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In this first episode back after a bit of a break, I step into pretty uncomfortable territory. As you can tell from previous episodes, I am an imperfect woman of faith. This podcast has always been about sharing the lessons I have learned through my experiences, in hope it inspires others to reflect on the lessons from their experiences. I don't want you to live my experiences unless that's what you are called to and that's what you want. Live a life according to your own lights, just be sure to share some of that light with others. 

In this episode I share about a thought journey I travelled while preparing a message for the high school ministry in which I have served for the last 7 years. I was asked to write a message around focusing on what God has called you for, and I found myself having to first truly discover what it means for my own life. I discovered, it's an easy ask but hard to implement. 

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This bonus episode is a real vulnerable one. Recently, I spoke on the topic of suffering and decided to share it with you all. Specifically, what the world says about it and what my faith tells me is the truth in suffering. Whether you share the same faith as me or not, I hope this episode fills you with a little bit of light. 

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What does it mean to be "brave enough" and "courageous enough"? How we define courage makes all the difference. 

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Season 2 of By My Own Lights has officially launched. This episode is all about some life updates and how insecurity has played a role. This episode was inspired a bit by something I heard on Adam Grant's podcast WorkLife. The way he described "insecurity" is not as a lack of confidence, but a fragile confidence. Not a revelation, just a realization - insecurity is a jerk!

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Have you heard the serenity prayer before? "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference". Fun fact: That prayer was first written over 89 years ago and is still recited today by many regardless of their faith or beliefs. The prayer is powerful because it is a confession that we fight things we cannot control, that we are not brave enough to make changes, and that we lack true discernment for what is right for our life. 

In today's episode I break it down line by line, and it is worth the listen because I know you have been there. 

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When a project for my kid's first grade class turns into my very own life reminder. Darkness is a scary place. It doesn't matter whether it is physical darkness or emotional darkness, we respond the same ways. We become slow to act, question what is true, and snuff out the light inside of us, instead of turning it on full blast to flush out the darkness. 

In this episode, you'll get a few reminders on what you are equipped with and how to be light for yourself and other's.

Be sure to give the show a like, follow, or subscribe and write us a review to let us know how you are enjoying the show.

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On one shoulder sits a pretty little angel upon a cloud eating granola and drinking kombucha, on the other is a little red horned creature eating a bag of Flaming Hot Cheetos whispering nightmares into my waking moments. I know we have our own version of the positive and negative subconscious that drives us. In today's episode it is all about my very own negative self-talk in the form of a serpent that is coiled around my throat and the ways I have to battle it daily. 

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Extracting value and finding inspiration in heart crushing loss is hard, but it can be done, if you allow yourself. Losing someone is painful, but what you decide to do with that pain can be powerful. In this episode I share about how I have turned my pain into a way to serve others. One of the ways I have served is through American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event. It has been a part of my life for over 12 years and it is a way that I can find joy in my heartbreak of losing someone to cancer. 

If you or a loved one is suffering through this disease, just know, you are not alone and you do not have to feel alone in this fight. There is an amazing community of people you can connect with. One way I have connected is through my Relay family. I recommend reaching out to someone that could connect you to your local community either through American Cancer Society or through local Facebook groups, or wherever your community is, just don't do this alone, cancer is isolating enough.

If you would like to contribute to my Relay for Life fundraiser, you can do so directly at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/rachaelpontious 

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Having dark traits doesn't mean you are not full of light. Even the brightest days have shadows within them. In this episode I share about a less than admirable trait of mine and my journey into flushing out the dark. We are perfectly imperfect, and what you choose to do with that information determines whether it will be light or darkness you share with others. My goal is always to be just a little bit better than I was yesterday, sometimes that means sitting in a state of self-reflection and asking the question "what choice will I make next?"

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How often do we feel unloved and unnoticed when that is not the case? Often times people show us love through their own love language and we dismiss it because we don't understand it. Several years ago I read The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman and it was a game changer. In this episode, we talk about how to translate love languages so you can understand it. 

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