Can being difficult, defiant, or even subversive be part of compassionate living?  In this episode, I discuss a recent experience of being difficult for the greater good of students and young professionals, the wild set up to Luke 8:26-39, and I discuss how being difficult can be the wise choice!

I hope you enjoy this episode!  Don't forget to support the show at www.patreon.com/practicemakespresence.

Contact Matt at [email protected]

Love and peace to all (even if it requires some difficulty at first)!

Brian Baker is an Army veteran and a graduate of West Point. After leaving the Army almost thirty years ago he became an Episcopal priest. He has been very involved in the institutional church, serving as a Cathedral dean and on the executive council of the episcopal denomination. He was also involved in interfaith work, teaching with Tibetan Buddhist monks in churches and yoga studios, including an event with the Dalai Lama he organized and facilitated. His life took a turn when in 2015 his daughter invited him to Burning Man. During the 9 day event Brian encountered the kind of community he had been trying to create in the church. He also was stunned to discover how eager people there were to talk with him about God. He now leads an official Burning Man theme camp, called Religious as Fuck where he and others offer services, prayers, blessings and conversation to Burners. Brian is a popular speaker in churches, yoga studios, wellness festivals and on the TEDx stage.

**Warning: we use the F word a few times, but relax, it is part of the story!

Reach Matt at listen@practicemakespresence.com

Become a patron at www.patreon.com/practicemakespresence.com

Dr. Christopher Zambakari is a South Sudanese-American, who immigrated to the United States in 2001 as a refugee from South Sudan. Christopher has built a strong foundation as a visionary leader, scholar, international consultant, and speaker. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Zambakari Advisory and Co-owner with his mother of Desert Haven Home Care, a Senior Care Home in Central Phoenix. Reach Christoper https://www.zambakari.org/.

In this episode, we discuss his immigration to the United States, the phenomena of cultural conflict and violence, and the power of listening in international and interpersonal conflict resolution.

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One side calls the other weak, and they call the other heartless. How are we to move past mindsets of all-encompassing weakness or every vigilant safety? Is there a choice? Let's talk building resilience for ourselves and our communities!

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In this episode, we discuss irony, sarcasm, and humor that connects with your audience in challenging ways.   Two thousand years, as well as cultural differences, have made it difficult for the modern reader of the gospels to spot moments of exaggeration, mockery,  sarcasm, and punch-like cynicism as clearly as they might have been for the original audiences.  So, sit back and enjoy what you might find when you realize there are some jokes in all of those first-century sermons!

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In this episode, we meet James Rhodenhiser, a new resident to Arizona who serves as an Episcopal Priest.  Our conversation today includes thoughts about healing from religious trauma, the anatomy of peace, managing change, and how beekeeping is a metaphor for leading.   I hope you enjoy the show!

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Support the show by becoming a patron today at www.patreon.com/practicemakespresence.com

In this episode, we look at Luke 4:21-30 and compare it to our experiences with awkward growth that compels you to an unseen future.   Enjoy my stories of cringe and find some comfort in your awkward growth!

As a bonus, I review the new children's book Cory and The Seventh Story, by Brian McLaren and Gareth Higgins.

Thanks for listening!

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Attention: Parents, church leaders, and caring adults! In this episode, we discuss the spiritual life of teenagers, the mysterious work of youth ministry, and ways to incorporate youth into a faith community. 

My guests are Liz Hengst, Minister of Youth at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Litchfield Park, Az and Jesse Villegas, Canon for Youth and Young Adult Ministries in the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona.

Donate and support the show at www.patreon.com/practicemakespresence!

Reach Matt at [email protected]

Reach Liz at [email protected]

Reach Jesse at [email protected]

In this episode, I reflect on the Gospel reading from the Revised Common Lectionary for January 20, 2019 - The Wedding at Cana in John 2:1-11

I also discuss a passage from a textbook Social Welfare Reform and Social Programs that says the Bible only asks for sympathy toward the needy but does not require the redistribution of wealth.

Please become a patron today at www.patreon.com/practicemakespresence

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Ten wise things I picked up from books and conversations I encountered this year.    Listen in for my thoughts on grace, fear, darkness, humility, and how big things in life actually start.

Thank you for listening and let's stay connected!

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