This week we look at three different examples from the Gospel of Mark where Jesus interacted with those who were either socially outcast, physically crippled, or were caught in their sin. We discuss the lessons we can learn from Him here, and how these lessons often go against our individualist American values. Jim also shares a very powerful thought exercise that has enhanced his scripture reading. We love our listeners, see you next week for episode 121!

With Jim out this week, Jon takes the mic for another round of Jon Thoughts! This episode he talks about time, its impact on our relationships with God, and how it affects our worldviews and values. Jim will be back next week for another father-and-son conversation - as always, thanks for listening!

This week we dig deep in the three parables Jesus presents in Mathew 25, about His great return, to see how we can know we are ready for it. These include the parables of the ten virgins, the bags of gold, and the sheep and the goats. What is Jesus trying to teach us with these metaphors? How can we use them to enrich our own lives, and honor Him? Listen to find out! Talk to you next week.

We welcome guest Jon Corcoran back to the studio this week to finish the story of his conversion to Catholicism, and ask some of the questions we had last time but didn't have time for. What appealed to him about the Catholic church that other Christian denominations didn't have? What was that process like? How does he feel about those other denominations now? Jon answers these questions and more! Thanks for listening this week, if you have any other questions for our guest let us know and we will use them in a later episode.

After our last conversation about the Gift Passion Story assessment tool, Jon took the test and has brought back his results! This week we go over what the assessment told him, what the results may or may not mean, and how he can use them going forward. We hope this is helpful for you and your own results, after taking the free assessment at giftpassionstory.com. As always, thank you so much for listening!

For episode 115, we talk over the challenges everyone faces with finding their purpose, the difference between purpose and meaning, and review yet another great assessment tool to help those who my be struggling in this arena. We would love to hear from our listeners, all feedback is welcome!

Following our discussion on letting Jesus lead your life in a practical way, this week we talk about what the word "disciple" even means, and what it looks like to be one today. We also unpack a framework for self examination that can help you further your discipleship under Jesus. That model, and a link to the Examen prayer mentioned last week, can be found on our Instagram! We are so grateful for our listeners.

There is a big difference between considering Jesus to be, in a symbolic sort of way, your figurative leader, and placing him firmly, purposefully, as the leader of your life in a very real way. How do we go from the former, a way of frustration and disappointment, to the later, a way of adventure and fulfillment? Tune in this week to find out!

Back in the studio this week, Jim and Jon discuss the famously contentious passages found in the book of James concerning our faith and our works, or deeds. They both have a bit of a breakthrough in this conversation and are excited to share it. Jim also shares a great story from the recent Ladd family reunion, and Jon raves some more on one of his new favorite novels for Show and Tell. We are so grateful for our listeners, talk to you next time!

Jim and Jon come to you this week from vacation in Estes Park, Colorado! They are joined by the third Ladd man, brother and son Tim Ladd, to talk about the ways their spread out family has stayed connected and healthy despite some hefty geographical distances between them, and ways they could still improve. Story time is at the end of this episode, thank you to all of our listeners!