Animated

Doesn’t it seem as if the world is becoming angrier, louder, and more divided; that a strong current of negativity continues to pull us in that direction? This is both a symptom and manifestation of the negative energy that threatens to commandeer our consciousness and suck the joy and goodwill right out of us.

Wouldn’t it be best if we all recognized and then acted as if life is too short and precious to cede control of our thought lives to things that lead to disintegration, hurt, dysfunction, and even self-destruction? So what are we to do?

This episode is about stemming the flow or moving out of the tide of negativity that are angry, hurtful thoughts toward others and the anxiety, resentment, and despair that can threaten to drag us under when in the midst of challenging circumstances. And the key is taking hold of and applying some of life's truly animating principles.

ATTRIBUTIONS

“Discovery” from the album “Essence” by RRAREBEAR (Used by artist’s permission.)

http://www.instagram.com/rrarebearbeats

http://www.twitter.com/rrarebearbeats

https://soundcloud.com/rrarebearbeats

“I Cannot Accept You”, “Damage”, “Sleepwalking”, and “Through Mist” from the album “Haze” by Echo Grid (Used by artist’s permission.)

https://www.instagram.com/echo_grid/

https://twitter.com/echo_grid

https://echogrid.bandcamp.com

C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: HarperCollins e-books, 2009), pp. 64, 130. Kindle Edition.

Luke 10:25-37

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.Zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

If you want to build up someone you care deeply about you encourage him, affirm him as a human being who is worth knowing and loving, and sometimes challenge him in positive, life-giving ways. 

What are some things you would say to him that best make that possible? 

What are some things you would never say to him?

Adopting those same principles and applying them toward the person in the mirror can be incredibly helpful as we navigate the challenging landscapes we routinely encounter in our lives. It begins with being careful to affirm ourselves, just like we do for someone close to us, as one who is worthy of love, positive energy, and encouragement to keep moving forward. 

After all, a more positive and mentally/emotionally capable you is better equipped to help  those in your life succeed, so let that motivate you to be kinder and more merciful to yourself!

ATTRIBUTIONS

“Discovery” from the album “Essence” by RRAREBEAR (Used by artist’s permission.)

http://www.instagram.com/rrarebearbeats

http://www.twitter.com/rrarebearbeats

https://soundcloud.com/rrarebearbeats

As a new year (and a whole new decade) dawns and we take the time to engage in an honest assessment of ourselves, our circumstances, and our life approach it’s at least as helpful to look around and take inventory of all the people, circumstances, opportunities, and material possessions that belong in the “Blessings” column on our life’s ledger.

This episode is all about a laser-focused 2020 resolution that turns your blessings list into a source manual or blueprint for how best to breathe life into others, which results in renewed growth for you and those in your life. We’re talking about a true win-win, right?

ATTRIBUTIONS

“Dawn” by Kazukii (Used by artist’s permission.)

https://www.instagram.com/ohthatkazuki/

https://twitter.com/Ohthatkazuki

https://soundcloud.com/ohthatkazuki

“Sunken” from the Album “Come Ruin” by Echo Grid (Used by artist’s permission.)

https://www.instagram.com/echo_grid/

https://twitter.com/echo_grid

https://echogrid.bandcamp.com

“Discovery” from the album “Essence” and “New Dream” by RRAREBEAR (Used by artist’s permission.)

http://www.instagram.com/rrarebearbeats

http://www.twitter.com/rrarebearbeats

https://soundcloud.com/rrarebearbeats

Join in the holiday fun as we take a look at some amusing traditions from around the world and examine the true meaning of Christmas with the help of a pretty smart fellow by the name of Einstein.

ATTRIBUTIONS:

Music and Sound Effects

“Away in a Manger,” “We Three Kings,” and “So to Honor Him” from the album “A LiveWires Christmas” by Robert Ellis and the Livewires - www.relivewires.com (Used by artist’s permission.)

https://www.instagram.com/relivewires/

https://www.facebook.com/relivewires/

“Borealis,” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au

Covered under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License

“Jupiter” from the album “Aonarach” by Echo Grid (Used by artist’s permission.)

https://www.instagram.com/echo_grid/

https://twitter.com/echo_grid

https://echogrid.bandcamp.com

Warning siren:

https://freesound.org/people/reznik_Krkovicka/sounds/324275/

CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Book

A Thought-out Faith: Christianity as the Best Explanation by John M. Armstrong (Invictus Maneo Press, 2018) is available in paperback and Kindle format at www.amazon.com.

Did you know that you are essentially a battery-powered organism? Mitochondria are specialized structures that are found in large numbers in most cells and are behind the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production. Its main function is to break down carbohydrates and fatty acids in order to generate energy as well as synthesize proteins for their particular use, which is why mitochondria is generally thought of as the cell’s battery pack. Just think how great it would be to somehow increase your body's mitochondrial count without having to submit to injections or a visit to some fancy clinic for gene therapy. The good news is that you can and that is what’s on the table in this episode, so jump in!

ATTRIBUTIONS

“Aurora” by Tubebackr | https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

“Changes,” “Silverlight,” and “Far Away” by Kazukii (Used by artist’s permission.)

https://www.instagram.com/ohthatkazuki/

https://twitter.com/Ohthatkazuki

https://soundcloud.com/ohthatkazuki

“Discovery” from the album “Essence” by RRAREBEAR

http://www.instagram.com/rrarebearbeats

http://www.twitter.com/rrarebearbeats

https://soundcloud.com/rrarebearbeats

Since fear is an inevitable part of the human experience that holds real estate within the domain of our thought lives it is essential that we employ strategies to aid in managing it properly. How can we best develop thinking patterns to lessen the likelihood of being overwhelmed by it?

Wisdom sayings (Scripture references):

Proverbs 22:3 “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.”

Proverbs 21:21 “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.”

1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear...”

ATTRIBUTIONS

Music:

"Discovery" from the album "Essence" by RRAREBEAR

http://www.instagram.com/rrarebearbeats

http://www.twitter.com/rrarebearbeats

https://soundcloud.com/rrarebearbeats

“Nycterine” by Echo Grid (Used by artist’s permission.)

https://www.instagram.com/echo_grid/

https://twitter.com/echo_grid

https://echogrid.bandcamp.com

“Connection,” “Hope,” and “Endless” by Kazukii (Used by artist’s permission.)

https://www.instagram.com/ohthatkazuki/

https://twitter.com/Ohthatkazuki

https://soundcloud.com/ohthatkazuki

Sound FX:

Uighur Animal Market - https://freesound.org/people/RTB45/sounds/152039/#

Covered by Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) License

Porsche 911 Carrera S Autobahn - https://freesound.org/people/mrpeet/sounds/148780/#

Covered by Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) License

Rocks Falling - https://freesound.org/people/AlanCat/sounds/389303/

Covered by CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Isn’t it true that one of the more prominent messages echoing throughout our culture is that contentment and fulfillment are tied to and maybe even based on “how much and how many” as in how much money we have enabling us to “fill-in-the-blank” and how many people know it and then acknowledge our awesomeness?

In this episode we’ll look into the kind of fame and fortune that is most meaningful and genuinely lasting and identify the animating principles that can move us in that direction. Featured are a few noteworthy figures such as Dr. Jordan Peterson, Bill Gates, and a rabbi from first-century Palestine. Let’s all aspire to get rich and famous!

ATTRIBUTIONS:

"Discovery" from the album "Essence" by RRAREBEAR

Access the artist’s chill vibes on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms including the following portals:

http://www.instagram.com/rrarebearbeats

http://www.twitter.com/rrarebearbeats

https://soundcloud.com/rrarebearbeats

“The Things That Keep Us Here” from the album “Monomyth” by Scott Buckley – www.scottbuckley.com.au

Covered by the Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license

“Past Tense” by Savfk | https://www.youtube.com/savfkmusic

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

“Hope” and “Endless” by Kazukii (Used by artist’s permission.)

Access the artist’s brilliant work on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms including the following portals:

https://www.instagram.com/ohthatkazuki/

https://twitter.com/Ohthatkazuki

https://soundcloud.com/ohthatkazuki

There's no avoiding times or even long seasons of feeling as if a Godzilla-sized anchor is pulling you down into a swirling vortex of misery so you'll never see the light of day again, right? However, there are animating principles that can enable us to better endure the slog through the darkest valley and even thrive in the midst of the journey. In this episode we'll mine for insights from some inspiring figures (see below for a sneak-peak) who have shown us that suffering can, by clarifying what's most important, not only strengthen but shape us into more caring, empathetic people who have an enhanced capacity to bless others.

ATTRIBUTIONS/LINKS:

A Thought-out Faith: Christianity as the Best Explanation by John M. Armstrong (Invictus Maneo Press, 2018) is available in paperback and Kindle format on Amazon at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732386501/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1530950046&sr=1-1

"Discovery" from the album "Essence" and “That’s Sad” produced by RRAREBEAR 

Access his chill vibes on Spotify, YouTube and via the following SOCIALS:

http://www.instagram.com/rrarebearbeats

http://www.twitter.com/rrarebearbeats

“Cobalt” by Scott Buckley – www.scottbuckley.com.au

Covered by the Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license

“Life Is” from the album “Library Songs 4” by Scott Buckley – www.scottbuckley.com.au

Covered by the Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license

“Childhood” by Scott Buckley – www.scottbuckley.com.au

Covered by the Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license

Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning (Boston: Beacon Press, 1992).

Mattie J. T. Stepanek, “On Being Thankful” in Journey Through Heartsongs (New York: Hyperion, 2002).

“911 operator” voiced by Jill Kathleen (aka “Jillicious”) Armstrong