Some of my friends tell me I'm crazy. Why? Because not only did I teach high school for four years in State College, I willingly chose to start doing it again now that we've moved! Some fun insights on all that plus a few updates in this episode of The Gracious Guest Podcast.

After MONTHS off the podcast grid, Mike finally returns! Don't miss this short episode where he catches the Gracious Gang up on what's been going on since the last episode.

There are several different suggestions floating around out there when it comes to the best order in which to watch the ever-growing canon of Star Wars films. I stumbled into my own a few weeks back and found that it presented some really cool takeaways. Enjoy!

Yep. You read that right. I LOVE LENT! Check out this episode to learn a bit more about this ancient and incredibly powerful Christian practice and how you can get the most out of it. I also check in with my toddler daughter Noelle, the show's field correspondent! Here are the links I mention in the episode:

Lent Intro Infographic

Fasting & Abstinence Infographic

Biblical Significance of 40

This 1942 historical novel about a young Roman soldier who cast the winning dice for Christ's robe at the Crucifixion was an instant classic. It rapidly rose to the No. 1 spot on The New York Times Best Seller list where it remained for over a year! One of the most popular book of the 1940s, it inspired a film adaptation in 1953. You can pick up a copy here: Amazon.

Remember that song by Chicago "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" It's an awesome song, but it's also a profound question! Let's take a closer look at time and its spiritual implications today. Also, we're joined by Noelle, the Gracious Guest Show field correspondent, for a very important musical insight.

I have more than three, just FYI. You might, too! But today, I'm just focusing on three that I find particularly troubling and that arise on a fairly regular basis. If you're curious, don't hesitate to click and listen!

Did you ever notice that you ARE, but you're also NOT YET? If this sounds confusing or overly intellectual, let me assure you that it's a basic fact about your life that underlies literally every aspect of it. Let's dig into this mystery today! The book by Josef Pieper I refer to is called "On Hope" and you should definitely get a copy: click here.

If I had to assign a textbook to the Gracious Gang that would summarize the core mission of The Gracious Guest, it would be this! Dr. Kreeft explores numerous doorways to the transcendent that await us around every turn… if we'll just learn to see them. Check out my review and be sure to get yourself a copy today! (available at Ignatius Press or Amazon). To read the fantastic article by Joseph Pearce I mention in this episode click here.

Philosopher Dr. Peter Kreeft points out that when we discuss "this thing about identity", there is inevitably more here than meets the eye. Who are you? How do you answer that question? Today I'd like to explore how I think the themes of identity and purpose arise throughout the Star Wars franchise so tune in!