As a lifelong Denver Broncos fan, I’ve experienced the exhilarating highs and crushing lows that come with sports fandom. But one Monday night game against the Dolphins became a wake-up call, highlighting the intense emotional energy I invested in something beyond my control. In this episode of the Reflections podcast, I invite you on a journey of self-awareness and reflection, sharing how this moment led me to reassess my attachments and consider their impact on my well-being. Join me as we explore the concept of Advent—waiting, expecting, and seeing the world with fresh eyes—to uncover how our emotional investments shape our lives.

We’re also privileged to have actor Josh Duhamel join us, sharing his candid journey toward recognizing his unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Josh’s insights provide an important reminder of how vital it is to acknowledge our attachments and strive for healthier connections. Together, we explore the subtleties of our experiences and the importance of mindfulness during the Advent season. Whether you’re a sports fan or navigating your own personal journey, this episode offers thought-provoking discussions and practical wisdom for finding balance and clarity in a world full of distractions.

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Ever found yourself stuck at the DMV, feeling the seconds tick by with no sign of joy? Let's explore the often overlooked connection between waiting and joy, especially during the Advent season. Sharing personal stories, from the mundane frustration of traffic jams to the deeply emotional anticipation of a child's birth, we navigate the human struggle to find joy in life's pauses. UC Davis behavioral psychologist Alyssa Lerjwood joins us to shed light on our natural inclination towards negativity, even amidst positive outcomes. Together, we'll reflect on what truly brings us joy and identify the hidden culprits stealing it away as we face life's waiting periods.

We also journey into the Gospel of John's depiction of joy—"hara"—as an unshakeable force rooted in God's promises rather than fleeting happiness. Discover how this profound joy can transcend life's wilderness moments, offering solace and strength. With touching anecdotes, like a child's heartbreak over a lost Play-Doh, we'll explore the transformative power of acknowledging emotions and offering comfort. As the Advent season unfolds, we challenge ourselves to become true bringers of joy and truth, being present in both our own and others' moments of sorrow and anticipation. Embrace the spirit of "hara" with us, and learn how to share this gift of joy with the world around you.

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Anticipation and reflection mark our journey through the Advent season, a time filled with both hope and longing. Have you ever wondered how the humble beginnings of Jesus contrast with the might of rulers like King Herod and Caesar? Join me as I unravel these themes, exploring the profound contrast between divine humility and worldly power. I share personal anecdotes, like the warmth of Thanksgiving gatherings with family, to illustrate the importance of connection and cherished moments amidst the rollercoaster of life's uncertainties.

We navigate the tension of living in a world where glimpses of the kingdom of God are present but not fully realized. It's about embracing life's highs and lows and recognizing the beauty in both. This episode is a call to action: celebrate the goodness around you, while also working towards healing and wholeness for yourself and your community. As we wait expectantly for God's reign, I offer solidarity and love to each of you on this shared journey, encouraging us all to be good neighbors and care for those less fortunate.

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Casey Stanley, formerly Casey Robertson, shares her inspiring journey from youth ministry to launching the Real Hope Project, a nonprofit focused on finding adoptive homes for foster children. Discover how Casey’s passion for creating a brighter future for these children is fueled by a profound understanding of hope, which she distinguishes from mere positivity. Her insights into the power of faith, resilience, and anticipation offer a fresh perspective on how hope can guide us through life's challenges. Through engaging stories like that of Elijah, a teenager who found love and belonging through adoption, we explore the transformative impact of hope and community.

Join us for a heartfelt invitation to the March City Celebrations of Hope, kicking off at Central Lutheran in Elk River. This event promises an uplifting atmosphere, complete with popcorn, cookies, and compelling stories of change. Learn how you can be part of this incredible movement, as we celebrate hope and the impactful work being done across eight states. Whether you're scanning a QR code or picking up a physical invite, this is an opportunity to connect with a community dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of foster children.

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Imagine a world where your local café is more than just a stop for caffeine—it's a place where everybody knows your name, a sanctuary from the hustle, inspired by a stroll through Italian streets. In our latest episode, sparked by Howard Schultz's transformative vision for Starbucks, we unravel this captivating journey from high-end coffee bean retailer to a cherished "third place" for social gatherings. Amidst the convenience of drive-thrus and mobile apps, we ponder the fading essence of community once intrinsic to Starbucks, and raise an eyebrow at the broader societal drift from tangible connections to pixelated interactions. With Schultz's inspiration as our guide, we reflect on the critical role such spaces play in nurturing real-life relationships.

But what happens when our community doesn’t just live in nostalgia? We challenge you to look beyond your screens and rekindle the joy of offline interactions. Whether it's joining us at Central in Elk River for board game nights or sharing a meal, creating genuine connections has never been more essential. We explore the irreplaceable value of these face-to-face experiences and urge you to embrace them to foster a thriving sense of community. So, come along as we rediscover the vibrant world of real-life gatherings and the beautiful relationships they foster, reminding us all of the profound impact these memorable exchanges can have.

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Imagine finding peace in the busiest season of the year, rediscovering the wonder of the Advent season in a world obsessed with data and facts. Our latest podcast episode invites you on a journey through the transformative themes of peace, hope, joy, and love, with a special focus on the concept of shalom. We kick off with a personal story about the simple act of picking up a dropped Tootsie Roll, illustrating how small, intentional actions can spark profound harmony in our lives. Join us as we explore the beauty of active waiting, symbolized by lighting the Advent candles, and dive into the deeper biblical sense of peace that transcends mere absence of conflict.

We delve into stories of community initiatives and personal anecdotes that underscore the power of kindness in restoring wholeness and peace. Hear about inspiring examples like Operation Christmas Cheer and care packages for veterans, where collective efforts bring hope and healing to those in need. Drawing from ancient Hebrew scriptures, we discuss our shared responsibility to repair what is broken, emphasizing the timeless relevance of these teachings in addressing today's societal challenges. Through the lens of shalom, we see how each small act of restoration contributes to a larger tapestry of peace.

Our discussion takes a poignant turn as we reflect on the role of Jesus Christ in embodying and spreading shalom. Through his teachings, miracles, and fulfillment of ancient prophecies, Jesus offers a model for us to follow in our own lives. Drawing insights from Ephesians, we are reminded of our calling to embody humility, gentleness, and unity. As we navigate the Advent season, we explore what it means to be lights in the darkness, actively bringing peace and fostering unity in our communities. Join us for a meaningful exploration that not only revisits ancient teachings but also offers guidance for living a life of peace in today's world.

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Ever been moved to tears by a simple question? Join me, Ryan, as I recount an eye-opening retreat experience where I encountered Kent Dobson, a master of transformative questioning. Spending five days in the woods with Kent and a group of fellow seekers, I witnessed firsthand how his seemingly straightforward questions could unearth profound emotional truths. Kent's gift for seeing through the superficial and connecting on a soul level inspired me to rethink the way I engage in conversations. This episode captures my journey of adopting his techniques, focusing on genuine curiosity and the art of active listening, which has since transformed the way I interact with others.

Through this episode, discover how setting aside ego and truly hearing others can unlock deeper, more meaningful connections. Drawing on my experiences and insights from my time at Luther, I explore the power of "having an ear for confession"—listening not just to words but to what's unspoken. Whether it's acknowledging struggles or unraveling the layers of someone's story, the ability to ask the right questions can be a gateway to understanding and empathy. Tune in to learn how you can cultivate this skill and bring more authenticity to your conversations.

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What if embracing your weaknesses could reveal your true strength? Join us as we journey through the final chapter of our series on Ephesians, where we unravel Paul's compelling message on the transformative power of prayer. We'll challenge the cultural norm of self-sufficiency and explore how admitting our vulnerabilities can strengthen our connection with God. As we prepare for Advent, discover the simplicity of the "three here's" prayer model, designed to deepen your spiritual journey and foster a practice of being present with God.

In our discussion, we emphasize the metaphorical "armor of God," inspired by Paul's teachings and the prophet Isaiah, urging you to embody the values of truth, justice, and peace. Understand the essence of spiritual warfare and learn how to stand firm against the forces that oppose God's will. We share personal stories that highlight the natural ebb and flow of prayer life, reassuring you that it's okay to feel overwhelmed—prayer is about presence, not perfection.

As we conclude, embrace the Advent season as a time for intentional reflection and action. Carry the inspiration from our series into your daily life, using prayer as a tool to impact the world around you. We encourage you to dedicate a small part of your day to prayer during this season, trusting in its power to bring peace, love, and grace into your life. Let's embark on this journey together, seeking guidance and sharing our experiences with courage and clarity.

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Can you really miss a divine calling, or is it more like a GPS guiding us back on track when we stray? Join me, Ryan, as we explore this idea through the story of Moses and the burning bush. We'll dig into the concept of divine guidance and how it resembles a modern GPS—offering direction rather than condemnation when we face life's detours. Drawing from Jeremiah 18's imagery of a potter reshaping clay, we discuss how God ingeniously works with our imperfections, illustrating that there's not necessarily a single path for us to follow, but rather a multitude of paths God can shape with wisdom and love.

As the conversation unfolds, we discover how to find our deep gladness and align it with the needs of the world. Reflecting on personal experiences, such as my journey to becoming a pastor, we'll uncover how to tap into what truly brings us joy and fulfillment. By examining our unique passions and wiring, we can uncover life-giving activities that allow us to make meaningful contributions. Listen in to find out how aligning your desires with God's will can lead to a more fulfilled life. Whether joining us at Central in Elk River or participating online, this episode encourages you to explore your innate gifts and make a positive impact on the world.

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Can ancient texts provide the keys to solving modern relationship dilemmas? Imagine navigating the complexities of relationships by looking at age-old teachings through a fresh lens. Explore with us as we challenge the conventional interpretations of Paul's letters in Ephesians, bringing to light their revolutionary nature when viewed in the historical context of the Greco-Roman world. We journey into a time where these teachings dared to promote love and respect, ideas that were groundbreaking amidst the societal norms of that era. Our discussion reveals how these timeless insights can inspire more respectful and inclusive relationships today.

Delving deeper, the transformative teachings of Jesus and Paul come to life, offering a new perspective on valuing women, children, and slaves. Sharing both personal anecdotes and historical context, we emphasize the importance of inclusivity and dignity—a call that resonates even more in our current world plagued by misuses of scripture for oppressive ends. We also touch on contemporary phenomena, like the growing trend of women turning to AI for emotional connections, illuminating parallels between past and present challenges in human relationships.

Finally, we explore the concept of radical submission and mutual respect in our daily interactions. Drawing from Paul and Jesus' teachings, we reflect on how embracing humility and submission can transform societal norms about power and authority. Through relatable stories, we invite listeners to imagine a world where our interactions are guided by love, mutual respect, and a deep sense of interconnectedness. Join us as we envision communities that truly embody these values, moving towards a future where love and service override hierarchies and divisions.

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