Message to Our Kids

I want to have a heart-to-heart conversation with you today about relationships. The world we live in is filled with complexities surrounding gender, sexual orientation, and personal choices. It can be incredibly confusing, especially if you're a man like me, married to a woman, and finding that your marriage isn't working as you hoped.

When we find ourselves in such a situation, it's natural to seek answers and guidance. We might consider therapy, marriage counseling, or exploring various coaching programs and books. The internet offers countless resources, but navigating through it all can be overwhelming. It's as if our marriage is on a troubled path, and we urgently need to change course.

I get it—it's frustrating and uncomfortable to feel lost and dependent, constantly seeking answers and solutions. But dwelling in that mindset only drives a bigger wedge between you and your wife. Instead, we must recognize that feminine energy flows differently, often without a clear structure or reason. What works for us as masculine men, seeking processes and logical steps, doesn't necessarily apply to our wives.

Remember, it's not about expecting everything to be equal or mirroring workplace dynamics. While women should absolutely have equal opportunities and fair treatment in professional settings, relationships operate differently. Our feminine partners desire a husband who embraces his masculine energy, fights for the relationship every day, and understands that their feminine energy brings unique qualities and perspectives to the partnership.

Going to war for her means taking responsibility and initiating acts of repair. It means standing in the ring with her every single day, regardless of how she feels, and loving her unconditionally through it all. I won't lie to you, it's not easy, and it only gets tougher as you progress. Yet, the more you invest in this endeavor, the deeper your connection will grow, as she continues to test your love for her. Your love must be boundless, unbreakable, and unaffected by anything she says or does. Embrace this mindset, and watch as it begins to revitalize your relationship, building a new and brighter future together.

If we want a better world, that would be a peaceful home and not a battlefield, we all need to do a lot more for the dignity of each woman. - Pope Francis

Blessings on your path,

Rev. Benjamin Norman

Want more training and deep dive on building a connected family and relationship? Check us at www.scendancy.com and to access training for yourself, relationship with your spouse and children, register here: https://bit.ly/a-fresh-start-family for as low as $48/month

Today I want to have a heart-to-heart with you about what it means to be a modern-day minister. This topic has been on my mind lately as I've been on my own faith journey. I've become acutely aware of something specific that I feel called to work with: men. Yes, I work with dads, husbands, moms, couples, and families too, but my focus has been on helping men navigate their spiritual paths.

You see, I've had my own share of struggles and doubts. I used to be deeply involved with the Catholic Church, but I reached a point where I felt disillusioned. What I've come to realize is that the essence of Jesus' message was not about being worshipped as the Son of God. It was about awakening to the fact that we are all children of God. The Holy Spirit resides within each and every one of us, and that includes me and you. I don't consider myself unique or special in this regard. I don't claim false modesty, but rather a deep understanding that we are all vessels of God's Spirit.

My journey has brought me to the realization that there is a disconnect between the institutionalized versions of Christianity and the deeper truth of following Jesus. Jesus came to model a life connected to God and the Holy Spirit within us. He challenged the prevailing doctrines and religious practices of his time.

I want to emphasize that I'm not here to wage war against the Catholic Church or any other religious organization. I acknowledge the positive aspects and the immense scale of the Catholic Church, which spans across the globe.

The most important thing I want you to take away from today's message is that God is within you. You don't have to go searching outside.

"It is better to be a child of God than the king of the whole world." – St. Aloysius Gonzaga

Blessings on your path,

Rev. Benjamin Norman

Want more training and deep dive on building a connected family and relationship? Check us at www.scendancy.com and to access training for yourself, relationship with your spouse and children, register here: https://bit.ly/a-fresh-start-family for as low as $48/month

Today, I want to share a personal story with you. It's about a race I recently participated in, and it taught me some valuable lessons that I believe can apply to various aspects of our lives.

So there I was, standing on Killington Mountain, ready to take on the Spartan Ultra race. It was a pivotal moment for me because I had failed to finish this race in the past, and I was determined to change that. As the sun was setting, I made it through the cut off on the side of the mountain, and a surge of disbelief and gratitude filled me. I couldn't believe I was still in the race after thinking I was done.

As I continued on the trail, I met another runner who had also been enduring the challenges of the race. We formed a bond, silently supporting each other through the darkness. But as we approached a series of daunting obstacles, my companion expressed doubt about finishing. His words echoed in my mind, tempting me to give up too. However, in that crucial moment, I made a firm decision. I refused to quit. I knew that I had come too far and invested too much effort to back down now.

I reached the sandbag carry where my battle buddy and friend were waiting for me. We cheered each other on, and with the obstacles behind me, I climbed the final rig, overcome with emotion and gratitude. Tears streamed down my face as I crossed the finish line, feeling an immense sense of accomplishment. I realized that I had never lost faith throughout the race, and it was this faith that carried me through.

Reflecting on this experience, I discussed it with my wife, who had believed in me all along. We acknowledged the power of faith and conviction in our lives, drawing parallels to her own journey battling cancer. The experience reinforced our belief in the strength given to us by God.

In a recent turn of events, I faced a significant setback in my career the night before my ordination as a reverend. Despite this challenge, I continue to run and train, holding onto faith and conviction, just as I did during the race.

This journey has taught me the power of unwavering belief and trust in God, reminding me that we are all capable of overcoming obstacles when we have faith and conviction in our hearts.

"Never ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. BE NOT AFRAID." - Pope Saint John Paul II

Blessings on your path,

Rev. Benjamin Norman

Want more training and deep dive on building a connected family and relationship? Check us at www.scendancy.com and to access training for yourself, relationship with your spouse and children, register here: https://bit.ly/a-fresh-start-family for as low as $48/month

Today I want to share a personal story with you. It's about my journey with fitness, overcoming obstacles, and finding a deeper connection with God. So let's dive in.

Fitness has been such a significant part of my life for the past 12 to 15 years. It all started with my first Spartan Race, the Spartan Sprint, over a decade ago. I remember feeling incredibly nervous before that race. I mean, it was just three miles, but there were obstacles everywhere. I had trained hard, even joined a fitness program to learn the proper techniques for overcoming the various obstacles. We attended multiple training sessions before attempting the race. And let me tell you, it wasn't easy.

Over the years, fitness has become a central aspect of my journey. It's not just about staying in shape; it's about striving for high performance in all areas of my life. The lessons I've learned through fitness have had a profound impact on my relationships, my work, and my spiritual connection. There's something special about those long training runs when I feel a deep connection to God, receiving guidance from the Holy Spirit. It's where I find solace and seek counsel for the challenges I face.

Take care of your spiritual life, your relationship with God, because this is the backbone of everything we do and everything we are. - Pope Francis

Blessings on your path,

Rev. Benjamin Norman

Want more training and deep dive on building a connected family and relationship? Check us at www.scendancy.com and to access training for yourself, relationship with your spouse and children, register here: https://bit.ly/a-fresh-start-family for as low as $48/month

Today, I want to discuss something that I find truly fascinating and thought-provoking. It's about the world we live in and how everything we encounter is shaped by agreements. It's crazy when you stop and think about it. All the structures, systems, and even the smallest details we take for granted have been invented by someone and agreed upon by others.

You see, we're born into a world filled with pre-existing structures, from the language we speak to the organizations we interact with. Whether it's the rules of the road, the design of everyday objects, or even the laws that govern us, they all exist because people agreed they should. It's mind-boggling to realize that our entire observable reality, the things we can touch and experience, is based on these agreements.

Remember, everything around you has been invented by someone. You don't have to blindly agree with things simply because they exist. You have the freedom to voice your opinions, express your feelings, and stand up for what you believe in, even if nobody else agrees. The world is a product of agreements, and you can choose whether or not you want to align with them.

So, take a moment today to reflect on the agreements you've been implicitly accepting. Are there circumstances in your life that you're tolerating without truly agreeing with them? It could be within your family, your business, or any other aspect of your life. Recognize that you have the power to change those situations, to voice your disagreement, and to make a difference.

Don't be afraid to step out of the crowd and express your individuality. Remember, everything in this world is made up, and you have the ability to challenge and reshape it. Embrace your freedom of choice, and don't let the fear of going against the grain hold you back.

Blessings on your path,

Rev. Benjamin Norman

Want more training and deep dive on building a connected family and relationship? Check us at www.scendancy.com and to access training for yourself, relationship with your spouse and children, register here: https://bit.ly/a-fresh-start-family for as low as $48/month

Today, I want to dive into a topic that's been on my mind lately: God's plan for our lives. It's something I've been actively exploring and trying to understand in my own journey of faith.

Every interaction, every conversation, every decision we make leaves a mark on the tapestry of existence. God's plan accounts for all of it. You are an infinite reality, and your choices matter. You co-create with God in this journey of faith. No matter what decision you make, God is with you, and His plan encompasses it all.

Think about the freedom and peace that comes with knowing this. You have the power to choose your path, and God has already accounted for it. Your decisions can influence not only your life but also the lives of countless others in different universes. It's truly awe-inspiring when you consider it from this perspective.

I'll be continuing to explore this concept further, seeking connections and insights from others who share similar beliefs. But for now, I want you to take away this powerful message: you are free to make choices, and God's plan embraces every possibility. Find peace in knowing that no matter what path you take, God is by your side.

Remember, wherever you go today, know that God is with you. Until next time, take care.

"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible." - St. Thomas Aquinas

Blessings on your path,

Rev. Benjamin Norman

Want more training and deep dive on building a connected family and relationship? Check us at www.scendancy.com and to access training for yourself, relationship with your spouse and children, register here: https://bit.ly/a-fresh-start-family for as low as $48/month

Today I had the pleasure of welcoming my dear friend Gordon as a special guest.

We delved into various topics, including Gordon's faith journey and how we first met.

Our paths crossed five years ago when we became part of a mastermind group. We were grouped together based on our geographic location, and since then, we have shared many experiences, including attending a life-changing mastermind event in San Diego. Gordon and I have been there for each other as we've navigated through life's ups and downs.

During our conversation, Gordon opened up about a dark period in his life when he contemplated suicide, despite seemingly having it all. He felt trapped, empty, and unfulfilled, but our connection through the mastermind group brought about a transformative shift.

Gordon shared the importance of addressing our traumas and not suppressing them, as they can affect every aspect of our lives. Through healing and self-development practices, he found a sense of self-worth and embarked on a journey of self-discovery. We discussed the profound power of love and its role in our lives, as well as the impact our beliefs and experiences can have on future generations.

"The whole journey of life is a journey of preparation... - to see, to feel, to understand the beauty of what lies ahead, of that homeland towards which we walk." - Pope Francis

Blessings on your path,

Rev. Benjamin Norman

Want more training and deep dive on building a connected family and relationship? Check us at www.scendancy.com and to access training for yourself, relationship with your spouse and children, register here: https://bit.ly/a-fresh-start-family for as low as $48/month

Today, I want to dive into a topic that's close to my heart and I believe it will resonate with all of you who are listening. We've been discussing the importance of family, connection, spirituality, and what it truly means to live a meaningful life. I want to share something with you today that might be new and eye-opening for many of you.

Throughout my journey and studies, I've come across a philosophy that deeply influences the work I do with parents, helping them navigate their roles and relationships. It's a philosophy that draws parallels to a popular movie series called "The Matrix." Personally, those movies had a profound impact on me, especially when Trinity approached Neo in the nightclub and spoke about seeking answers and a deeper connection.

For many men I've worked with, they too realized there must be more to life and their relationships, especially when they felt a lack of connection with their spouses. The Matrix serves as a powerful metaphor for the human experience on this planet. While we may not be physically plugged into a machine as portrayed in the movie, there are striking parallels to the way we live our lives.

We find ourselves born into a world that was not of our choosing. We have no control over our birthplace, our parents, or the societal systems that shape our lives. We navigate this world, learning to interact with its rules, structures, and hierarchies. Our primary means of connection with others is through language, which we inherit rather than create.

Language holds incredible power, yet we often overlook its impact. It's astonishing how easily we can be careless with the words we use, both when communicating with others and in our self-talk. Negative self-talk can dominate our thoughts, undermining our confidence and self-worth. It's a constant stream of criticism, doubt, and self-judgment.

So, my invitation to you today is to start paying attention to your words, both in your self-talk and in your interactions with others. Notice how they shape your thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Choose to use language that uplifts, encourages, and fosters connection. By doing so, we can break free from the metaphorical machine we were born into and create a more authentic and fulfilling life for ourselves and our loved ones.

Thank you for joining me on this personal journey of reflection and growth. I look forward to exploring more topics together in future episodes.

"A life not lived for others is not a life." - Mother Teresa

Blessings on your path,

Rev. Benjamin Norman

Want more training and deep dive on building a connected family and relationship? Check us at www.scendancy.com as well as our membership app https://scendancy.passion.io

Today is a really special day because it's Mother's Day 2023. As I sit here behind the mic, I can't help but reflect on the incredible journey of motherhood. It's a journey filled with ups and downs, and I want to take this time to honor and appreciate all the moms out there.

You know, Mother's Day is just one day out of the whole year, but it should be a reminder that moms deserve recognition every single day. Being a mom is often a challenging and underappreciated role. Sometimes, dads may not fully understand the depth of what it means to be a mom and all the things you have to deal with. So, I want to acknowledge that being a mom can sometimes feel like a thankless job.

But here's the thing: this podcast is here for you. You can come back to it anytime, anywhere when you're feeling down and in need of a pick-me-up. Get ready to laugh, cry, and maybe even get a little frustrated as we cover the many scenarios and challenges that moms face.

I really hope that today's message resonated with you. It's important for me to make sure you feel acknowledged and recognized for everything you do as a mom, day in and day out. Being a mom can often feel like a thankless job, but please know that your efforts do not go unnoticed.

With that said, we're going to wrap up this episode here. Moms, Happy Mother's Day to each and every one of you. We'll catch you on the next episode of "Message to My Kids" podcast. Thank you once again for all that you do.

"The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother." - St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Blessings on your path,

Rev. Benjamin Norman

Want more training and deep dive on building a connected family and relationship? Check us at www.scendancy.com as well as our membership app https://scendancy.passion.io

Today, I want to discuss something interesting with you, my fellow brothers, as we embark on the journey of becoming real men. Being a man is more than just physical attributes like height or weight. It's about being fully alive, present, and connected to our passion and purpose. It means pursuing a life on fire, embracing our emotions, and not getting stuck in a state of perpetual boyhood. I'm talking about men who are ready to make a transformation.

This transition usually happens when a marriage starts breaking down and things don't go as planned. We may initially try to change ourselves, making promises and seeking guidance from our partners. However, this approach rarely works. Our wives shouldn't have to tell us what to do to make them happy or list all the changes we need to make. They already see the potential within us, the man we can become. The problem lies in our own self-perception, clouded by external influences and personal baggage. To reach our fullest potential as men, we need to show up authentically, exactly as God created us.

When men awaken to this reality, they begin doing the work, delving into their emotions, and discovering their true selves. Initially, this process may involve uncovering deeper feelings beyond surface-level anger. We start exploring our emotions and connecting with our partners on a more profound level. This flood of understanding reveals how we've been treating our wives and paves the way for positive change. We become alive, shedding the layers of rust that held us back, and begin moving, speaking, and connecting in ways we never have before.

So, if you find yourself in the recovery phase, striving to rebuild trust and reconnect with your wife, remember that it's a marathon, not a quick fix. You're navigating uncharted territory as a transformed man, and it will take time for her to fully embrace the new you. She may hold onto the past version of you for a while, and your job is to keep showing up consistently as the man you've become. Be there for her, support her, and fight for her heart every single day. She may express anger or frustration, but that's part of the process. Your unwavering presence and love will eventually break down her walls.

Today, I want to leave you with a simple question: What action can you take today to show your wife that you love her? Don't wait. Take that step and let her know that you're committed to being the man she wants you to become.

"In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church." - Ephesians 5:28-29

Blessings on your path,

Rev. Benjamin Norman

Want more training and deep dive on building a connected family and relationship? Check us at www.scendancy.com as well as our membership app https://scendancy.passion.io