When a young Eva Kollisch arrives as a refugee in New York in 1940, she finds a community among socialists who share her values and idealism. She soon discovers ‘the cause’ isn’t as idyllic as it seems. Little does she know this is the beginning of a lifelong commitment to activism and her determination to create radical change in ways that include belonging, love and one's full self. In addition to Eva Kollisch’s memoirs Girl in Movement (2000) and The Ground Under My Feet (2014), LBI’s collections include an oral history interview with Eva conducted in 2014 and the papers of Eva’s mother, poet Margarete Kolllisch, which document Eva’s childhood experience on the Kindertransport. Learn more at www.lbi.org/kollisch . Exile is a production of the Leo Baeck Institute , New York | Berlin and Antica Productions . It’s narrated by Mandy Patinkin. Executive Producers include Katrina Onstad, Stuart Coxe, and Bernie Blum. Senior Producer is Debbie Pacheco. Associate Producers are Hailey Choi and Emily Morantz. Research and translation by Isabella Kempf. Sound design and audio mix by Philip Wilson, with help from Cameron McIver. Theme music by Oliver Wickham. Voice acting by Natalia Bushnik. Special thanks to the Kollisch family for the use of Eva’s two memoirs, “Girl in Movement” and “The Ground Under My Feet”, the Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College and their “Voices of Feminism Oral History Project”, and Soundtrack New York.…
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Sonny & Cindy Zentmeyer and Cindy Zentmeyer에서 제공하는 콘텐츠입니다. 에피소드, 그래픽, 팟캐스트 설명을 포함한 모든 팟캐스트 콘텐츠는 Sonny & Cindy Zentmeyer and Cindy Zentmeyer 또는 해당 팟캐스트 플랫폼 파트너가 직접 업로드하고 제공합니다. 누군가가 귀하의 허락 없이 귀하의 저작물을 사용하고 있다고 생각되는 경우 여기에 설명된 절차를 따르실 수 있습니다 https://ko.player.fm/legal.
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Epic Journey Podcast
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Sonny & Cindy Zentmeyer and Cindy Zentmeyer에서 제공하는 콘텐츠입니다. 에피소드, 그래픽, 팟캐스트 설명을 포함한 모든 팟캐스트 콘텐츠는 Sonny & Cindy Zentmeyer and Cindy Zentmeyer 또는 해당 팟캐스트 플랫폼 파트너가 직접 업로드하고 제공합니다. 누군가가 귀하의 허락 없이 귀하의 저작물을 사용하고 있다고 생각되는 경우 여기에 설명된 절차를 따르실 수 있습니다 https://ko.player.fm/legal.
Marriage is an epic and heroic journey through the wilderness with God. Every great adventure and expedition has a desire for victory, a strategic plan, and guides along the way. Join us each week as we explore the journey of becoming a unified team, and an unstoppable force for good! You’ll hear encouragement, stories & truths that will guide you to ascend in growth, overcome challenges and reach the summit of answering your unique call to contribute. It’s time to Gear Up, escape the hustle culture and step into the exciting wilderness adventures of a marriage that wins! Let’s Go!
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Sonny & Cindy Zentmeyer and Cindy Zentmeyer에서 제공하는 콘텐츠입니다. 에피소드, 그래픽, 팟캐스트 설명을 포함한 모든 팟캐스트 콘텐츠는 Sonny & Cindy Zentmeyer and Cindy Zentmeyer 또는 해당 팟캐스트 플랫폼 파트너가 직접 업로드하고 제공합니다. 누군가가 귀하의 허락 없이 귀하의 저작물을 사용하고 있다고 생각되는 경우 여기에 설명된 절차를 따르실 수 있습니다 https://ko.player.fm/legal.
Marriage is an epic and heroic journey through the wilderness with God. Every great adventure and expedition has a desire for victory, a strategic plan, and guides along the way. Join us each week as we explore the journey of becoming a unified team, and an unstoppable force for good! You’ll hear encouragement, stories & truths that will guide you to ascend in growth, overcome challenges and reach the summit of answering your unique call to contribute. It’s time to Gear Up, escape the hustle culture and step into the exciting wilderness adventures of a marriage that wins! Let’s Go!
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Epic Journey Podcast – Episode #28 - Make Every Day Count In this episode of The Epic Journey Podcast, “Make Every Day Count,” Sonny and Cindy discuss the importance of making every day count in light of their recent loss of Sonny’s brother Bob. Our legacies are made little by little, moment by moment. Choose to speak life. Offer hope. And most of all, live with certainty about eternity. Bob left an incredible legacy and he prepared well ahead, by accepting Christ he was certain that his last breath on earth would lead to his first breath in heaven. Our time on earth is an uncertainty for all of us, but God has prepared a certain future, if we choose it. Life is short. Eternity is forever. Make every day count! Bob was good at that. ------- Epic Journey Podcast #28 – Episode Notes One of the things that we realize is that we know that each of you have your own story. That you have things going on in your families and other relationships as well that we don’t know about, and we hope that we can be an encouragement to you in whatever you might be going through. We titled this podcast “Make Every Day Count” because in times like these God will often use our pain and suffering for a purpose and also He will use our circumstances to reveal and remind us of His presence in our lives. Last Summer, my Brother Bob went for a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. This was shocking news really because out of all of us (myself, another brother and sister) we would all agree that he was probably the most healthy and active one. Not overweight, would run often if not everyday… I would say we really believed that if anybody would beat Cancer he would. Bob stayed pretty healthy during his fight and we were looking forward to the day he would be told he was in remission. He was traveling and enjoying his family and awaiting the arrival of twin girls that his oldest daughter was getting ready to have and enjoying his other two grandsons. He really has been living life to the full. He went into the hospital on the first Sunday in June and stayed for 5 days and through the power of prayer and hope and faith and surrounded by the love of his wife and children and grandchildren, brothers, sisters, mom, and friends, he was able to get discharged home on he and his wife's 33rd wedding anniversary. He was still very ill, but he was back home. Their faith and prayers got him there. He was able to go home because of them. It was awesome to see his kids rally together and they got everything ready for them to come home. Yea, it was so beautiful. They had decorated the house with rose petals and flowers and signs and candles and music and pictures. And they videotaped him coming in on a stretcher and he had asked them to get his wife long stem roses and he was able to call out her name, “Martha, Happy Anniversary” and he presented her with a single long stem rose. He smiled and they kissed and it was a beautiful moment. But it was one of those tear-jerker moments. Whew. So beautiful though. And in fact, their marriage and their life together had already been lived out in many beautiful moments. He never stopped His calling to watch over his wife, and to love her and cherish her in sickness and in health. It is a good reminder to recall our vows and live them out well just like Bob and Martha have. The other thing that happened in the hospital was when doctors and nurses came into the room, even if they delivered news that was difficult, they were asked by Bobs family if they could pray for them and they did. There were prayers for a husband that had lost his job, for a son that had autism, prayers to bring on more staff at the hospital, prayers for the physicians and for them to see healing and Gods miracles take place. This is who they are as a family and the legacy that Bob has been building little by little, moment by moment, every single day. Bob certainly has made his days count. So, he came home on Friday and there were many prayers of faith and requests for Gods supernatural intervention throughout the weekend and on Monday Bob went to his eternal home. I’ll think of Bob when we climb up and jump off the tower he built in his lake. He was a diver like me, and I loved having that in common with him. He was also a little daring and crazy like me, so I love that too. I’ll think of him when I work on projects because he and my other brother have always worked on projects together and for each other. I’ll think of Bob when I pick the Pomelo’s off my Dad’s tree because he loved them and would stop by and ask to pick some every now and then. I told his wife, you’re going to see him in so many different ways every single day… in the backyard when you pick the fruit from the trees, and when you have that bumper crop that’s more than usual, and you’ll notice him in the different seasons during sunrises, sunsets and when flowers bloom, and I know this will be true for each of you that have lost loved ones…you’ll hear a song on the radio, or pass by their favorite restaurant, you’ll be uplifted when you hear the words of encouragement you know they would say, the kindnesses you recall and their idiosyncrasies… the little funny quirky things you remember. And even some of their frustrations! In the beginning, these thoughts can bring a lot of tears, but over time your joy gets restored. God doesn’t try to hurry you out of your grief, he will comfort you through it. It’s so weird, but the sky looks different now. He left us too soon and He was an amazing warrior in God’s army, but because of his legacy, he left a strong army behind. Yea his kids, which are my first cousins, are amazing and they all love the Lord and they are going to carry on his legacy along with my Aunt. Bob loved to talk about Jesus and encourage others and he was a great encouragement to me. When you choose to speak life into other people, when you give hope and encouragement, you really make that day count. You never know what they might be going through, but your encouraging words might just be exactly what they needed at that time. And you may never know the difference it makes but that’s ok. We can make every day count. And that’s a great way to do it. Speak life. It’s such a good reminder to be aware of your days and to set a goal to make every day count and sometimes its just by the words you choose to say. It makes you think about your own life and what you want to leave behind and be remembered for. It’s a beautiful thing that we are able to laugh and cry and see each other through these tough days, weeks and seasons of life. We need each other and gathering together is so healing in and of itself. Our mourning and grieving continues and each day we wake up and realize its true all over again. As we live each day, we all have the same amount of time- we can’t buy more of it, trade or barter for it. What isn’t equal though is the way that we choose to exchange our time. And it can get away from us. We can spend it, we can waste it, but we can also invest it and cherish it. We can fill it up with trivial stuff but we can also fill it up with purpose and mission. What we do with our time is up to us and it’s also an uncertainty in life. We actually don’t know how much time we will have here on this earth. I like what you said Dad about what we choose to exchange our time for and it’s true we really don’t know how long we’ll be here, but the good thing is, even though our life is uncertain, God is certain. He has given us the opportunity to choose a future that is certain. Eternity. Bob did that. We’ve done that. And I’m so grateful for that because it’s so comforting to know that we will all be in eternity together one day. Bob is a great Father, not was . He is alive forever because of Gods promises and sacrifice. Christ died for us so that we may have eternal life. We were all praying for God’s supernatural healing for Bob, and the reality is that’s what he got. God cares way more about our Spiritual well-being because that is forever. And what a blessing it is for family that is left behind knowing that eternal life with Christ promises a new life and a new body, healthy and restored. What’s really amazing is that Christ died on the cross over 2000 years ago so that we could have eternal life. He took care of it way back then. And even though that happened over 2000 years ago, it’s available to each of us now, but it’s a choice. We have access to eternity through His sacrifice. But God waits for us to choose. It’s not until we confess with our mouth and believe in our hearts without doubt that we are assured of this promise. God waits on us, but He will continue to pursue us, and the offer remains on the table. God’s plan for us is certain but we are the uncertainty. If Bob were still here, we know that He would tell you the best day of his life was one of the hardest days of our life, but He would also encourage you to live a life of certainty. He would tell you to accept God’s invitation that Christ has made available to you. And if you already have, it’s a great time to reconfirm your commitment and thank Him for the gift of living out your life knowing where you’ll be even though you don’t know when. It’s a great way to make today count. To make every single day count. We pray for each of you, and we know that you may be going through a recent loss or a hardship of your own, but we know that God will provide comfort for you. Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. John 16:22 ESV So, with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. Matthew 5:4 ESV Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Romans 12:15 ESV Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Matthew 11:28-30 ESV Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Romans 15:13 ESV May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. As we were preparing for this podcast, we got word that his daughter is in labor with the twin girls. So again, we are reminded how God will bring us joy in the midst of sorrow and He will restore our joy, but He also will comfort us in our grief. And I’m reminded that Bob’s love will live on and be passed down into the next generation… In Exodus 20: 6 it says … and God will show His love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. What a great reminder and Uncle Bob's family will certainly be blessed by His love for God and his legacy. and so will yours…. as you choose to trust and accept Christ. So, we’d love to close out in prayer and if you’ve never surrendered your life to Christ, we’d like to pray with you and allow that tug on your heart to surrender once and for all to the certainty of eternity. It’s a great day to recommit your life to Christ as well. Romans 10:9-10 ESV says this 9 if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. So we’d love for you to pray with us this simple prayer. "Lord, we come to you right now and ask for your forgiveness of our sins. We hear and receive and believe with our hearts that your word is truth, we repent of our sins, and we confess with our mouth that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, and we are grateful that you died on the cross and you were raised from the dead so that we would be saved and have eternal life. We thank you Lord that we belong to you, and you tell us “You are mine.” We pray these things in Jesus Name, Amen." You have just chosen an incredible certainty in your life!!!! A new beginning with a certain ending. Go share this with another believer or Pastor, and we encourage you to follow through in Baptism. Life is short – Eternity is forever, and you have been invited in and now it’s your privilege to invite others as well. Sonny, you just mentioned new beginnings….we got word that the twin girls have been born, one feet first, the other head first, both of them healthy and well. It’s the circle of life. I was talking to Kaytee, Johnnys’ wife yesterday and I was saying that their birth represents the collision of joy along with the sorrow in our hearts but represents new beginnings and the promise of great things to come. And that is truly the message of Christs’ love for each of us. We ‘re grateful for you and we’re praying for you. We are excited for you! Email us @ hello@2b1life.com We’d love to hear from you! And remember, it’s not hard to make everyday count. Speak life. Offer hope. Share love. Learn from the past, live with hope for the future and be thankful for the present moments. God Bless you guys. We love you Bob. We love you Uncle Bob. We love you brother. We’ll see you again in eternity one day.…
Epic Journey Podcast #27 – description In this episode, Secrets and Treasures, Sonny and Cindy revisit Gods’ invitation to seek His hidden secrets and treasures and the rewards WHEN you find them. God has a stash of valuable wisdom ready for you to apply to your life for your benefit. He knows just what you need and when you need it. Gods word is full of hidden treasures for you and is THE MOST powerful treasure you will ever find. Join us in this journey and quest for his hidden secrets and treasures. He has hidden them FOR you, not FROM you! ------- Epic Journey Podcast #27 – Episode Notes God has hidden treasures for you, and there is no greater treasure than finding Gods word and applying it to your life. God has a stash of valuable wisdom ready for you to find and He knows just what you need and when you need it. Apply these treasures of wisdom to your life, and you will live out His amazing plan. revelationcentral.com sermon notes by Robert Pace about God giving us treasures… He writes this: “Several years ago, the Lord spoke to me from Isaiah 45, where God says, “I will give you the treasures of darkness and wealth stored in secret places.” And then he mentions two ideas that the Holy Spirit suggested from this verse. (1) When God says he will “give us the treasures of darkness and wealth stored in secret places,” it means God wants to open your eyes to things that would otherwise remain unseen, so you can claim what would otherwise remain unclaimed. (2) And #2, the question comes up in His mind, Where can I find these “treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places. (45:3)? Think about the answer: The “treasures of darkness” are stored in—of all places—darkness! And the “wealth of secret places” is hidden in—of all locations, secret places.” We can miss them if we’re not searching for them. These are hidden treasures that require acting in faith by seeking Him and His word in order to find them. In Colossians 2:2-3 Paul is encouraging the Colossians, they were believers, That their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, And he goes on to reveal what Gods’ mystery is: That is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Your hearts are valuable to Him and in Deuteronomy 26:18 it reminds you how valuable you are to Him. It says this: The Lord has today declared you to be His people, a treasured possession, as He promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments; You are His treasured possession. You are valuable to God. He claims you as His own and says you belong to me. Proverbs 3:13-15 reminds us of the benefits of wisdom How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. So you are reminded of how valuable your search for treasures is going to be. We hope you’ll get excited about the pursuit, and in knowing that it will lead you to great rewards for your life. We’re grateful for you and we’re praying for you, Sonny & Cindy Zentmeyer , 2B1 Life…
Epic Journey Podcast #26 – Routines That Restore - Episode Description In this episode of the Epic Journey Podcast, Sonny and Cindy continue the series on the power of your words and discuss how your routines and the rhythms that God offers can restore your soul and breathe life into your heart, mind, soul and your relationships. They’ll discuss the importance of attending to your soul and breaking free from the automatic negative thoughts that can deplete you and cause division in your relationships. Join us! ------- Neglecting our souls can disrupt our oneness and God will restore our souls – God doesn’t want us to seek relief. He wants us to be restored. Eldridge, John,2020.Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices For a World Gone Mad , Nashville,Tenn., Nelson Book Publishers. John Eldridge says this: “We may have neglected our soul’s need for beauty, we may have neglected our souls need for play. But I have reason to believe that unattended loss is a good place to start if you would recover and heal the vessel God wants to fill, if you would open up room in your life for him to meet you there…” Our lives can get so busy and distracted that we are experiencing that unattended loss. The pain that we are experiencing in our marriages sometimes is really our soul crying out longing to be filled. We make the mistake of assuming this is our spouses responsibility and it’s not!!!. Our souls can slowly, and subtlety become depleted, and our hearts hardened, and then we blame our spouse, our marriage, our work, our finances because we are seeking relief because something has to be responsible for this!! But blame only gives us temporary relief… like when we run away from an argument…there is a short-term reprieve but there’s no resolution of the problem and we remain distanced from each other. There is an enormous difference between relief and restoration. God doesn’t want us to seek relief, He wants us to be restored and reconnected… He wants our conflict resolved, our hearts softened, forgiveness both given and received, oneness with each other and with Him…fully restored. Neglecting our souls, can disrupt our oneness. We’re blocking that major artery through which God wants to connect us. We can make choices that not only affect our physical health but our spiritual health too. John Eldridge also talks about healing the soul and what he found in his own life to be helpful and what has been unhelpful. I want to share John Eldridges’ list with you because it may hit home with you and it helps us to realize that we do need to stop and consider the health of our own souls. I’ll start with his unhelpful list: Grocery stores. Television. Traffic. Draining people that live out of touch with their own soul, airports. The news, especially politics. Social media, your typical dose of movie violence Now his helpful list: Generous amounts of sunshine, everything living and green, long walks, lonesome country roads, swimming, beauty, music, water, friendly dogs, compassion, not expecting myself to produce the same level of work I normally accomplish in a day, yardwork, building a fence… John goes on to ask these questions: Now which cluster of the things I just named makes up most of your weekly routine? Do you begin to see more clearly how essential it is that we intentionally care for our neglected heart and soul? He’s talking about restoring our souls and our connection with God. There will be times our oneness is disrupted, and we need healing and restoration. God has a plan for that. God will restore our souls In Psalm 23:2-3 ESV God is leading us into nature and the wilderness to do just that… He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters, He restores my soul. We need to literally get out of the man-made world and get back into the wilderness again, we need to lie down and look up and reconnect with God our Father, Our Savior, Our Counselor! Get to know Him better. Spend time in His word and in prayer. Jesus had many encounters with God in the wilderness and so will we. We are vulnerable when our souls are depleted but we are stronger and healthier and prepared when we are restored. And we need to be prepared for both the better and the worse. We need to recognize the lies going on in our heads. 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, We need to recognize the lies that are going on in our heads. This is a great reminder of what we’ve been talking about in the power of our words and rejecting thoughts and limiting beliefs and replacing them with truth. When you do that, when you replace negative thoughts with new thoughts, they will breathe new life into your heart and your marriage. The negative thoughts not only mess with your mind, but they also can wreak havoc with your physiology internally. They can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, weaken your immune system, cause ulcers and gut issues, and can actually cause physical, chemical and electrical (neurotransmitter) changes in your brain. You establish pathways in your brain by what you think about, and this leads to how you feel and the behaviors that you choose. These become your default patterns, BUT your brains have the capacity of neuroplasticity, you can change the flow. God does not want us to conform to the pattern of this world. Romans 12:2 ESV Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. God is giving us instructions !!! He’s trying to protect us, our health and our relationship! Dr. Daniel Amen has some great resources for learning more about your mental health and how to handle toxic thoughts. https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/do-you-have-an-ant-infestation-in-your-head/ Dr. Amen calls them ANTS running around in your head. ANTS stands for Automatic Negative Thoughts. Here are a few examples: see if any of these sound familiar to you. Get rid of the ANTS – Automatic Negative Thoughts – Dr. Daniel Amen The All or Nothing ANT – We ALWAYS fight. We’re NEVER going to fix our relationship Just the Bad Ants – I gave a presentation at work that I thought went really well, but the woman presenting after me got a louder applause. They must have enjoyed her presentation much more than mine. Guilt Beating ANTS – I don’t call my parents enough. Labeling ANTS – I’m such a moron. Fortune Teller ANTS – If I apply for that scholarship I’ll just get rejected. Mind Reader ANTS – Your friend taking to long to reply to your text message means she is mad at you. A sideways glance from your boss means he hates you and you’re about to be fired. Then you ruminate on your unconfirmed assumptions. Blaming ANTS – This ANT doesn’t want you to ever admit your mistakes or take responsibility for your actions. The blaming ants are not interested in learning how to make things right – they want to make you the victim. It’s your fault I failed because you didn’t help me prepare enough or you didn’t call me early enough to get ready so now my whole night is ruined. Strategies to overcome your ANTS - Dr. Daniel Amen He lists some strategies to overcome your ANTS: 1. Acknowledge thenegative thought, figure out which species it is, reject it as a lie. 2. Stop the thought by paying attention to it! Capture it! Take it captive! 3. Start every morning by saying Today is going to be a great day 4. End every evening by asking what went well today 5. Create optimism with a dose of reality 6. Change the B stuff – B-stands for behavior - your interpretation of situations causes your behavior – if you change your perception and your perspective you’ll change your behavior. 7. Watch the movie, Pollyanna – a lesson in positive thinking and turning bad situations into good 8. Our suggestion: Pick a go-to scripture, a life verse for this season of your life that you memorize to meditate on and interrupt negative thoughts. Post it everywhere! Instead of the enemy disrupting our oneness, we need to go on the offensive and renew our mind and step into Gods plan and principles that win. God has a rhythm and order for oneness God has an order for our oneness and He invites us into His rhythms and His order. God’s rhythm and order for oneness is healthy God is inviting us out of our man-made world and back into the wilderness of His rhythms, and His wisdom and instruction because they are healthy for us. In Proverbs 4:20-23 NIV , Solomon is teaching wisdom and giving instruction and he says this: My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. God wants us to re-establish that Spiritual connection with Him, that artery that gives abundant life and oxygen and nutrients to our marriage. His rhythms are everywhere...WHEN and if we look for them. God established a healthy circadian rhythm for us- His sunrise to start the new day, the sunset that signals our bodies to slow down, our restful night’s sleep that allows us to replenish and recover, the beauty of nature that helps to restore our souls, the seasons that yield harvests and fruits and good foods and Gods bounty for our bodies, the physical oneness of our sexual relationship, and rest on the Sabbath from a week of good works… and these are just a few. So as the sun begins to set each day, acknowledge Gods’ rhythm in your life, let this be a reminder that He is inviting you into His rhythm, and unplug from the world just a little bit more and plug into Him . Notice Him. He’s waiting for you. Get recharged and reconnected. The One Minute Pause App by John Eldridge is great for this as well. www.pauseapp.com Start paying attention to ways that you can attend to your own heart and then attend to the heart of your spouse through some changes that you make through your thoughts, your words, but also your daily routines and the spiritual disciplines that will help your soul and Spirit to come alive in a new and refreshed way. His rhythm is everywhere when you look for it. We’re grateful for you and we’re praying for you.…
Epic Journey Podcast #25 – Heart to Heart In this episode, Sonny and Cindy share the most amazing download ever that you can implement immediately to impact your marriage. This will impact both of your hearts and the health of your WHOLE body. God’s word and wisdom reveals that the heart is the source of life and speaking words of life and truth and wisdom will affect the heart in an incredible way… the heart will thrive and give life and health!!! Join us! You don’t want to miss this one, which is Part 2 of our latest series. ------- Edgar Garcia-Rill PhD, in Waking and the Reticular Activating System in Health and Disease , 2015 But it explains that: The RAS controls sleep and waking and fight-or-flight responses. While this system provides signals that modulate our wake-sleep states, it also serves to help us respond to the world around us. For example, strong stimuli simultaneously activate ascending RAS projections to the thalamus and then the cortex and cause arousal and also activate descending projections that influence the spinal cord in the form of postural changes in tone resulting from the startle response, as well as trigger locomotor events in fight-or-flight responses. This speaks to becoming more attentive and ready for what’s coming. Heightened awareness- you’re either fighting or you are getting out of there! Sounds like some couples arguing doesn’t it! This part of your brain is attentive and there is preparation for what might be next. The body is alert and ready. During sleep, the same system is responsible for the relative lack of ascending sensory awareness during SWS, as well as the descending atonia of REM sleep. So, when we heighten our awareness of our words, just paying attention to them more, we’re going to position ourselves to respond differently to them. This awareness can really help you to pay attention in a new way and in a healthier way. Proverbs 4:20-27 has the headline in the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) The Straight Path. Biblegateway.com 20 My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings. 21 Don’t lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to one’s whole body. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. 24 Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don’t let your lips talk deviously. 25 Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. 26 Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. 27 Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil. God gives him not only wisdom but also wealth and in 1 Kings 10:23 is says, ”King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.” Our words ultimately, if we listen to God’s word, which says from out of the mouth the heart speaks, Proverbs 27:3, Our words come out of our heart and are deposited into the heart of the listener. Our words become a “heart-to-heart talk.” A heart-to-heart download. We are downloading through our words directly from our heart into the heart of the listener. No wonder our words can injure. This is truly not what we desire or what we intend to do. We don’t realize how powerful our words are to injure or to give life and health and healing. But when we do become aware, when we do open our eyes and ears to the power of our words we can make immediate changes, shove our pride aside if we need to, even bully our pride out of the way and choose to speak life! Our words reflect the heart and ultimately our words reflect the heart of God or NOT. Wow this is so convicting but also reminds me of the power of my words to harm or to heal. To build up or tear down. To deposit the love of Christ or messages and agreements from the enemy or from my own selfishness. Wow, it really does put a new perspective on the “heart to heart” saying that we use. We are actually downloading from our heart into the heart of others. CSB Study Bible commentary, Holman Bible Publishers, Copyright 2017, CSB Text Edition 2020. Refers to Proverbs 4:23 about guarding your heart above all else and it says this: Above all else is literally “more than all guarding.” To guard something is to make sure that it does not get away and that it is safe from attack. In Hebrew the heart is the location of knowledge and also the preconscious source of decisions (Pr 27:19 – “as water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person.”) – Mt 15:18 – “But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a person.” Your heart is who you are, the “true you” that directs all your thoughts and emotions. You can educate your heart (Proverbs 24:32) - consciously form and modify a worldview -after which decisions and actions flow from it. Proverbs 16:9-A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps, Lk 6:45-A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow. Rm 10:10-One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.…
Epic Journey Podcast Episode #24 – Words that Bear Fruit In this episode, Sonny and Cindy discuss the power of your words to bear fruit. When you dig into Gods’ word, you’ll find a lot of guidance, instruction, encouragement and benefits related to your words. There’s also a lot of responsibility to choose your words wisely and to benefit those that hear them. Much like cultivating a garden, our words will transform and bear good fruit if we begin with good seed, pull the weeds, and provide light and living water, truth and grace. When you tap into the potential and the power that your words have, you will begin to experience exponential benefits of bearing the fruit that God has for you, your marriage and your life! What if you could 30X, 60X, 100X your fruit!? Check this out: Mark 4:20 20 "But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” Join us! ------- Epic Journey Podcast #24 – Words that Bear Fruit – Episode Notes The more you study about words and the power of your words, you will start connecting the dots that your words are a reflection of your beliefs and of what you are accepting and receiving into your heart and mind. Luke 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks . So, begin listening and hearing yourself and ask yourself about the power of your words. Acknowledge the relationship with Christ as the origin, the WORD, the beginning. Then realize how your words come from Gods’ truth into your heart, into your mind and then are an expression of what you believe and when spoken will have power to bring good things into your life. If Christ dwells in you, then your words will be an expression of both grace and truth. Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 49:3 My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. The goals of pleasing God, gaining wisdom, understanding each other…. These are great goals, and it is well worth the effort and patience you’ll need to just start the process of listening to your words and making the adjustments in your heart and mind that will help you tend to the garden, bear fruit, and speak life into each other. The Word Became Flesh 1 John 1:1-5, 14 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Now verse 14 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Strong’s concordance 1 John the root of the Word which you will see is capitalized in the scripture, is the Greek word logos, which has its origins in another word lego which means to lay forth, to relate, and then back to logos and it says this: something said (including the thought) by implying a topic, also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive, and in John the Divine expression, i.e. Christ. Mark 4:20 20 But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing , and hearing through the word of Christ. This is such a good reminder of the importance of hearing and listening and what it can lead to. Our faith comes from hearing through the word of Christ. Colossians 3:16 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Proverbs 15:23 that says, A person finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word. Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Proverbs 16:24 24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. James 1: 19-20 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Proverbs 13:3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Two Becoming One Workbook, Don and Sally Meredith with Roland and Tammy Martinez 3 things that affect our ability to communicate our mood our prevailing disposition frame of mind Mark 4:20 20 But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” By hearing and accepting the word, you will bear much fruit and God will bring great things into your life exponentially! Choose your words wisely!…
Epic Journey Podcast #23 – Believe and Receive – Episode description In this episode, Sonny and Cindy reveal some of the challenges they had to depend on God for through examining and claiming their beliefs and faith. They also explore the benefits of belief that Christ is encouraging the disciples to embrace (as well as each of us) as He prepares them for His departure. Sonny and Cindy discuss the superpower available to each believer as you speak out and confess God’s word speaking life and belief without doubt into your marriage, your life, and whatever your situation. Join us and tap into your superpower! -------…
EP #22 – Episode description In this episode, Something Old, Something New, Sonny and Cindy continue their discussion of the power that lies within shifting your mindset from old to new, from limited to limitless, from fixed to growth. Victories usually don’t happen overnight, and not only do they require endurance, but they will build your endurance. Tap into the new mindset, a growth mindset, that will get you where you want to go. In your life, in your marriage, and in your relationships!…
Podcast Episode #21 – Manage Your Mindset – Episode description In our next Epic Journey Podcast episode, Sonny and Cindy discuss managing your mindset and the incredible impact that this can have in your life and marriage! You don’t even need your spouses’ permission or cooperation to do this! You’ll need God’s help because He’ll reveal to you your false beliefs if you ask Him to. Managing your mindset is POWERFUL and will change your marriage and change your life! Join us as we explore the connections between your beliefs, your mindset, and your decision-making ability. -------…
Epic Journey Podcast #20 – Stepping Out of the Boat In this episode, Stepping Out of the Boat, Sonny and Cindy discuss the power and role that our mindset has in both limiting and stretching our faith to new levels. They discuss the two mindsets of fixed and growth as described in the book by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., titled Mindset, How We Can learn to Fulfill Our Potential. They also discuss the back-to-back occurrences of the stories of the feeding of the five thousand and Peter walking on water from the book of Matthew. These stories teach us much of Christs’ work in giving the disciples, as well as each of us, opportunities and challenges that will take our faith to the commitment level to “step out of the boat,” and help our marriages continue to live out a plan that wins. ------- Episode #20 Stepping Out of the Boat – Episode Notes In this episode, Stepping Out of the Boat, Sonny and Cindy discuss the power and role that our mindset has in both limiting and stretching our faith to new levels. They discuss the two mindsets of fixed and growth as described in the book by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., titled Mindset, How We Can learn to Fulfill Our Potential. They also discuss the back-to-back occurrences of the stories of the feeding of the five thousand and Peter walking on water from the book of Matthew. These stories teach us much of Christs’ work in giving the disciples, as well as each of us, opportunities and challenges that will take our faith to the commitment level to “step out of the boat,” and help our marriages continue to live out a plan that wins. Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. Mindset, How We Can Learn To Fulfill Our Potential. https://www.shortform.com/blog/change-your-mindset/ In the book, Carol describes two types of mindsets. A fixed mindset and a growth mindset. In an article we found from the Shortform Summary of “Mindset” it quotes this excerpt from her book: Your mind is constantly monitoring and interpreting what’s happening around you. Your mindset guides how you interpret things. A fixed mindset sets up a mental monologue focused on judging - you feel judged and you judge others. For instance, you might think, “this means I’m a failure,” “what a bunch of losers,” “I’ll never be good at handling money.” The excerpt continues, and says this: But you can change your mindset. Growth-oriented people don’t constantly judge themselves and others this way. Like people with fixed mindsets, they keep a running mental account of events and feelings, but their interpretations of what’s going on focus on learning and action. They think, “This situation is painful, but what can I learn to avoid repeating it?” and “How can I improve?” The fixed mindset hangs around, competing with the growth-oriented ways of thinking that you’re trying to adopt. But the growth mindset frees you from constantly judging yourself so you can be authentic and explore your full potential. Matthew 14:13-36 The Feeding of the Five Thousand and Walking on Water Hebrews 11:6 God reminds us of this: And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Psalm 37: 23-24 A person’s steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord supports him with His hand. Psalm 31: 24 Be strong, and let your heart be courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord. Thanks for joining us! Sonny & Cindy…
Epic Journey Podcast #19 – Next Level Faith – Episode description In this episode, Next Level Faith, Sonny and Cindy discuss the power of growing your faith to set the course of your marriage on a growth curve over your lifetime. They discuss the 7 Realities of Experiencing God from the book and small group study, Experiencing God by Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King. God provides many opportunities to strengthen your faith and the 7 realities provides an amazing framework for this and to experience God in your marriage and in your life. ------- Epic Journey Podcast #19 – Episode Notes In this episode, Next Level Faith, Sonny and Cindy discuss the power of growing your faith to set the course of your marriage on a growth curve over your lifetime. They discuss the 7 Realities of Experiencing God from the book Experiencing God by Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King and the framework it offers to learn how to grow your faith and experience God in your marriage and in your life. Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King https://blackaby.org/experiencing-god/ The 7 Realities of experiencing God: God is always at work around you. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways. God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing. You come to know God by experiences as you obey Him, and He accomplishes His work through you. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. – John 16:7 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. – John 14:21 Matthew 13:54-58 54 And He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, with the result that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man acquire this wisdom and these miraculous powers? 55 Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is His mother not called Mary, and His brothers, James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? 56 And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man acquire all these things?” 57 And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not dishonored except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58 And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief. Thanks for joining us! Sonny & Cindy Zentmeyer , 2B1 Life…
Epic Journey Podcast #18 – Unexpected Friendships In this episode, Sonny and Cindy discuss the opportunities and blessings that God intends through unexpected friendships and the power of compassion and kindness. Through strengthening your deep friendship with your spouse, you can extend your love and concern for others and love your “neighbors” as God intended. Diving into the stories of Ruth and the Good Samaritan, God reveals His design for you to build multicultural and multigenerational relationships into your lives for His purposes and for your benefit. ------- Epic Journey Podcast #18 – Unexpected Friendships – Episode Notes In this episode, Sonny and Cindy discuss the opportunities and blessings that God intends through unexpected friendships and the power of compassion and kindness. Through strengthening our deep friendship with our spouse, we can extend our love and concern for others and love our “neighbors” as God intended. Diving into the stories of Ruth and the Good Samaritan, God reveals His design for you to build multicultural and multigenerational relationships into your lives for His purposes and for your benefit. The Book of Ruth Luke 10:25-37 ESV – Gods Greatest Command and the Parable of the Good Samaritan Summary – The Good Samaritan https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/the-good-samaritan-bible-story.html “The Importance of Christian Friendships that Defy Expectations.” Loving one another across generational and cultural differences. By Jamaal Williams and Jim Tipton https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/the-importance-of-christian-friendships-that-defy-expectations/ Cottrell, Stan. To Run and Not Be Weary , Fleming H. Revell Company,1986. Here are some truths from scripture that speak to love and friendship that Christ has modeled and taught us. 1 John 4:7 - "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." Leviticus 19:18 - "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord." John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 1 Peter 4:8-10 ESV 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: Luke 6:31 ESV 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you. We hope this discussion has gotten you thinking and expanding your mindset about friendships and the command to love your neighbor. And thinking about developing some unexpected friendships that God may be putting together for you. Because He loves you and wants you to share His love with others through friendship on many different levels. Commit to revisiting the friendship with your spouse and determine to be intentional in making sure you’re best friends with each other, and you’re expressing kindness and compassion and understanding toward each other. Begin to explore the power of friendships in your marriage and in your life. We’re grateful for you and we’re praying for you! Sonny and Cindy…
Epic Journey Podcast #17 – Permission to Dream In this podcast, we (Sonny and Cindy), will encourage you to start dreaming again or stir up and keep the fire of your dream going! We believe that God brings two unique individuals together with their own strengths and weaknesses, gifts, and talents to become one unified team and when on purpose with God will be an unstoppable force for good. Every marriage has a purpose that will have eternal impact and God either has already or will stir your heart with compassion and invite you into fulfilling a dream that starts with you but depends on Him! You were designed to dream big and have visions of faith to accomplish great things in life! Join us we explore Gods plan for us to dream big and share the great accomplishments of others and their dependence on God to live out their dreams! ------- Epic Journey Podcast #17 - Permission to Dream – Episode Notes Proverbs 3: 11-12 11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, 12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Miriam-Webster dictionary – discipline is defined as this: Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement. In an article by Earl Nightingale, How Big are Your Plans , Nightingale-Conant Insight, Issue 89 he is discussing the power of our mind that influences the life that we live out. He makes the comment that if the average person realized the power he wields over his own life and destiny, he would live in a perpetual state of wonder and thanksgiving. He is free as his imagination; he is limited only by the fences he himself erects and maintains. We came across an article written by Stan Cottrell, Fire and Jade , Nightingale-Conant Insight, Issue 86. He was an ultradistance runner and actually had a dream to run 2, 125 miles across China. He accomplished this goal and averaged 40 miles a day for 53 consecutive days. Cottrell made it a point to say that in the process of this adventure of a lifetime, what emerged was something far more challenging than the actual physical stress to his body, but that it brought him face to face with himself. He states, “everything I believed came to the surface and I found meaning in a new way.” Maybe that’s exactly what God is intending!! Cottrell also shared this: "Give yourself permission to dream – to dream greathearted dreams. Give yourself permission to not be frightened by the magnitude of the dream. Dreaming is as natural as breathing. As the poet La Fontaine once said, “When the soul of man is on fire with imagination, impossibilities vanish.” Nehemiah 1: 5-11 5“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. 8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ 10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” We believe God loves to put dreams and desires in our hearts through our compassion for others. We believe God will sometimes allow it to be a burden on your heart, to help stir you and move you to action. Nehemiah 6: 8-9 I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.” 9 They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” Have faith in what God can do as you go after your dreams. Nehemiah 6:15 15 So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. Remember this, as you begin the good work, God is pleased with your faith and he will help you see it through. Zechariah 4:10 NLT Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. Phillipians 1:6 6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work [ a ]among you will complete it [ b ]by the day of Christ Jesus. God is speaking to us today. We hope He is speaking to you as well, and we’re going to be praying for you and the fulfillment of your dreams! We’re grateful for you and we’re praying for you! Sonny and Cindy…
In this episode, Sonny and Cindy discuss the benefits of laughter for your health and your relationships. God has thought of everything and designed each of us with the ability to decrease stress levels, improve mood, boost the immune system, find more joy, and strengthen our relationships, and more. Join us as we talk about the superpower God has given us to add more fun and laughter intentionally into your marriage and your daily life. It’s a great time to free up your sense of humor, lighten up and laugh, and perhaps share a good laugh with others. Everyone could use a good laugh these days, and besides, it’s FREE! Join us! ------- Epic Journey Podcast #16 – Lighten up and Laugh – episode notes In this episode, Sonny and Cindy discuss the benefits of laughter for your health and your relationships. Laughter is a superpower God has given us and created us with and we need to tap into it more often! Everyone could use a good laugh these days, and besides, it’s FREE! Here are some highlights and resources from the podcast: Luke 6:21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied, Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief. Ecclesiastes 3:4 reminds us there is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Psalm 126:2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” We need to remember that God created us with this superpower to change our state of being, our physiology. He knows we will benefit from laughter and so we need to tap into it! So here we go for a few more benefits of laughter: It is believed that laugher stimulates the release of endorphins. These are basically the brain’s natural opiate which are produced inside of us. Endorphins can result in decreased pain and a sense of euphoria. Laughter can decrease the secretion of the stress hormone, serum cortisol. Laughter can benefit the immune system. Research has shown a relationship between laughter and activation of natural killer cells and T lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), which are important for effective immune system functioning. Laughter can help improve your mood Laughter is free, except maybe you’re purchasing movies to watch or something but we can at least say it’s very affordable. Laughter lacks harmful or unwanted side effects – except maybe if you’ve got a hurt back, a broken rib, or you just had abdominal surgery or something. If you’re struggling with health issues or illness, moodiness, stress, I’ll just bet you will benefit from introducing laughter more consistently and more intentionally into your life and will carry over into your marriage and your relationships. It just might be exactly what you need right now with whatever is going on in your life. Remember, you can use laughter to help you change your physiology. You’re not laughing at the stressful things going on in your life but because of them. To help you. So here’s some things you might want to do: Start paying attention to your habit of laughter or maybe lack of. Decide that you are going to find ways to introduce more laughter into your life and your relationships. Begin to use laughter as a measure of the health of your moods and attitudes in your marriage relationship. If you’re not smiling and laughing, this could be a red flag for you like it is for us, and you might need to lighten up and seek some wise counsel if you need to. Recall some funny stories or circumstances that have happened to you in the past. These could be great stories to share with others sometimes and you’ll spread laughter into others’ lives as well. Explore your and your spouses sense of humor and identify what really makes you laugh. They might be very different and that’s ok. Choose to laugh with someone instead of at them (unless it’s on video like me and they can’t see you). But by enjoying laughter more and both of you understanding the power of it, you just might get less sensitive and be able to laugh at yourself more often as well and not be offended when someone gets tickled about something you do. Here’s a few more ways to bring laughter into your life from the article we’ve been referencing as well. Make it a goal to laugh once per day. Each day, make it a point to identify the most amusing thing that occurred. Slow down and recognize absurdities that inevitably occur daily. Schedule laughter: look forward to something! Research indicates that simply the anticipation of laughter can improve cortisol and epinephrine levels. Surround yourself with a social network of people who appreciate and reciprocate your humor. We hope you’ll embrace the creativity with which God has created you and the gifts that He has given you through your ability to smile and laugh and enjoy life. Decide to have more fun together. Make it intentional. Lighten up if you need to. Use laughter to help you through tough times as well. Resources: Goodnewsmovement.com Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient , by Norman Cousins. The Physiological Effects of Laughter https://www.findapsychologist.org/the-physiological-effects-of-laughter-by-lindsay-wilson-barlow/ We’re grateful for you and we’re praying for you! Sonny and Cindy…
In this episode, Sonny and Cindy celebrate the lives of others whose legacies have left impact and influence through their unique God-given design and purpose. God created you with passions and a heart like His. He wants to use your gifts and talents, the things that you love and what ignites your soul to reach out to others here on earth and He reminds you of the eternal rewards and perspective on life. Our life here is very short but we are headed into an eternal life beyond this one through Jesus Christ. God is always pointing you heavenward and reminding you that your life here is connected to your life in eternity. Join us as we celebrate the power of legacy. ------- Epic Journey Podcast #15 – The Power of Your Legacy - episode notes Today we are honoring our dear friends and mentors Don and Sally Meredith, Founders of Christian Family Life, and authors of the Two Becoming One book and small group study. Don passed away this past week and we were honored to attend his celebration of life. We are also honoring the lives of George, and Jennifer, whom we also had to say goodbye to this week. You’ve made a difference in our lives. Thank you for the gift of renewing our hearts and minds to what matters most. You will be missed but not forgotten, because your legacies live on, and they are powerful. In today’s podcast, as we continue to dive into the importance of marriage, we reflect on Don and Sally’s journey together. Their marriage has been a journey of belief and trust and sharing with others how God will transform your marriage from performance to faith. Their message is this: God designed marriage and He can make it work. Never give up. Never give up on what God can do in your marriage and learn His word and follow through by acting in faith on God's plan for marriage. We are so grateful for their insight and encouragement and the mentorship they have given us over the years. Don will be missed but we’re so grateful that the ministry they started will continue on and through the many marriages they have impacted. We are also honoring the legacies of George and Jennifer and the gift they have given so many people, to remind each of us to continue on, live out what matters most, love others well, and fulfill our legacy as we journey through the wilderness of life. Mark 12:29-31 When Jesus was asked which command was the most important one, He answered with this: “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” In the Two Becoming One study, Don also encouraged this: and this is a quote from the study: “Clearly, loving and serving God should be our greatest goal in life. While marital oneness is a key part of loving or serving God, it is simply a vital part of the greater goal. He goes on to say this: You should not let a good marriage become the only goal in your lives. Instead, your marriage should be the means to the end, which is serving and glorifying God.” In short, Todd encouraged everyone to live life like his dad through simplifying the words His Father lived out so well. Love God and Love people. Proverbs 16:3 says Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Colossians 3:1-4 3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3: 12-14 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:15-17 continues to encourage us: 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” The lives of others, the legacy of others are great reminders to us to reset when we need to. To check the condition of our own hearts for compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience and resolve our conflicts and sins through the power of forgiveness and then ultimately point us back to Gods greatest command to love Him, to love ourselves, and to love others. Don, George, Jennifer, you’ve made a difference in our lives. Thank you for the gift of renewing our hearts and minds to what matters most. You will be missed but not forgotten, because your legacies live on, and they are powerful. Christian Family Life, Don and Sally Meredith Founders Two Becoming One by Don and Sally Meredith We’re grateful for you and we’re praying for you! Sonny and Cindy…
In this Epic Journey Podcast episode – Plug Into the Power, Sonny and Cindy will give you 6 keys to tap into the supernatural power of God in your life and in your marriage. Do you want a marriage that wins? Do you want your marriage to be a source of strength and joy in your life? Do you want your marriage to be growing and thriving over time? Then learn what it means to tap in and by all means, TAP IN! You want to win big TOGETHER and you do that NOT through your own plan, a human plan, a limited plan, but through Gods’ plan which is supernatural and unlimited! Be willing to make adjustments in your game plan. Get in the locker room, get some coaching from God and others that are living this out, make some adjustments and get out there and go kick some butt and experience the supernatural power that will lead you into a marriage that wins! Thanks for joining us! ------- Epic Journey Podcast #14 – Plug Into the Power – Episode notes Tapping into Gods Supernatural Power and Love #1 Decide to find out more about God’s plan for marriage, how to participate in His plan, and be willing to apply what you learn and invest time into that. Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together. (this is a great example of His supernatural power in our lives) #2 Make the choice to step into the supernatural power of God so that you will experience the supernatural in your marriage. Well, how do you do that? 1John 3:23 23 Now this is His command: that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as he commanded us. His command is two-fold here: believe in Christ and follow His command to love one another. Your faith + loving as He commanded = a decision that will lead you to experience the supernatural that God has for you. Faith with follow through. Faith with obedience. #3 If you want God to do a supernatural work in your marriage, then ask Him to start with your own heart. He wants to address the condition of your heart and restore your heart…He wants to win you back. Godquest.com “Ever since that day Adam and Eve decided that their way was better than God’s way, God lost his beloved. “ They weren’t all that different from us. When we think our plan is better than Gods’ plan then we are positioning ourselves for less than Gods best and outside of His protection just like Adam and Eve. Godquest.com “Even as he watched his children grow further and further away from him, he vowed to one day win them back. He has even gone to the extent to give it His all. He sent His son to die on the cross for you.” God is way more intimately involved in your marriage and in your life than you know. “The story of the Bible is God’s quest to restore His broken family.” #4 Be willing to make adjustments. Confess your sin and acknowledge you’ve been trying to do marriage your way. Receive Gods grace, mercy and forgiveness. Your marriage is an epic and heroic journey through the wilderness. You are in the middle of a chivalrous enterprise involving an adventurous journey. Remember, your journey should be filled with honor, loyalty, respect and heroic behavior that considers each others hearts. So if it hasn’t, confess that to God, take it to Him, and then confess to your spouse that you want Gods plan and not your own. Listen, if there’s someone out there and you’re questioning your marriage, don’t give up! Our own plans are limited, but God’s plan is unlimited. He can do the unexpected and way more than we even ask or imagine!! #5 Set your mind on things above and realize that while you’re here on earth you are involved in a quest for more of what God has for you and your marriage. You need to see your marriage as being on a quest for answers, a quest to discover truth, and a quest for true love, Gods supernatural love. Gods’ love will cause supernatural things to take place. Gods’ love restores. Gods’ love redeems. Gods’ love saves. #6 If you want to access the supernatural, then don’t isolate your marriage and think that everybody else has it all together but you. That’s a lie. We all have work to do in our marriage in order to love different, God's way. So, be willing to be coached by God’s word, stop at the aid stations, and get fueled up and powered up for the great supernatural adventure God has for you. We’re grateful for you and we’re praying for you! Sonny and Cindy…
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