with these questions and more.Part 1 RecapIn part one, Loch and Henry Shukman explore their similar and unique approaches to awakening. With delight and curiosity, they share some of their own initial awakening experiences. They also discuss their process of discovering and unfolding and how they share it with students. To this end, they unpack and illuminate the contemplative art and science of Inquiry and Koans as ways to shift out of the chattering mind and into our already awake heart mind. Henry talks about his experience with Zen Koans and Loch shares his Mahamudra approach to inquiry. Loch calls this Glimpsing, and it emphasizes immediate experiential pointers which help practitioners directly realize their already awake nature. Henry Shukman BioHenry Shukman is a meditation teacher, poet, author, and co-founder of the single-path meditation app The Way. His most recent books are Original Love: The Four Inns on the Path of Awakening (HarperOne) and the Zen memoir One Blade of Grass. He has taught at Google, the New York Times, Harvard Business School and Medical School, and the Institute of American Indian Arts. He has written several award-winning and bestselling books of fiction and poetry. His poems have appeared in The New Yorker, Guardian, Times and Sunday Times. He has an M.A. from Cambridge and an MLitt from St Andrews.Mindful Glimpse The episode features Loch offering a guided practice called “Learn to Stay in Your Heart.” These mindful glimpses serve as invaluable tools for experiencing ways to access the awake consciousness that is already here within all of us. You can now explore all of Loch Kelly's practices and teachings on the new Mindful Glimpses app, found at https://lochkelly.org/mindful-glimpses. This innovative meditation and wellness app offers daily micro-meditations, step-by-step programs, and simple-yet-advanced tools for awakening.Loch Kelly Bio Loch is the creator of the Mindful Glimpses app, and an award-winning author, psychotherapist, and non-dual meditation teacher. He is also known for his unique practical methods that support awakening as the next natural stage of human development. Backed by modern neuroscience and psychology, Loch introduces Effortless Mindfulness, which combines an ancient form of nondual meditation and IFS psychology that allows immediate access to our embodied awake nature which arises as our calm, clear, and compassionate healing capacity. Connect with Loch: Mobile App: https://lochkelly.org/mindful-glimpsesWebsite: https://lochkelly.org/Donate: https://lochkelly.org/donatePodcast: https://lochkelly.org/podcast

Dear friends,Welcome to Season 3, Episode 9 of the podcast!Today's episode is an imagination meditation on Matthew 19:13-15 with Neil. This recording comes from our daily meditation sessions at Shambhala in Your Heart festival in Chiang Dao, Thailand, so you may hear some festival noise in the background. (In particular, there is a drumming noise in the first few minutes, but it stops after a little while.)Each meditation we offer has three parts.First, Neil will offer some exercises to help you find quiet readiness for meditation.Second, he will guide you through the verses with lots of space and prompts for you to enter with your own imagination.And third, we encourage you to process your meditation by sharing your experience and thoughts— if you are meditating with others—or journaling or recording your experience in some way if you are meditating on your own. One of the ways we fund our community is through the support we receive on Patreon! If you want to join in, the link is http://patreon.com/shekinameditationpodcast or send a donation through http://shekinacommunity.com/donateFollow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/shekinagardenWe are so thankful for your support,Much love,The Shekina Garden Community

199 Nadine is taking a semi-sabbatical this year to study, try new things, & travel, and she's sharing her adventures with you in a podcast series that will air monthly throughout the year. In this 4rd episode, she shares the highlights, challenges, and takeaways from her April areas of interest: applying to residencies, untangling her codependent behaviors, and grappling with being enough when she's not trying to prove her relevance. Covered in this episode:Updates on her year-long projects like local food sourcing How HRT (hormone replacement therapy) has been goingWhy she's applying to writing residenciesWhat she's discovering about high-functioning codependencyHow she's asserting boundaries and taking care of her nervous systemHow to release our desire to prove our relevance One important question that's changing everything*This is the fourth episode in a year-long series for paid subscribers. Access for the full episode is available when you become a paid subscriber on Substack.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She has helped those writers publish countless books and hundreds of essays in The New York Times, Vogue, The Sun, The Boston Globe, Longreads, and more. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. She interviews renowned female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story, and writes a weekly column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

There are some ways to tell if you’re really walking right with Jesus—John lays it out for each of us. But even if you aren’t, we’ll see how to handle that as well. Listen in and get your spiritual checkup now. Notes: Focus verse - 1 John 2 Read 1 John 2:1–6 #1 How’s Your Walk?1 John 2:1–6 Sin is serious, but Jesus is our Advocate. It’s not if you sin—it’s when.The question is, “How will you respond?” Read 1 John 2:3–4 Are you walking toward Jesus? Are you alongside Him?Or are you name dropping as you walk the other way? Propitiation: the means by which sins are forgiven. Read 1 John 2:7–11 #2 How’s Your Heart?1 John 2:7–11 Sometimes it’s easier to love a God you can’t see than it is to love the person next to you. Anyone who claims to live in God’s light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark.1 John 2:9 (MSG) Redemption means giving the love you never received, because God gave it to you first. The compassion Christ showed you is the same compassion you’re called to show them. If your heart is constantly cold toward others, if your instinct is to isolate, criticize, or cut people off, or if you cling to your grudge like an emotional support animal, maybe it's not them—it's you. Read 1 John 2:12–17 #3 What’s Got Your Heart?1 John 2:12–17 Your spiritual health is not a matter of perfection, but direction. Jesus isn’t saying that having wealth is the problem.He’s saying being owned by it is. There’s nothing wrong with having possessions, as long as your possessions do not possess you. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.1 John 2:17 (NKJV)--- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are some ways to tell if you’re really walking right with Jesus—John lays it out for each of us. But even if you aren’t, we’ll see how to handle that as well. Listen in and get your spiritual checkup now. Notes: Focus verse - 1 John 2 Read 1 John 2:1–6 #1 How’s Your Walk?1 John 2:1–6 Sin is serious, but Jesus is our Advocate. It’s not if you sin—it’s when.The question is, “How will you respond?” Read 1 John 2:3–4 Are you walking toward Jesus? Are you alongside Him?Or are you name dropping as you walk the other way? Propitiation: the means by which sins are forgiven. Read 1 John 2:7–11 #2 How’s Your Heart?1 John 2:7–11 Sometimes it’s easier to love a God you can’t see than it is to love the person next to you. Anyone who claims to live in God’s light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark.1 John 2:9 (MSG) Redemption means giving the love you never received, because God gave it to you first. The compassion Christ showed you is the same compassion you’re called to show them. If your heart is constantly cold toward others, if your instinct is to isolate, criticize, or cut people off, or if you cling to your grudge like an emotional support animal, maybe it's not them—it's you. Read 1 John 2:12–17 #3 What’s Got Your Heart?1 John 2:12–17 Your spiritual health is not a matter of perfection, but direction. Jesus isn’t saying that having wealth is the problem.He’s saying being owned by it is. There’s nothing wrong with having possessions, as long as your possessions do not possess you. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.1 John 2:17 (NKJV)--- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

198 If you've ever felt crippled by loss and utterly uncertain about your next steps, this episode is for you. In her new book, The Mother of All Decisions, Betsy Armstrong navigates the impossible--the early death of her mother, the wrath of her stepfather, chronic pain, and a harrowing adoption journey--with the kind of steadfast resilience that gives us boundless hope. This conversation is no different. It will leave you thinking about the impact we have on each other and the powerful legacy you can create.Covered in this episode:The moments that led Betsy to consider becoming an adoptive parent at age 47How her mother's death spurred Betsy to create a powerful legacyHow she and her children bravely navigated the unknown with hope, even after heartacheHow Betsy stayed dedicated to her book project for more than a decadeHow Nadine' coaching impacted the manuscriptHow Betsy and Nadine have watched each other growAbout Betsy: Betsy Armstrong grew up on a farm in Minnesota, but Chicago captured her heart thirty-plus years ago, so she stayed. Betsy is a writer, mom, athlete, and philanthropist who wants to change the world. She had careers in sales, counseling, and the non-profit space. Still, her true passion was running, which led her to become the Executive Director of Girls on the Run-Chicago and the Chicago Area Runners Association. Her writing has been published in the Brevity Blog, The Pinch Journal, and WOW-Women on Writing, and she has been recognized in essay contests in Writer's Digest and WOW-Women on Writing. She and her husband, kids, and pets divide their time between the mountains of Nevada and the lakes of the Midwest.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She has helped those writers publish countless books and hundreds of essays in The New York Times, Vogue, The Sun, The Boston Globe, Longreads, and more. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. She interviews renowned female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story, and writes a weekly column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

Are Your Desires Clues to Your Destiny? | Discover God's Blueprint for Your Life

Dear wonderful listeners, Welcome to Season 3, Episode 8 of the podcast! Today's episode is an imagination meditation on Luke 8: 22-25 with Miri. This recording comes from our daily meditation sessions at Shambhala in Your Heart festival in Chiang Dao, Thailand, so you may hear some festival noise in the background. Each meditation we offer has three parts. First, Miri will offer some exercises to help you find quiet readiness for meditation. Second, she will guide you through the verses with lots of space and prompts for you to enter with your own imagination. And third, we encourage you to process your meditation by sharing your experience and thoughts— if you are meditating with others—or journaling or recording your experience in some way if you are meditating on your own. One of the ways we fund our community is through the support we receive on Patreon! If you want to join in, the link is http://patreon.com/shekinameditationpodcast or send a donation through http://shekinacommunity.com/donate Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/shekinagarden We are so thankful for your support, Much love, The Shekina Garden Community

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9You don't have to study Scripture long to realize that God's wisdom differs sharply from what the world considers wise. John Cortines joins us today to talk about the nature of wisdom, and spoiler alert— it's a Person, not a thing.John Cortines is the Director of Grantmaking at The Maclellan Foundation. He is the author of our new study on the book of Ecclesiastes, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money, as well as the co-author of God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School and True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart.The True Nature of WisdomIn our modern world, we often equate wisdom with knowledge, education, and the ability to make good decisions. While these aspects are certainly part of it, Ecclesiastes teaches us that wisdom is far more than intellectual mastery or a collection of best practices. In fact, wisdom is not just a set of principles—it is a person. That person is Jesus Christ.Throughout Ecclesiastes, the Preacher (likely King Solomon) wrestles with the big questions of life: What is our purpose? Where can we find joy? How should we handle money? The book explores the various paths people take—seeking pleasure, accumulation, and status—but ultimately concludes that all these pursuits are vanity, or "chasing after the wind."The key takeaway? True wisdom is found in fearing God and keeping His commandments. But it's not merely about following rules—it's about cultivating a relationship with God through Christ.Ecclesiastes isn't just a book about the limitations of human wisdom; it points us to the deeper truth that wisdom is found in a relationship with God. Near the end of Ecclesiastes, we read that "the words of the wise are like goads," and these words come from "one shepherd."Interestingly, this shepherd's identity is made clear in the New Testament, where Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in the Gospel of John. Not only does Jesus impart wisdom, but He is wisdom. In Colossians, we learn that Jesus is the one who orders and sustains all things—He embodies wisdom.Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:30 that Jesus became "to us wisdom from God, righteousness, and sanctification." This concept shifts our understanding of wisdom from a set of teachings to a relationship with a person.Ecclesiastes and the Limitations of Human WisdomEcclesiastes acknowledges the limits of human wisdom. Even Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, struggled to make sense of life's paradoxes. He sought knowledge, but it never gave him lasting meaning. In fact, knowledge alone cannot answer the deeper questions of life, such as suffering, uncertainty, or death.True wisdom isn't found in education or achievement; it's received from outside ourselves. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and in the knowledge of the Holy One, there is insight. True wisdom is about trusting in Christ, who alone leads us into all truth and understanding.Walking in Wisdom with ChristIf wisdom is a person, the way to grow in wisdom is to walk closely with Jesus. John offers some practical ways to deepen our relationship with Christ and grow in wisdom:Spend time in God's Word: Not just for information but to encounter Christ and be transformed.Pray and seek His guidance: God promises to give wisdom to those who ask for it.Live in obedience: Wisdom isn't just knowing what is right; it's living it out.Surround yourself with wise counsel: Engage with fellow believers who are also walking with Christ.Trust God in times of uncertainty: Lean on Christ in suffering and hardship.Develop a heart of gratitude: Recognize and enjoy the simple gifts God gives us each day.These steps, though simple, shape our lives and our relationship with God. They allow us to grow in wisdom and understanding as we live in step with Christ.The Connection Between Wisdom and FinancesOne area where wisdom plays a critical role is in our financial lives. The way we handle money is closely tied to our spiritual journey, and the book of Ecclesiastes speaks directly to this. Money is often viewed in our culture as a means of fulfillment, but Ecclesiastes teaches us that wealth is a tool, not our source of meaning.In Ecclesiastes 11, we are reminded of the importance of generosity: "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." Giving reflects God's nature and His wisdom, and it produces Kingdom fruit. Generosity is a key part of living for Him.Ecclesiastes teaches us to appreciate the simple gifts God provides, while also reminding us that money and possessions are fleeting. As we apply the wisdom of Christ to our finances, we see the balance between frugality, generosity, and enjoying the blessings God has given us.The Ultimate Wisdom: JesusAt the heart of Ecclesiastes—and of all Scripture—is the call to fear God and keep His commandments. In the New Testament, we understand that this means following Jesus Christ, who is wisdom incarnate. Our pursuit of wisdom isn't about accumulating knowledge or living by a set of moral principles. It's about knowing Jesus personally and living in relationship with Him.If you're seeking wisdom, the answer is not found in more knowledge or better strategies—it's found in Jesus Christ. As we follow Him, we grow in wisdom, and our understanding of life's challenges—including money and possessions—becomes clearer. Wisdom is a person, and that person is Jesus.For those interested in diving deeper into the book of Ecclesiastes, our new study, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money, offers a comprehensive exploration of this biblical text and its profound teachings on money, work, and contentment. Visit FaithFi.com/shop to get your copy today or to place a bulk order.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a son who has separated himself from our family. We haven't spoken in two and a half months. I want to know if there are any biblical references that would support changing my will to take my son out of it, given our current strained relationship.I made an insurance claim for a new roof, which was necessary. Now my insurance company has raised my rates, and my next payment is $163 higher than usual, which I can't afford this month. Do I have any recourse, and what should I do besides looking for another insurance company?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineTrue Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart by John Cortines and Gregory BaumerSplitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy WhiteWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Love the Lord Your God with all Your Heart and Soul

Introduction: How Do You Stop Hatred from Growing in Your Heart? (Matthew 5:21–26) By putting it to Death when it First Appears. (Matthew 5:21–22a) 1 John 3:15 – Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By refusing to Kill others with Destructive words. (Matthew 5:22b) Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. By seeking after Immediate Reconciliation. (Matthew 5:23–24) By remembering what's At Stake. (Matthew 5:25–26) 1 Corinthians 6:10 – ...nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 5:21-26What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Are you struggling with anger/hatred? How can you deal with it right now before it gets out of control?Read Ephesians 4:29 - What are some practical ways to control your mouth and keep corruption from spreading to others?Why is it so hard to admit your faults and ask for forgiveness?What are the consequences of giving yourself over to hatred and unforgiveness? BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Turn your Bibles to Matthew chapter 5 verses 21 through 26.Matthew chapter 5 verses 21 through 26.We live in a culture that is absolutely obsessed with murder.There are dozens and dozens of true crime podcasts that delve into the nitty-gritty detailsof the worst crimes imaginable.Who has ever listened to a true crime podcast?No shame.Just asking.There are seemingly thousands and thousands of TV shows that are centered around murderinvestigations.Let me just list a few.Blue Bloods, Only Murders in the Building, Criminal Minds, Chicago PD, Sherlock, Bones,Castle, The Rookie, Longmire, Colombo, Psych, Monk, Murder She Wrote, Diagnosis Murder.Then there are the franchises that have spun out an endless amount of added-on shows, right?Law and Order, Law and Order Special Victims Unit, Law and Order Criminal Intent, Law andOrder LA, Law and Order Trial by Jerry, Law and Order True Crime, Law and Order OrganizedCrime, NCIS, NCIS Origins, NCIS Los Angeles, NCIS Hawaii, NCIS New Orleans, NCIS Sydney,CSI, CSI Miami, CSI New York, CSI Los Angeles, CSI Vegas, CSI Cyber, CSI Sheboygan, CSI Wexford.Okay, wait.Those last two don't actually exist, but at the rate they're pumping out these spin-offs,you never really know.But millions of people tune into these kind of shows every single week to watch fictionalmurderers face justice.On top of these podcasts and TV shows, we even play a board game with children thatis all about murder.That board game is?Who has ever played Clue at some point in their lives?I don't want to explain the basic premise, right?Okay, three to six players, you're all trapped in a mansion and one of you murdered Mr. Bodie,who owned the mansion.Was it Ms. Scarlett, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, or ProfessorPlum?The whole purpose of the game is to figure out who is the murderer, what is the murderweapon, and what is the location of the killing?Again, this is a game for children.If the game can end with an accusation like this, Colonel Mustard in the conservatorywith a candlestick.Maybe you love playing this game growing up because you like to solve the mystery, assignthe blame for murder, and point the finger at made-up characters.But what if I were to tell you that every single person in this room is guilty of murder?This is in my opinion, it's not a suspicion, a hunt or an unfounded accusation.This is a clear and simple fact from the mouth of our Lord.According to Jesus Christ, we are all Colonel Mustard in the conservatory with a candlestick.And you may be thinking, "Taylor, I don't know about the person next to me, but I havecertainly never murdered anyone in cold blood."Well, you may be innocent of physically murdering, but there is no wiggling out of the realitythat you are guilty of spiritually murdering in your heart by hating others.And again, I know that some of you may be resisting what I'm saying already.You think to yourself, "I don't hate anyone.I am pleasant with everyone."I mean, sure, there are some people I intensely dislike.There are some people I vent about constantly.There are some people I avoid at all costs, and if I saw them in the grocery store, Iwould run in the opposite direction.But hey, that's different.Is it different?Maybe you are dressing up your hatred to make it look nice and acceptable when it is actuallycruel and dishonoring to the Lord.No matter who you are, how nice you may appear, you are not exempt from hatred.Because you have to understand that murder is not just an action.It is a state of heart in mind.We have been studying the Sermon on the Mount since February, and we are in the second sectionof our study, "The Heart of the Law."Last week, Pastor Jeff taught that Jesus Christ didn't come to abolish the law, but to perfectlyfulfill it through His life, death, and resurrection.And throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus demonstrates that the law is not skin deep.It actually drills down deep within you to your heart.Jesus cares about who you are on the inside.He is far more interested in the internal than the external.In Matthew 5, verses 21-26, Jesus exposes your greatest desires, fears, and innermostfeelings which you try to keep hidden away from others.Jesus pulls your anger into the light to show you how truly ugly, subtle, and destructiveit actually is.Jesus doesn't do this to humiliate you.He does this to help you.Jesus doesn't do this to condemn you, but to change you from the inside out.Because hatred cannot be allowed to fester.It will hollow you out on the inside, and it will hurt everyone around you.So how do you stop hatred from growing in your heart?Well, our passage for this morning offers four methods of extermination that will keepthe infection from spreading.Before we cover those, let's go to the Lord and ask for His help.Please pray for me that I will faithfully proclaim God's Word, and I will pray for youthat you will joyfully receive God's Word.Father, we thank you for this most important appointment of the week.We gather together as your people to worship you, to encourage one another, and to situnder the proclamation of your Word.Lord, I thank you that you watch over your Word to perform it, and that your Word accomplishesevery purpose for which you send it out.I pray this morning that you would do your work in our hearts and lives.We ask all this in Jesus' name.Amen.So how do you stop hatred from growing in your heart?The first method of extermination by putting it to death when it first appears.By putting it to death when it first appears.Let's read verses 21 through 22.Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, you shall not murder, andwhoever murders will be liable to judgment.But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment."So Jesus kicks off a pattern that we see six times in Matthew chapter five.You have heard that it was said, but I say to you.And at first glance, it may look like Jesus is changing one of the six commandments.It may look like he is erasing the original meaning and coming up with something brandnew.But as Pastor Jeff said last week, Jesus came not to lessen the law, but to elevate it.Jesus is not changing the sixth commandment.He is simply revealing something that has always been within it, but has been ignored.He is not contradicting God's word.He is contradicting the Pharisee and scribes incomplete interpretation of God's word.The religious leaders of Jesus' day thought and taught that the sixth commandment of,"You shall not murder," only applied to the physical acts of homicide in manslaughter.They put this commandment into a box and ignored its deeper meaning.And here is the heart of the sixth commandment.Do not give yourself over to unrighteous anger, which leads to the act of unjustly endingsomeone's life.Anger is the first domino in that chain reaction.The religious leaders limited the scope of God's command and the process they limitedits impact.By viewing the sixth commandment in this way, a religious leader could look at himself andsay, "Hey, I am perfectly keeping this commandment.I have never clubbed someone over the head.I've never pushed my neighbor off a tall building in a fit of rage.God must be so proud of me, but internally they are killing people by despising them,despising tax collectors, sinners, and Gentiles."In this passage, Jesus corrects the massive oversight of the men who should know the lawbetter than anyone else, but have missed the entire point.They have missed the heart.Jesus is saying, "Don't think you're safe and sound because you have no bodies buriedin your backyard.You were on the hook for a serious crime and heading for serious consequences if you havehatred and anger and bitterness buried in your heart."It's especially egregious to be angry with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.Why is that?You know, as a dad, it pains me to watch or read news stories about kids being bullied.But do you know what would be worse than watching strangers be mistreated, finding out thatone of my own kids is being bullied?Do you know what would be the worst of all?Discovering that one of my kids hates and actively tries to hurt his or her sibling.It grieves the heart of God to watch his children despise and attack one another.And John talks about this in his first epistle.He says, "Everyone who hates his brother is a what?A murderer.And you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him."At this point, you may be frustrated thinking, "Wait, so you're saying I can never be angrywith anybody, especially if he or she is a Christian.How is that possible?"To be clear, Jesus isn't saying that anger is always sinful.God gets angry.God hates sin and what it causes.Jesus got angry throughout the Gospels.As a human, it is impossible for you to not feel feelings of betrayal, of annoyance, andfrustration.Jesus isn't condemning anger in general.He is condemning a very specific kind of anger.In this passage, the word for anger in the Greek is orgizō.And this is a fuming, a boiling anger that is nurtured and intensified like a pot of wateron a stove.You keep dialing up the temperature, keep dialing up the intensity until it overflowsand scalds people.This kind of anger twists your heart.It distorts how you view other people.You may even danger about bad things happening to this person.You may want this person to get what's coming, to get what they deserve, to be publicly humiliatedand to feel the same exact pain that you feel.When you hate someone, you are communicating this message to the Lord.Lord, I don't care if that person dies and I want them out of my life for good.Now, you would never say that out loud, but that's what you're feeling in your heart whenyou harbor bitterness.Because that person is dead to you when you never ever want to see him or her ever again.In your book, it's like they've been wiped out of existence.It's like they've fallen off the face of this earth.That kind of anger is a spark that can be snuffed out or fanned into flame.It's challenging to put to death in its infancy, but it's way harder to kill once it's fullygrown and is out of control.And this principle holds true in every other area of life.If you had gone to the dentist, when you first noticed that tooth pain, you could have avoidedthe unpleasant and very expensive root canal.That small leak in your attic would have been much more manageable whenever it was a smalldrip, but now every single time that it rained, it's like a waterfall in your attic.Even care of your yard would have been much easier when you pulled weeds as they poppedup, but after months and months and years of neglect, there are weeds everywhere.In those moments, you noticed a problem, but you did nothing about it.You stuffed it down instead of honestly addressing the issue.Never turn a blind eye to your sin.Only when it comes to unrighteous anger and hatred, when you see that root of bitternesspop up, be relentless and pulling it out and throwing it away instead of giving it roomto breathe and to grow.When that urge to mentally curse someone out in your mind pops up, don't entertain it.Don't go down that ungodly route.Instead, choke out those thoughts with the word of God.If that person is a believer, pray for their sanctification.If that person is not a Christian, pray for their salvation.When a family member or friend fails you, trust me, they will fail you.Don't stew on the offense and tally up all the ways that person has let you down in thepast.Instead, run to the only one who has never and will never let you down.Go to God the Father so that you can choose patience and gentleness instead of pettinessand retaliation.When the desire to believe the worst about someone in this church enters your mind, willinglydecide to believe the best until proven wrong.Run down the stove of your anger before it hurts you and everyone around you.How do you stop hatred from growing in your heart?Second method of extermination by refusing to kill others with destructive words.By refusing to kill others with destructive words.So Jesus moves on from what's in your heart to what comes out of your mouth at the endof verse 22.He says this, "Whoever insults his brother will be liable to the counsel and whoeversays you fool will be liable to the hell of fire."Maybe this seems over the top to you.You may be thinking, "Really Jesus going before the Supreme Court and being thrown into hellfor insulting and slander?"Isn't that a bit severe?Well, maybe you won't think that if you understand what these insults actually mean.That word for insult in the Greek is "rokka" which means empty-headed or worthless.And that word for fool is "moros" from which we get which English word do you think?Moron.That's not just a cute, funny word.The New Testament uses that word to describe those who were outside the kingdom of God.So by labeling someone as "rokka" and "moros" you are saying you are a worthless and stupidwaste of space with nothing of value to offer anyone so you can go straight to hell forall I care.True Christians cannot lose their salvation by using their mouths for evil.But a person whose life is marked by this kind of vile speech should question the genuinenessof his or her faith and status in the family of God.How can you flip people off in traffic throughout the week and then passionately raise your armsand worship on Sunday?How can you unapologetically scream at your wife and your kids and then use that samemouth to pray to a heavenly Father who you were nothing like?How can you day after day at work belittle your colleagues, your coworkers, your employees,and then go to a small group and claim that you are a bold witness for Christ?How can you ruin the reputation of others with slander and then describe your reputationas above reproach in God-honoring?You cannot habitually kill others with your words and claim to love Jesus with your wholeheart.Your words say way more about you than the person you are speaking against.Please do not underestimate the impact and influence of your words.You can use your mouth to point someone to Christ or away from Christ.To smash them into a million pieces or to help put them back together again.You can use your mouth to give someone hope or to take away the little hope that someonehas.Listen to what the apostle Paul has to say about how you should and shouldn't speak inEphesians 4-29.Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such is good for building up as fitsthe occasion that it may give grace to those who hear.No corrupting talk.Corrupting brings the mental picture of something that is rotten and moldy.Imagine every single time you use your words in a negative way that this gross odor eaksout of your mouth and grosses out everyone around you.My wife and I were first married.We lived in a garage apartment above the house with a very nice Christian couple and theirson.We have almost no complaints about them.Great family, very kind to us.We had one small complaint.Once or twice a week they would make a meal that smelled horrible.The smell would go from the kitchen into the vents and finally into our apartment.I can't tell you how many candles we lit, how many balls of Febreze we sprayed to tryto fight off this odor.Somehow those defenses make it worse, doesn't it?The smell is kind of mixed together to create a horrible uber smell.It's been 11 years.I swear to you, I can still smell this meal in my house sometimes.I know that's not possible.My wife tells me I'm imagining it, but that smells so offended in my nose that it hauntsme in every season of life.You may be thinking, "Okay, what's the point of this random gross story?"Your corrupting words have the power to linger and haunt people for the rest of their lives.If I passed around a mic this morning and asked everyone to share the most hurtful thingsthat have been said to or about you, there wouldn't be a dry eye in this room.Now I want you to think about some of the most hurtful things you've ever said to orabout someone.Was it worth it?Do you stand by what you said or do you regret it?Just given a do over, would you say it all again or would you keep your mouth shut?Remember your answers to those questions when you were tempted to lash out at others withyour words.Recognize that you can never take your words back no matter how much you wish that you could.How do you stop hatred from growing in your heart?Third method of extermination by seeking after immediate reconciliation.By seeking after immediate reconciliation.So verses 23 through 24, Jesus switches gears to focus on how you should address the angerof others when you are at fault.Let's see what he has to say about next steps.Verse 23, "So if you were offering your gift at the altar and there, remember that yourbrother has something against you.Leave your gift there before the altar and go.First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift."Jesus places a high premium on resolving relational issues quickly and pursuing after reconciliationas soon as possible.He even puts it above sacrifice, which to Jews in the first century would have beenunthinkable.Being sacrificed is expected and commanded by God, but Jesus says it's more importantto be at peace with others around you.He's saying if you're making your sacrifice, leave it there, leave, go put this issue tobed and then come back to finish your sacrifice.This would be similar to us hearing, "Listen, if you're shopping at giant eagle, leave yourcart at the register and get out of there.If you're pumping gas, jump into your car and speed away and don't worry if the gasnozzle is dragging on the road behind you.If you're worshiping a church on Sunday, stop singing and track that person down.Resolve that unfinished business."Do you have unfinished business right now?Do you need to ask for forgiveness?Maybe you need to step out, make that call, send that text or even speed out of the parkinglot.If that's you, do it right now.Maybe you don't want to.Sadly so many of us demand apologies from others, but we're so bad at apologizing whenwe're wrong.Why is that?Because apologizing requires humility.You have to make yourself small and put yourself at the mercy of someone else.Do we naturally want to do that?None of us do, but it's commanded by our God and it is expected.It's way easier to cut ties and run than it is to admit your faults.That's why there are so many marriages that end in divorce.That's why there are so many friendships that are broken.That's why so many professing Christians leave their current church to go to anotherchurch down the street.Well, time for a fresh start.No one at this new church knows my dirty laundry or my history yet not yet.Give it a few weeks or months and you'll be looking for a new church yet again.It is far more appealing to the flesh to be totally unknown and completely unconfirmedthan it is to be fully known and lovingly confronted.Please stop pretending because Jesus is not fooled.Stop running away from those you've hurt because your problems will just follow you whereveryou end up.Do not be lazy and passive about reconciliation.Just like, yeah, yeah, I'll put that on my to-do list and get to it at some point.No, Jesus is saying, rip up your to-do list because nothing else matters.Do whatever is necessary to attempt to stifle that anger that is between you and the otherperson.How do you stop hatred from growing in your heart?Final method of extermination by remembering what's at stake.By remembering what's at stake.Maybe you're still unmoved by Jesus called a crush hatred and pursue after restoration.You know what God is calling you to do, but you just don't want to do it.You don't have any plans to make any changes or say sorry anytime soon.Well, thankfully, Jesus knows how stubborn you are.And he knows how stubborn I am.So he follows up his command with a very stern warning in verses 25 to 26.He says this, "Come the terms quickly with your accuser while you were going with himto court lest your accuser hands you over to the judge and the judge to the guard andyou be put in prison.Truly I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny."Let me bring this first century illustration into the 21st century.Imagine that you and your neighbor are fighting over a property line dispute.And during one argument, you get so angry that you viciously attack him.You were 100% guilty and there are witnesses to back up your neighbor's testimony.Your neighbor threatens to call the cops, to press charges and sue you if you do not apologize.But in that moment, you don't want to apologize.You want to defend yourself.You want to fight against your neighbor.You don't want him or her to have the satisfaction of beating you.But let's follow that to its logical conclusion.The cops come, you're arrested, you're put on trial and you have to go to prison andstay there until you are let out.And even then, you still have a lot of legal fees and you still have to pay out the lostsuit.Let me ask you, is there any upside to that option, option A?What do we think?No, it's all horrible.But thankfully, there's an option B. Throw yourself at the mercy of your neighbor.Ask for their forgiveness and seek after an agreeable solution.If you do that, your future is no longer filled with orange jumpsuits and public showers.Maybe thinking, well, thanks for the random legal advice, I guess.But what does this have to do with me?Well, here's the point.Hatred is a prison that you willingly lock yourself into.Hatred is a prison that you willingly lock yourself into.If you give yourself over to it, if you refuse to repent, there will be consequences in thislife.You will become very lonely and unpleasant to be around.You'll be known as the cranky guy or lady at church that everyone wants to love butdoesn't know how to.You'll be viewed as the human cactus.Everyone tries to hug you and bring you closer, but you just push them away and hurt themwith jabs.You will be trapped in a loveless marriage.Your children will wither away under your harshness and constant criticism.And you'll wonder one day why they don't visit anymore or call you to check in.Your friends will drop away like flies one by one by one because they're tired of youpicking fights and refusing to apologize.Let me ask you, is that the direction you want your life to take?Is that where you want to end up?And these final two verses, Jesus is focusing on the penalties you will face right now ifyou wrong others and never seek forgiveness.But over this past week, I couldn't help but consider the eternal penalty for unrepentanthatred and a continual refusal to seek after the forgiveness of Christ.Paul is crystal clear in 1 Corinthians 6 10 that revilers slanderers will not inheritthe kingdom of God.As I said earlier, some of you need to do some serious self examination.If you relentlessly feed this anger in your heart and it pours out from your mouth andthrough your actions, you may need to answer this really difficult question.Am I truly saved?Because true Christians choose to love instead of hate.A true follower of Christ wants to repent of sin, not wallow in sin.Someone who has experienced the forgiveness of Christ wants to extend that to others insteadof withhold it.Those who have been changed from the inside out say, "I'm sorry, will you forgive me?"Not "I'm sorry, but" or "I didn't do anything wrong."Because none of us are perfect in any of these areas.But you should be making progress day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year.Are you kinder, more loving, more forgiving now than when you first came to Christ?And if the answer is no, maybe you never truly came to Christ in the first place.If your honest answer to the question of "Am I truly saved?" is no, then your future isfar more terrifying than any earthly jail or prison.You are looking down the barrel of an eternity of being sentenced to a prison that is inescapableonce you are there.In hell, no one is released early or given visitation rights.But I have great news this morning.You don't have to be sentenced to that kind of eternity.There is still time to trust in Christ today.You don't need to carry that hatred or bitterness any longer.Those burdens will sink you both now and forever if you let them.Give those burdens over to Christ who was hated by the crowds that you could be lovedby His Father, who was rejected on the cross that you could be accepted, who bore the angrywrath that you deserve so you could be declared innocent.Jesus Christ has open arms this morning.He is calling you to run to Him.He is ready and willing.Are you ready and willing to run to Him and accept all that He has to offer?Let nothing hold you back from Christ because He will withhold nothing from you once youcome to Him with a sincere faith in genuine repentance.If your honest answer to the question of "Am I saved?" is yes, but you still wrestle withholding on to resentment and burning with anger, I have a few final words of encouragementfor you.You may have dug yourself into a pit of your own making.You keep digging and digging and digging with obsessive thoughts, unkind words, and stubbornness.But please listen to me.You only need to stay in that hole as long as you want to.Nothing and no one is keeping you there besides yourself.If you want to get to a better place, get over yourself and admit your neediness.Admit that you need God's help.Find yourself the truth instead of buying into your own lies.You should hold no grudges because God holds no grudges against you.You have nothing to prove to anyone because Jesus Christ already approves of you.You have no reason to repay evil for evil because the Bible says that vengeance belongsto the Lord.You have no defense for your hatred because you have received the greatest love imaginable.Let's spend some time with the Lord in prayer.Please close your eyes and bow your heads.Use this time to confess your sin to the Lord.To acknowledge how much you need Him to change.Stop putting on a show and be honest with your Father because He already knows whatyou're struggling with.The first step in finding a solution to your problem is admitting that you even have aproblem.Don't worry about what's for lunch.Don't worry about your busy day tomorrow, how your kids are doing in the back.Do business with God.Father, we come before you to confess our sin.Lord, all of us struggle with this in some way at some level, whether we want to admitit or not.And Lord, if there is someone in this room who doesn't know you, Lord, I pray that todaywould be the day of salvation.Today would be the day where they run to you and ask for forgiveness for the very firsttime.For the rest of us, Lord, would help us to recognize that we are already forgiven ofour hatred, that the eternal penalty for our sin has been taken away.But Lord, we are called to love you so much that we must hate our sin.Lord, help us to hate how we sin against you rather than hate others.Where we ask for your power, we ask for your strength to grow, to mature.I pray that we'd walk out of this room as lighter people after giving you the burdenof our hatred and anger.I ask all this in Jesus' name.Amen.

196 To celebrate the publication of Dr. Hillary McBride's latest book, Holy Hurt: Understanding and Healing from Spiritual Trauma, we're bringing back this beloved conversation about how to hold ourselves when we are hurting.Why does it hurt so badly when things don't go as we'd hoped? How do we hold ourselves when we're in great pain? How do we talk to others so that we can reestablish loving connections when they've hurt us or we've hurt them? Psychologist and embodiment expert Dr. Hillary McBride answers all these questions and more in this profound conversation that offers deep solace to anyone who's hurting. Covered in this episode: Transitions that Hillary and Nadine are currently navigatingWhat's bringing them delight Why there is a deep grief when our plans don't play outHow to tune into our own bodies to see how we're feeling How to identify what we need and then self-sootheHelpful dialogue for hard conversationsThe 7 words that can lead to great repairHow to cultivate profound self-trust About Hillary:Dr. Hillary McBride is a registered psychologist, a researcher, and podcastor, with expertise that includes working with trauma and trauma therapies, embodiment, at the intersection of spirituality and mental health. Her first book, Mothers, Daughters, and Body Image: Learning to Love Ourselves as We Are, was published in 2017; she was the senior editor of the textbook Embodiment and Eating Disorders: Theory, Research, Prevention, and Treatment, which was published in 2018. Her bestselling book The Wisdom of Your Body: Finding wholeness, healing and connection through embodied living came out in the fall of 2021, and in January she released Practices for Embodied Living. Her next book Holy Hurt: understanding and healing from spiritual trauma, comes out April 2025. She has been recognized by the American Psychological Association, and the Canadian Psychological Association for her research and clinical work. In addition to being a teaching faculty at the University of British Columbia, she is an ambassador for Sanctuary Mental Health, and the host of CBC's award winning podcast Other People's Problems. Hillary makes her home in the pacific northwest in British Columbia, Canada.www.hillarylmcbride.com IG: @hillaryliannamcbride About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is a holistic writing coach who helps women develop and publish their stories. She is the proud founder of WriteWELL, an online community that helps women reclaim their writing time, put pen to page, and get published. The authors in her community have published countless books and hundreds of essays in places like The New York Times, Vogue, The Sun, The Boston Globe, Longreads, and more. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal that helps readers tap into their inner wisdom and fall back...

Dear wonderful listeners, Welcome to Season 3, Episode 7 of the podcast! Today's episode is lectio divina on Matthew 11:28 with Rae. This recording comes from our daily meditation sessions at Shambhala in Your Heart festival in Chiang Dao, Thailand, so you may hear some festival noise in the background. Rae has also chosen some simpler English words for the verse to make it more accessible to those who spoke English on a simpler level. Each meditation we offer has three parts. First, Rae will offer some exercises to help you find quiet readiness for meditation. Second, she will guide you through the verses with lots of space for your own contemplation. And third, we encourage you to process your meditation by sharing your experience and thoughts— if you are meditating with others—or journaling or recording your experience in some way if you are meditating on your own. One of the ways we fund our community is through the support we receive on Patreon! If you want to join in, the link is http://patreon.com/shekinameditationpodcast or send a donation through http://shekinacommunity.com/donate Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/shekinagarden We are so thankful for your support, Much love, The Shekina Garden Community

TWS News 1: Ignoring Medical Symptoms – 00:26 Glitter Pen Motivation – 4:30 Random Acts of Audio: Tomlin & Mars Mashup – 10:22 TWS News 2: Chicken Jokey – 14:25 The T-Shirt That is You – 18:24 Easter WBSG Promo – 23:11 TWS News 3: Crying Men – 26:13 Amateur First Responder: Fear of Heights – 29:04 Snap Judgement – 31:32 Rock Report: Host Nate Bargatze – 41:14 Confirmation For What God Put on Your Heart – 45:43 You can join our Wally Show Poddies Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/WallyShowPoddies

Read OnlineJesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. John 8:1–3What a painful and humiliating experience this must have been for this woman! Fortunately, the Savior of the World was there to care for her and to help her navigate this situation through His abundant mercy. Though she was a sinner, God's mercy offered a remedy for her sin and its consequences.Interestingly, this story is not included in some of the most ancient manuscripts of the Gospel of John. Saint Augustine believed that it was excluded by some of the early copyists of this Gospel because they were moral rigorists and were scandalized by the depths of Jesus' mercy. They feared that if this incredible act of mercy was conveyed to others, it would lead to a relaxation of moral rules.The scribes and Pharisees who brought this woman to Jesus also appeared to be scandalized by Jesus' mercy. Thus, the depths of mercy offered to this woman was one of many occasions in which Jesus was merciful to a point that was hard for the people to comprehend.How about you? How far are you willing to go when it comes to mercy? It is easy for us to resort to condemnation when we see the sins of others. We might feel justified in condemning them and even obliged to do so out of a desire to condemn sin itself. But Jesus' action shows that the sin must not be equated with the sinner. Sin must be condemned and was condemned by our Lord when He said to this woman, “Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” Though He condemned her sin, he did not condemn her: “Neither do I condemn you.”The mercy of God is incomprehensible. For example, recall that Jesus cried out from the Cross, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” Imagine the surprise that the first hearers of those words would have had. How could this man ask that God forgive the people who were murdering Him? Perhaps the only person who truly understood this prayer of mercy from the Cross was Jesus' own mother as she stood there gazing at Him with love.An important lesson for us to learn from Jesus' depth of mercy is that, at first, it will most likely scandalize us also. Mercy to this extent is supernatural. It challenges our natural reason and calls us to a new way of thinking and relating to others. The only way to overcome the “scandal” we might feel in the face of God's mercy is to live it ourselves. Doing so will require that we put on new eyes to see sin, mercy and forgiveness through the eyes of God. If doing so shakes you to the core of your being, that might be a good sign. Are you allowing the apparent scandal of God's abundant mercy to transform you so that it is no longer a shock or scandal to you, but is experienced as good and holy and from the Heart of our God? Reflect, today, upon how deeply you understand God's mercy. Do you rejoice when mercy is offered to another? Or do you find yourself condemning? Our Lord said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” None of us are without sin; therefore, none of us has the right to cast a stone at another. Allow the apparent scandal of God's mercy to challenge you so that you come to not only understand God's infinite mercy but also to act as an instrument of that mercy to everyone. Most merciful Lord, You came to call the sinner to repentance and salvation. You offer mercy and forgiveness in superabundance. When faced with the sins of others, help me to imitate Your love for them and to show mercy and compassion to the greatest degree. I love You, Lord. Help me to love You and others with Your Heart of merciful love. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

God comforts us so that we can comfort others.* I found that comfort before that nurse found her words,before she found my results. And that's all we're ever doing...Can we reach not for the familiar comforts,but for the only comfort?The Comforter. Affirm: "Love is here." or "Mother is here."Do you always brace for the worst when it comes to your health or that of your loved ones? Health anxiety can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Tune in to hear how it showed up for me, the fears I faced, and the simple yet powerful practice of prayer that brought calm to my heart and mind.This episode dives into letting go of worst-case scenario thinking and finding true peace in the present moment. Let's take this healing step together.I love you, nik STAY IN THE LOVE.*2 Corinthians 1:4_________________________--Blessed Rosaries are back in stock!--Wake Up to Love, and pray the Holy Rosary, pray the LOVE with us LIVE every weekday morning at 4:44 am ET