This is an exciting moment for me!  One of my former students wrote a book, a good one at that!  This week's guest is Taja Hereford who is here to talk about her book, Power of Now.  I have read the book and recommend it to you.  Warning, its a short book that will take you a long time to read!  But, its worth the time.  Power Here takes you on a journey that's goal is a closer relationship with God in there here and now.  Rather than escaping your problems or running away in hops of things getting better in the future, Taja invites you to deal with your problems not through cheap gimmicks or false promises, but through a study of the Scriptures and what we old people used to call the spiritual disciplines.  

Power of Here by Taja T Hereford

Taja's YouTube Channel 

There is no doubt our current political climate is deeply divided.  Many a family dinner and friendly conversation has been destroyed by that one blowhard who lacks any sense of nuance and self-control.  Yet, as grown adults, and especially believers in Christ, we should be able to at least act civilly with those with whom we disagree.  My guest today is Malcolm Hunter, a true kindred spirit who also has a passion to engage with others in a meaningful but peaceful way.  Listen in as Malcolm talks about how his early childhood under Jim Crow, loving parents and faith in Christ has helped shape how he interacts with those he wished to reach.   Malcolm and I have some major disagreements - he's sax player and I'm committed to the banjo!

Learn more about Malcolm and his music here.

Its that time of year again...  As millions of students return to school this week, we are chatting about a new Christian school that is forming.  Pastor Michael Carl joins us to talk about his vision for a new Christian school featuring a classical education.  We had a great conversation concerning education.  Download it today and listen in!  

Neighborhood Christian School

Go Fund Me

Christ the King Church

You've heard from the Republicans and last week you heard from the Democrats.  Now, let's hear from a new and refreshing voice - one not sold out to big name donors or special interests.  Let me introduce you to a rare find - a decent man running for office.  This week I introduce you to Phil Anderson, a Libertarian running for US Senate here in Wisconsin.  Phil has my endorsement, listen in to find out why.

Phil Anderson for US Senate

This week's business shout-out - Grace~Filled Gifts & More

This week we finish our three-part series on dealing with discouragement.  Pastor Joe Walls from the People's Church in Beloit is back again.  Listen in as we get to the bottom of my list of factors that may cause spiritual discouragement. 

This week's shout out - The Redeemer Institute

GIFTS Men's Shelter

Wisconsin voters will be heading to the polls on Tuesday, August 13 to vote on two referendum questions that would see to change our state constitution.  On this special bonus episode, I'm going to put on my teacher hat and seek to let you know both sides of this debate.  While I will be voting yes to both questions, I think you will see I treat each guest with respect and try to find common ground with each guest.  Disagreement doesn't have to be filled with vitriol.  

Saying we should vote yes is Dan Degner, President of Wisconsin Family Counsel.  Voting no is State Senator Mark Spreitzer (Democrat- Beloit).  

Find out where you vote - My Vote Wisconsin

Welcome back Pastor Joe Walls from the People's Church in Beloit, WI.  This is second part of our discussion about discouragement.  In this episode we finally get to what I wanted to get to in part one, a list of reasons that I compiled about why I get discouraged.  Of course, the really exciting part of this episode is the premiere of our new theme song!  Trust me, its awesome!

GIFTS Men's Shelter

Kamala Harris is going to be choosing her pick for Vice President as soon as next week, so I wanted to quickly share with you my thoughts on the potential candidates and give you who I think would best help her campaign (no, its not me).   

This week's shout out - BullyDog, the person behind this podcast's cool logo!

Cosmo at the Park on Reggie Street by Jana Coulter and O. A. Graham 

Cosmo at the Christmas Tree by Jana Coulter and O. A. Graham

On this episode Pastor Joe Walls from People's Church in Beloit talk about a struggle we go through from time to time, discouragement.  This was supposed to be one episode, but as Joe and I got to talking, it turned into three!  So, you'll want to listen to this conversation for sure.  Of course, this being recorded in the summer, I had to mock Joe's sweater.  I love these sweaters, but my wife always refers to mine as my "old man sweater."

We also give a shout-out to Mama Bear’s Dog Treats & Balms, LLC!

GIFTS Men's Shelter

In a dark and troubled world, joy can be a hard thing to find.   The very pursuit of joy can seem like an overwhelming burden at times.  But author Jennifer Michelle Greenberg is here to give us a different perspective, a much more Biblical perspective.  True joy points us to Christ and His strength, it is not a command to muster up on your own.  You won't want to miss this episode!

Tracy's Joyful Creations 

Defiant Joy: Find the Hope to Light Your Way, Even in the Darkness by Jennifer Michelle Greenberg 

Jennifer Michelle Greenberg on Substack

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