The C.O.D.E of Man

What is resilience? It is the ability to absorb stress and affliction while being stretched, and then release that energy before permanent damage takes place.  Like a rubber band bounces back into original shape after being pulled tightly in opposing directions. In more than a few ways we have all been stretched in recent times, and even moving into our summer those of us at the C.O.D.E recognize the need to practice some soul awareness and soul care to ensure we are staying resilient as men, as husbands, fathers, and followers of Christ.

In the episode the crew discusses the recent release of John Eldredge's new book Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times (Thomas Nelson, 2022), and our reflections on how this great resource is helping us tap into our own soul resilience. We share some of the practices which are working as we bring our inner man back into healthy state during these chaotic days.

1. Renewed Perspective - seeing how soul care has helped shape a healthier view of personal growth.

2. Re-evaluation of Progress - the recognition that there is never a time to stop improving our foxhole, always looking for the next step of maturing.

3. Offering Grace to Our Unconverted Places - it is a pressure release to honestly acknowledge that we are broken but beloved sons of God.

4. Practicing Togetherness with Friends and Family - there is true value in the quality time spent with our spouse, our children, and our good friends.

5. Releasing the False Sense that we Must Fix or Fight Everything - it is good to trust God and learn when to let go of the burdens and stressors.

6. Realigning our Focus on the Coming Kingdom - turning the affection and attention on the coming of Jesus and his kingdom frees our soul. 

A special thank you to our friend Bruce Frye for the theme song, "Heart of a Champion."  You can find more of Bruce Frye's music and ministry at Bruce Frye Ministries - Singer, Songwriter & Evangelist | Online Christian Music and Book Store

Also, we welcome your emails at [email protected]

It's the second annual Easy Target - Rollin' Napoleon Special! This year, ET and RN discuss lessons they have each learned in the journey of disconnected from this world, and recall some of the challenges that this way of life brings. It's a life of learning, outside of the norms of society, but the most rewarding life imaginable!

A special thank you to our friend Bruce Frye for the theme song, "Heart of a Champion."  You can find more of Bruce Frye's music and ministry at Bruce Frye Ministries - Singer, Songwriter & Evangelist | Online Christian Music and Book Store

We also want to thank our good friend Dave Compton for his voiceover work for the introduction this week!

Also, we welcome your emails at [email protected]

We all have them, those afternoons, or days, or weeks when we feel disoriented, unproductive, easily irritable, and we just cannot seem to shake it.  Especially for men who value being productive, this can feel very debilitating. So, what do you do? In this episode Overtrek and Napoleon discuss some ways to climb out of the crummy by the practice of three skills: 

1) Recognition of the Situation for What It Is 

2) Reorientation of the Soul with God 

3) Reduction of the Clutter that is Clouding the Life

Materials referenced in this episode:

Foster, Richard. The Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth (2001)

Ortberg, John. The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People (1997)

A special thank you to our friend Bruce Frye for the theme song, "Heart of a Champion."  You can find more of Bruce Frye's music and ministry at Bruce Frye Ministries - Singer, Songwriter & Evangelist | Online Christian Music and Book Store

Also, we welcome your emails at [email protected]

In the conclusion of this topic Napoleon returns to help the C.O.D.E. Crew lay out some of the causes and cures for the cycle of hurry and worry in life. The Distractions of the World, The Deception of the Enemy, and The Desperation of the Self all lead us into the cycle, The answers are found in learning the role of an Honest Assessment of our Life, Distinguishing between Hurry and Urgent, the Discipline of Reduction, and the value of a Good Reset from time to time.

Materials referenced in this episode:

Comer, John Mark. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World (2019)

Ortberg, John. The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People (1997)

A special thank you to our friend Bruce Frye for the theme song, "Heart of a Champion."  You can find more of Bruce Frye's music and ministry at Bruce Frye Ministries - Singer, Songwriter & Evangelist | Online Christian Music and Book Store

Also, we welcome your emails at [email protected]

In this episode the C.O.D.E. Crew begin a discussion on the rapid return to crazy in the world right now. The pace of life has ramped back up, some even seem to be trying to make up for lost time, and the world is going to demand that we jump on the wheel and run with them. Jesus has another plan, and he invites us into a life that is lived deeper, more sustainable, and richer in the things that matter most. 

Materials referenced in this episode:

Foster, Richard. The Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth (2001)

Ortberg, John. The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People (1997)

A special thank you to our friend Bruce Frye for the theme song, "Heart of a Champion."  You can find more of Bruce Frye's music and ministry at Bruce Frye Ministries - Singer, Songwriter & Evangelist | Online Christian Music and Book Store

Also, we welcome your emails at [email protected]

This week, the C.O.D.E Crew continues their discussion on the importance of reading in the life of a godly man. Join Overtrek, Easy Target, and Rollin' Napoleon as they talk what they are currently reading, some of their most influential reads, and a few tips to encourage the new beginner on the journey of regular reading!

A special thank you to our friend Bruce Frye for the theme song, "Heart of a Champion."  You can find more of Bruce Frye's music and ministry at Bruce Frye Ministries - Singer, Songwriter & Evangelist | Online Christian Music and Book Store

Also, we welcome your emails at [email protected]

This likely makes no sense to anyone else, but we laughed.

This week the C.O.D.E. dives into the need for men to learn the discipline of reading. In particular, the foundation of spiritual reading as our reference point for viewing all that is happening in the world. It is less about mastering the truth and more about being mastered by the truth.

"Likewise, we ought to read simple and devout books as willingly as learned and profound ones. We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person, but by the love of simple truth...God speaks to us in many ways without regard for persons. Our curiosity often impedes our reading of the Scriptures, when we wish to understand and mull over what we ought simply to read and pass by. If you would profit from it, therefore, read with humility, simplicity, and faith, and never seek a reputation for being learned."

 - Thomas a Kempis

A special thank you to our friend Bruce Frye for the theme song, "Heart of a Champion."  You can find more of Bruce Frye's music and ministry at Bruce Frye Ministries - Singer, Songwriter & Evangelist | Online Christian Music and Book Store

Also, we welcome your emails at [email protected]

After the 100 Grand episode we kept the recorder going and the Crew relives some highlights from the first 100 episodes and receives some well wishes from a few of our previous guests. We think you will enjoy the "precious memories!"

A major milestone is celebrated, the 100th episode of the C.O.D.E. of Man Podcast! And we celebrate by inviting in two guests who just completed another great milestone, Quiet Man, Tin Man, along with Overtrek recently returned from the Grand Canyon Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim hike! Join us for the overview of this C.O.D.E. 2022 Super Adventure and then stay tuned for the follow-on bonus episode as the Crew reflects on 100 episodes completed!

A special thank you to our friend Bruce Frye for the theme song, "Heart of a Champion."  You can find more of Bruce Frye's music and ministry at Bruce Frye Ministries - Singer, Songwriter & Evangelist | Online Christian Music and Book Store

Also, we welcome your emails at [email protected]