**Podcast Summary:**

Welcome to "Stories From The Road"! In this episode, host Dick Foth reflects on his upcoming 83rd birthday, sharing personal anecdotes and insights about the journey of life. He delves into the significance of beginnings, recounting details from his own birth record and early experiences. From humorous moments like misunderstanding apple quantities as a child to profound reflections on aging and faith, Dick invites listeners to contemplate their own beginnings and the remarkable journey of existence. Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring exploration of life's milestones and the enduring hope found in following Jesus.

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**Podcast Notes:**

- Episode Date: March 17th, 2024

- Host: Dick Foth

- Topic: Reflections on Life's Beginnings and Milestones

**Key Points:**

1. Introduction

- Dick Foth shares his thoughts on the eve of his 83rd birthday.

- He highlights the significance of beginnings in life's journey.

2. Personal Anecdotes

- Dick recounts details from his birth record, including the time, location, and attending physician.

- He humorously recalls a childhood incident involving a misunderstanding about apple quantities.

3. Reflections on Aging and Faith

- The host reflects on the passage of time and the changes that come with aging.

- He shares insights about finding richness and hope through following Jesus.

4. Closing Remarks

- Dick expresses gratitude for his experiences and the opportunity to continue his journey.

- He extends blessings to listeners on their own journeys around the sun in 2024.

**Closing Thoughts:**

"Stories From The Road" offers a poignant and introspective episode as Dick Foth shares personal reflections on life's milestones, beginnings, and the enduring hope found in faith. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or simply contemplating life's journey, this episode provides valuable insights and encouragement for listeners. Join us for more engaging stories and meaningful conversations on future episodes.

- **Hosts:** Dick Foth (DF) interviews Mark Batterson (MB)

- **Location:** Southern California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean

- **Date:** Spring morning

1. **Introduction & Memories of Catalina Island**

- DF and MB share memories of Catalina Island, a special place for MB's family vacations.

- Discussion on finding rest and tranquility in memorable environments.

2. **Exploring "Selah"**

- DF introduces the Hebrew word "Selah" to MB, symbolizing a pause for reflection.

- MB emphasizes the importance of rest amidst life's busyness.

3. **Embracing Rest**

- DF announces a break from podcasting for spring break, highlighting the value of rest.

- MB agrees, emphasizing the necessity of taking breaks for balance.

4. **Sharing Stories of Hope**

- DF and MB reminisce about past encounters and the power of storytelling.

- Plans for future events to spread positivity through narratives.

5. **Closing Thoughts**

- Gratitude expressed for friendship and meaningful conversations.

- Farewell with promises of breakfast and continued camaraderie.

**References:**

- Dick Foth (DF): Host

- Mark Batterson (MB): Author and pastor

- Catalina Island: Memorable vacation spot for MB

- "Selah": Hebrew word for reflection

- Spring Break: DF's break from podcasting

- Stories of Hope: Shared passion for inspiring narratives

- Future Events: Plans for gatherings centered on storytelling

- Reflection and Gratitude: Importance of connection and reflection.

In this episode of "Stories from The Road" with Dick Foth, listeners are treated to a blend of personal reflection, sports trivia, and spiritual insights. Dick begins with a touch of melancholy following his team's Super Bowl loss, transporting listeners back to his childhood in 1950s Oakland, California, where baseball giants were yet to emerge, leaving only the San Francisco 49ers to dominate the sporting landscape across the Bay. Despite the disappointment, Dick acknowledges the monumental impact of the Super Bowl, highlighting its status as the biggest sports event in the United States and drawing attention to the memorable final hour deemed the best in history.

The podcast then shifts focus to the global fascination with sports as Dick explores the top ten sports worldwide. From soccer's unparalleled popularity to the unexpected appeal of cricket and hockey, Dick delves into each sport's cultural significance, sharing intriguing facts such as soccer's ancient origins in China and the unexpected diplomatic role of ping pong between the US and China.

But "Stories from The Road" offers more than just sports trivia. Dick seamlessly weaves in parallels between sports language and life, drawing on biblical truths reflected in athletic pursuits. He discusses the importance of discipline, obedience, self-control, effort, strategic aim, and singular focus in achieving personal goals, grounding his insights in biblical passages:

1. **Strict Training:** Dick references 1 Timothy 4:7, where Paul encourages believers to "Train yourself for godliness," likening the rigorous training of athletes to the spiritual discipline required for growth in faith.

2. **Steadfast Obedience:** Drawing from 2 Timothy 2:5, Dick emphasizes the necessity of adhering to rules, as an athlete is not crowned unless they compete according to the rules.

3. **Self-Control:** Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 9:25, Dick discusses the importance of self-control, citing Paul's admonition that "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things."

4. **Strenuous Effort:** Quoting 1 Timothy 4:10, Dick underscores the need for toil and effort, as the Bible urges believers to labor diligently for spiritual rewards.

As the episode draws to a close, Dick encourages listeners to pursue their goals with unwavering determination, echoing the Apostle Paul's call to press toward the high calling in Jesus. With promises of more enriching insights and captivating stories from the road, Dick bids farewell, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next episode's exploration of love and other themes. Don't miss out on this unique blend of sports, spirituality, and life reflections. Tune in to "Stories from The Road" for an enriching journey of discovery and insight.

Episode Notes:

1. **Introduction:**

- Dick Foth makes a triumphant return to "Stories From the Road" on February 1st, 2024, after a brief hiatus, eager to delve into intriguing tales from his travels.

2. **Groundhog Day Traditions:**

- Unveil the fascinating history behind Groundhog Day, spotlighting Punxsutawney Phil's prognostications and the rich cultural tapestry that underpins this age-old tradition.

- Weave in references to European agricultural practices and Celtic calendars to contextualize the significance of this quirky holiday.

3. **Personal Anecdotes:**

- Share endearing anecdotes about the cherished memories of celebrating his daughter Erica's birthday on February 2nd, offering glimpses into the warmth and love of family life.

4. **The Symbolism of Light:**

- Embark on a thought-provoking exploration of light's multifaceted symbolism, drawing parallels between the increasing daylight and spiritual enlightenment experienced from December 22nd to February 2nd.

- Infuse biblical insights and reflections from esteemed friends to deepen the discussion on the metaphorical implications of light as a guiding force in life's journey.

5. **Growth and Understanding:**

- Illuminate the gradual process of growth and understanding through the lens of Foth's great-grandchildren's developmental milestones, underscoring the transformative power of faith and trust.

- Offer poignant reflections on the wisdom accrued over a lifetime of walking in the light, juxtaposed against the backdrop of innocence and curiosity embodied by young ones.

6. **Looking Ahead:**

- Paint a vivid picture of anticipation for the lengthening days ahead, symbolizing hope and renewal as the sun sets later, echoing the divine command, "Let there be light."

- Inspire listeners to embrace the light in their own lives, fostering a spirit of gratitude and resilience in the face of life's uncertainties.

7. **Conclusion:**

- Conclude with heartfelt blessings and an open invitation for listeners to continue embarking on transformative journeys with Foth in future installments of "Stories From the Road."

8. **Additional Information:**

- Tease upcoming episodes or special features, enticing listeners with intriguing previews of what lies ahead.

- Encourage audience engagement by providing contact details for feedback, questions, or story suggestions, fostering a sense of community within the podcast's growing audience.

**Episode Notes - "The First Day"**

- Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Stories from the Road" with Dick Foth in 2024.

- Dick reflects on the profound nature of January 1st, marking the beginning of a new year.

- He opens with a quote from John Lennon, pondering life's unpredictability and the unexpected twists it may bring.

- References the statistical certainties of life, such as births and deaths, grounding the discussion in the tangible and inevitable.

- Cites the biblical perspective from Malachi 3:6, emphasizing the unchanging nature of the Lord, a timeless source of comfort.

- "For I am the Lord, I change not." - Malachi 3:6

- Explores the New Testament affirmation in Hebrews, stating that Jesus Christ remains constant throughout time, echoing Malachi's sentiment.

- "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." - Hebrews 13:8

- Introduces a prayer for the new year by Joyce Rupp, grounding the podcast in a spiritual perspective.

- Encourages listeners to embrace the mystery of the future with faith and hope, guided by the wisdom of the prayer.

- Invites a perspective shift towards welcoming whatever comes our way, fostering resilience and gratitude.

- Acknowledges the challenges and comforts found in Joyce Rupp's writings, adding depth to the narrative.

Join Dick Foth in this insightful exploration of "The First Day" of 2024, where references from John Lennon, Malachi, and Hebrews converge to provide wisdom, comfort, and inspiration for the road ahead.

Introduction:

Dick Foth shares heartwarming memories of his childhood Christmas in India in 1946.

Recollection of creating a snowy atmosphere with a pine tree and ivory snowflakes.

Emphasis on the generosity of people supporting their family from afar.

Conversation with Susanna:

Dick and Susanna discuss their collaborative effort in writing a school curriculum on generosity.

Inspiration drawn from Tim Keller's book, "Hidden Christmas," highlighting the true roots of Christmas.

Exploration of the "I Like Giving" theme and its expression in various aspects of life.

Seven Ways of Living Generously:

Susanna introduces the concept of generosity extending beyond material gifts.

Discussion of different ways to be generous, including time, thoughts, words, influence, attention, and belongings.

Children's Book Club:

Introduction to a children's book club focused on generosity.

Collaboration with illustrators to create engaging stories that teach the seven ways of living generously.

Availability on generouskidsbookclub.com, generousfamily.com, and Amazon.

Reflection on Christmas Essence:

Closing with a quote from John 3:16, emphasizing the spirit of giving.

Desire for a life lived to the max forever rooted in a generous spirit.

Warm wishes for a joyous Christmas celebration and gratitude to the listeners.

Anticipation for the new year and future episodes of "Stories from the Road."

Closing:

Dick Foth expresses gratitude for listeners, signs off, and looks forward to reconnecting in the new year.

Podcast Title: Christmas: The Mothers of Jesus

Episode Notes:

In this special Christmas edition of the podcast, titled "Christmas: The Mothers of Jesus," host Dick Foth takes listeners on a reflective journey into the often-overlooked role of mothers in the story of Jesus' birth. Inspired by insights from Tim Keller's book, "Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ," Foth explores the genealogy of Jesus found in the Gospel of Matthew.

Key Points:

Unveiling the Unusual Genealogy:

Foth highlights the uniqueness of the genealogy in Matthew, which includes the names of five women, all mothers of Jesus.

He discusses the rarity of women being mentioned in ancient genealogies, particularly in patriarchal societies.

Inclusion of Gentile Women:

Foth underscores the significance of including Gentile women—Tamar, Rehab, and Ruth—in Jesus' genealogy.

These women, considered outsiders in ancient Jewish society, challenge traditional norms and expectations.

Insights from Tim Keller:

Drawing from Tim Keller's perspective, Foth shares how Keller views Jesus' genealogy as a representation of a "dysfunctional family" from which the Messiah emerges.

Intimate Conversation with Susanna:

Foth engages in a heartwarming conversation with his daughter, Susanna, who provides personal insights into Keller's chapter on the Mothers of Jesus.

Susanna emphasizes the inclusive nature of Jesus' family line, expressing that Jesus is unashamed to call believers his brethren.

Reflections on Motherhood:

The podcast delves into personal experiences of motherhood as Susanna shares her thoughts on the anticipation and joy of becoming a mother.

Foth reminisces about Susanna's childhood and updates listeners on her three sons, providing a glimpse into the challenges and joys of motherhood.

Expressing Gratitude to Mothers:

Foth concludes the episode by expressing heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for all mothers.

He recognizes the tireless efforts, love, and sacrifices that mothers make, both inside and outside the home.

References:

Tim Keller's book: "Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ."

Join Dick Foth in this heartwarming Christmas exploration, celebrating the extraordinary role of the Mothers of Jesus and expressing gratitude to all mothers for the indelible mark they leave on the lives of their children.

Podcast Notes: Christmas: Light of the World

References:

Scriptural Foundation:

Isaiah 9:2 - "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light..."

Book References:

Tim Keller's "Hidden Christmas" serves as a foundational text for the discussion.

G.K. Chesterton's quote: "God is like the sun. The one created thing we cannot look at is the one thing in the light of which we look at everything."

Scientific Insight:

Reference to the scientific discovery at Northwestern University in 2011 about sparks of zinc at the moment of conception.

Connection to the flash of light mentioned in Isaiah.

Key Themes:

The symbolic significance of lights during the Christmas season.

Jesus as the divine light, bringing new life, revealing truth, and breaking worldly addictions.

Anecdotes:

Personal stories shared by Dick Foth and his daughter, Susanna Aughtmon.

Susanna's childhood experience related to fear of the dark and the desire for light.

Closing Thoughts:

Encouragement to share light with others as Christmas approaches.

Related Books:

Tim Keller's "Hidden Christmas"

Susanna Aughtmon's Books:

Bliss to You: Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life

All I Need to Know I Learned from My Horse

Dick Foth's Books:

Known: Finding Deep Friendships in a Shallow World

A Trip Around the Sun: Turning Your Everyday Life into the Adventure of a Lifetime

Co-authored with Mark Batterson.

Podcast Hosts:

Dick Foth: Host of "Christmas: Light of the World" podcast.

Explore Dick Foth's books on Amazon.

Susanna Aughtmon: Author, speaker, and contributor to the podcast.

Discover Susanna Aughtmon's books on Amazon.

As the Christmas season approaches, the podcast encourages listeners to delve into these books for further exploration of the themes discussed and to embrace the light that Jesus brings into our lives.

Introduction

Dick Foth sets the stage, reflecting on the Christmas season and introducing the late Tim Keller as a prominent figure.

Highlights Tim Keller's impactful legacy as a pastor, author, and influential church leader.

Tim Keller's Impact

Emphasis on Keller's ability to connect ancient faith with the modern city, particularly through Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City.

Key achievements and a glimpse into Peter Wainer's eulogy, emphasizing Keller's unique approach to faith and culture.

Excerpt from Tim Keller's Book

Introduction to Tim Keller's book, "Hidden Christmas," exploring the true roots of the Christmas celebration.

Reading a passage from the book that sheds light on the Christian origins of Christmas and its enduring significance.

Introducing Susanna Aughtmon

Dick Foth introduces his daughter, Susanna Aughtmon, a writer and author.

Highlights Susanna's role in the upcoming episodes, where she'll join in exploring Tim Keller's teachings.

Susanna's Reflections on Tim Keller

Susanna shares her admiration for Tim Keller's wisdom and grounded perspective, citing his impact during a challenging phase in her life.

Discusses Keller's profound and compelling approach to speaking about Jesus and faith, providing a solid anchor.

Susanna's Published Works

Mention of Susanna Aughtmon's books, including titles such as "All I Need Is Jesus and a Good Pair of Jeans," "The Tired Supergirl's Search for Grace," and the creatively titled "My Bangs Look Good, and Other Lies I Tell Myself."

Favorite Christmas Memories

Susanna shares a cherished Christmas season memory during their time in Santa Cruz, California.

Emphasis on the joy of being with family, singing carols, and creating lasting memories.

Closing Thoughts

Encouragement for listeners to reflect on their favorite Christmas memories.

Final thoughts on the wonder and significance of Christmas, challenging complacency and societal issues.

Teases upcoming episodes dedicated to exploring Tim Keller's teachings on Christmas.

Outro

Dick Foth concludes with a heartfelt blessing, expressing gratitude to the audience for tuning in.

Day after? Gladness and groaning!

Psalm 100:1-5

Synonyms: GRATEFUL and THANKFUL

Elisabeth Barrett Browning:

“Earth’s crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God!

But only he who sees takes of his shoes.

The rest sit round it, and pluck blackberries!