"We all break down" was how I started my instagram post this morning. I feel like the topic deserves some elaboration. If you'd like to see the original post, please find me @reflectionsofChrist on Instagram. 

What does your work say when it lands on your audience? Does a meal taste better when it's made with love? Does art hit you harder when it was created in a certain spirit? Does a book speak more loudly when it was written with inspiration? Yes. 

BUT only to the right audience. 

I believe there is a spirit to your work, but that spirit will only be familiar to those ready for it. 

Enjoy, 

Mark

When was the last time you were steamed at a leader of your church, company, family, or team? It might be worth taking a moment to ask yourself this one simple question. 

This episode was inspired by Professor Anthony Sweats new book entitled "Seekers Wanted" 

Enjoy 

Mark

Have you ever wondered how to best share your sacred feelings on social media? ... without it blowing up in your face. 

Anna Macfarlane @Annaistheworst @kidsaretheworst @thingsaretheworst coaches some of social medias big players on how to move their message to the masses. 

Her takes on authenticity are aimed at someone working on growing their influence on instagram and also applicable to someone just wanting to stay in touch with their friends on social. 

She is the only person who as ever effectively made the case, at least that I've heard, for "staying in your lane". 

Please enjoy about $10k worth of free consulting courtesy of Anna Macfarlane. 

Mark

PS– Just to keep it real, I spelled "worst" wrong (worste) and had to go back and edit this whole post! 

Sometimes losing is good. Not just "good for us" as in "getting beat will humble me", but I'm talking about having a bad idea or choice thwarted. 

We all lose. 

How we view and respond to that loss is the key to our forward momentum continuing, and to our long term success. 

Enjoy this First Thing

Mark

We all act different when someone is watching. It's just a thing. Did you know this thing has a name? It's called "the Hawthorne Effect". Google it. 

Today I wanted to discuss how we might use it to help ourselves and those we love to live better. 

Enjoy! 

Mark

Do you ever feel like you're in a corner? out of options? The only thing that makes it a corner is the angle from which you're seeing it. PERSPECTIVE is the beginning of how we approach anything. In the realm of tools that help us gain perspective is perhaps the super tool... the Holy Spirit. This morning I felt like talking about how to see with the Spirit. 

Enjoy! 

Mark

Why does "clever" offend me a little bit? Let me tell you the story of a guy who taught his computer to compose music that fooled the experts into thinking it was Bach... in 1981! This is The First Thing on the Gifted and Lifted Podcast. 

What does "home" mean? How can understanding and defining "home" embolden me to explore the world a little more bravely? 

I'm adding a new segment called "First Thing" to the podcast. Basically, I'm going to share the first  that inspired me this morning. These little segments will be short, usually 3-5 minutes. 

Enjoy! 

Mark

"Proponents of Evolution underestimate the strength of their own argument, and Creationists undervalue the brilliance of God."

Perry Marshall is a multiple best selling business author and digital marketing consultant. His approach is aggressive and he credits his faith for that. Prior to moving into marketing Perry was an electrical engineer. In 2015 Perry published Evolution 2.0, where he dives into the chasm between evolution and creation. You'll love where he landed. 

Please forgive the poor audio on this interview. My internet connection went awry just before we started, so it's a little splotchy, but still worth the listen. 

Mark