CrossCurrent Podcasts

Over the past few months on the podcast, we’ve talked a lot about how reading aloud benefits kids academically, how it develops their resilience, empathy, and virtue, and even reduces physiological stress. Today on the show, we’re diving into the flip side of reading: writing. 

Without writing, we’d have no stories to read. But creating books to share with others isn’t the only reason why writing is so important. Writing also has tremendous benefits to the person sitting down and putting words on a page.  

In this episode, Audrey and I talk about some of the many reasons to invite your kids –– and yourself! –– to write and we’ll share a few of our favorite exercises and tips for getting everyone’s creativity flowing.

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

• Why creativity is available to every single one of us, even if we wouldn’t consider ourselves to be artists 
• How writing helps us slow down, notice details, cultivate attention and presence, and uncover what we’re thinking even when life is busy and messy
• How writing, like reading, has the power to connect and transform us

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:

• Read-Aloud Revival
• Waxwing Books
• Subscribe to the Newsletter

Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/why-we-write

What do you do when you’ve followed God’s leading but still find yourself nearly broke?

Bestselling author and business consultant Michael Pink shares how biblical principles transformed his sales career and why Christian entrepreneurs must learn to pursue God instead of chasing success, money, and answers.

Michael recounts giving away his last $300 during a financial crisis, hearing the Holy Spirit say, “Pursue Me,” and watching unexpected opportunities appear as he shifted his focus from provision to relationship.

He also explains why business is a mission field, how to hear God’s voice, and what the birds of the air can teach us about trusting God.

Timestamps

00:00 The Financial Crisis That Changed Everything

02:19 Michael Pink’s Journey Into Sales

05:13 Learning Biblical Business Principles

07:14 Does God Care About Business?

19:48 Why Success Without God Is Poverty

23:24 The Story Behind Free as a Bird

29:21 Nearly Broke With Nowhere to Turn

31:16 Giving Away His Last $300

32:26 The Holy Spirit Says, “Pursue Me”

34:17 Unexpected Provision Begins

38:27 Why Business Is a Mission Field

52:00 Learning to Hear God’s Voice

1:04:14 What the Birds Teach Us About Freedom

●       Michael Pink Ministries

●       Free as a Bird

●       Selling Among Wolves Without Joining the Pack

●       Seven Secrets of the Sale

●       Michael Pink Business Training and Consulting

Connect with Liberty Spenders™:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/libertyspenders

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertyspenders

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/libertyspenders

• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-6192506

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXn-vzlA03r59neWZD0ofJA

• X: https://x.com/LibertySpenders

Connect with Kurt and Kristen Luidhardt:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luidhardts

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luidhardts

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luidhardts

• Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@luidhardts

• X: https://x.com/luidhardts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

62% of Americans under 40 have a positive view of socialism or communism. Where did this come from, and what should be done?

__________

For more resources visit breakpoint.org.  

Neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren, shares insights about the powerful connection between neuroscience and the Christian faith. He explains how our thoughts can physically reshape our brains. By intentionally choosing what we think about—especially gratitude, truth, and hope—we can form new neural pathways that influence our emotions, behaviors, and even future generations. Drawing from personal tragedy, including the loss of his son, Dr. Warren shares how people can better heal from trauma, anxiety, and destructive patterns. The conversation highlights practical ways believers can renew their minds, strengthen relationships, and raise resilient children by aligning their thinking with God’s design for human flourishing.
Receive a copy of the "The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery" bundle and an audio download of "Renewing Your Mind, Rewiring Your Brain" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.
Get more episode resources 
Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Leave a message for Jim Daly!
If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Christianity has played a significant role in shaping many modern traditions of generosity and giving.

__________

Download the Colson Educators app today on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

How long have you been working on your novel? Has it been years? How do you know when it’s finished?

Have you considered why you might not have finished it yet?

What if you could finish a book in two months? Would it be a better book than the one you’ve spent years writing? Or would it be worse?

In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from Colleen Mitchell, a writing coach and host of the Novel Writing Podcast, who spent years running a 60-Day Novel Writing Challenge that's taken writers of every skill level from blank page to finished draft.

You’ll learn:

• When rewriting might be keeping you from finishing
• How to propel yourself through the “messy middle”
• Whether you should write faster (or not)
• Where you can find free guidance and a system for finishing your book

Whether you're sitting on a half-finished manuscript or an idea that's been in your head for years, listen in or read the blog version to find a practical roadmap to get it done.

Blog Link: https://www.christianpublishingshow.com/how-to-write-a-novel-in-60-days-with-colleen-mitchell/

Authormedia.social link: http://authormedia.social/c/christian-publishing-show/how-to-write-a-novel-in-60-days-with-colleen-mitchell/

Support the show