Crusade with Me

"This is Crusade with Me! — where the road is long, the lessons are deep, and together we journey back to Eden. Today, I want to speak about one of the most difficult — and most sacred — crusades any of us will ever face: parenting."

Traveler… welcome. You have chosen to walk with us on the narrow road. This is Crusade with Me! — not a place of easy answers, but a place of training, reflection, and resolve. We journey together toward Eden — a return to what was lost, a restoration of what was meant to be. The path is long, the distractions are many, but step by step, with discipline and courage, we march. So ready yourself. Quiet your mind. Lift your eyes. The gates of Eden wait for those who endure. Now… let us begin."

Today, we take aim at a silent enemy—the hunger for acceptance from others. It seems harmless at first. We all want to be liked, understood, respected. But when that desire becomes our compass, we lose the map of who we are.We trade our armor for costumes. We hand over our sword for applause. And in the end… we are left empty.Here’s the truth— We were not created for this restless scrambling for approval. We were created for Eden. For the wholeness of walking unashamed, knowing who we are, and needing nothing from the shifting opinions of others.Contact Us at 260-267-0414

We begin by laying the foundation:Acknowledging mortality not as a grim shadow but as a lantern that lights the path.The idea that knowing our time is limited adds weight and beauty to every single breath.Instead of fearing “the end,” we flip the script: if this was our last week, what would shift in how we speak, love, work, rest, and create?Contact us at 260-267-0414

People chase it. They write books about it. They start companies promising it. But here’s the truth — happiness, the real thing, can’t be manufactured, bought, or booked for a weekend getaway.Why? Because real happiness was never meant to be “out there” somewhere. It was meant to be in Eden.Before the point we call “the fall,” humanity had perfect relationship with the Divine. That’s where happiness was born. That’s where it lives. And the whole point of our crusade — your crusade — is to get back there.So let’s unpack this together. And yes, we’re going to talk about “fun,” too — and why we’ve confused it for happiness.

Last time, we hit 100 — A celebration of growth, movement, spirit, and power. But today? Today we go inward. Today, we ask a question that has echoed through every temple, every cave, every forest path, and every quiet morning before sunrise:What is sacred?What does that word even mean anymore? How do we protect it, make space for it, honor it — In our hearts, In our homes, In our relationships?So, take a breath. Get still. Because today, we enter the holy ground of awareness.

Oh, today is different. Because we’re not just talking about growth — We’re growing as we speak. We’re stepping into the mystic. We’re opening ourselves up to the Tao, the Logos, the Pulse of God, and we’re riding it like a wave, like a wind that calls out across the water: Come sail away with me.

This episode is titled “Attention, Empathy, and the Weight of Being Awake.” Because sometimes it feels like the more awake you are, the heavier it gets. The more you notice, the more you feel — and the harder it becomes to stay grounded, kind, and clear.So today, let’s talk about what it means to pay attention in a time where everything around us seems to be demanding we don’t.

Today we’re continuing something we started in Episode 97—talking about masculine and feminine energy, and why balance between them isn’t just some poetic concept... it’s the key to harmony.And today—we’re getting personal. We’re talking about marriage. And yes—we’re talking about sex.Because if you’re married, and you’re struggling to connect… If your intimacy feels flat, or confusing, or simply gone… If you’re both busy, tired, and wondering, “Where did the spark go?”— this episode is for you.It’s not about fixing each other. It’s not about blaming, demanding, or withdrawing. It’s about learning to see each other again, through the lens of energetic flow—the masculine and feminine rhythm between you.

Today we’re wading into a subject that’s been both misunderstood and misrepresented in a whole lot of conversations lately, masculine and feminine energy.Now, before you brace for controversy—take a breath. This episode isn’t about stereotypes. It’s not about one gender being better, stronger, smarter, or more important. And it sure isn’t about labeling anyone.This is about balance. This is about the flow of life. This is about understanding the natural duality baked into everything—from nature to relationships, from the seasons to your own breath.So, whether you’re a man trying to reclaim your strength without shame, a woman tired of doing everything on her own, or someone somewhere in between just trying to find harmony in yourself and your relationships—this one’s for you.

This episode is a full-circle recap of the Jasper County 4-H Fair, right here in Rensselaer, Indiana. And if you think this is just going to be a rundown of who won what ribbon—you’re in for a surprise.This episode is about something much deeper.It’s about what we learn from animals. From young people. From dirt, and wind, and sweat. It’s about what happens when we show up. With love. With discipline. With presence. It’s about how fairgrounds can become classrooms, how horses can become teachers, and how a mother walking a horse beside her son can become a sermon without a single word.

Today’s episode is going to make some people squirm—and that’s good.We’re talking about a social media post that’s been flying around like wildfire:“Why are men’s standards called toxic—but women’s delusions are called self-worth?”Now… whether you agree with it, hate it, or aren’t sure what to make of it—that post hit a nerve. And there’s a reason for that.

This episode is raw, real, and important.Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the long-running soap opera we call our lives—and asking one piercing question:“Who’s been the one constant character in every single episode?”That’s right. It’s us.Inspired by the words of James Hollis, we’re going to talk about blame, responsibility, self-awareness, and what happens when we finally stop waiting for someone else to change the plot—and we start writing our own damn story.

This episode is dedicated to everyone getting ready for the county fair—especially those of you out there grooming goats, walking pigs, brushing cattle, or getting horses ready for the show ring.Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned hand, this week can be emotional and intense. But underneath all the noise and nerves is something much deeper. Showing animals—working with them, caring for them, being shaped by them—is part of something ancient, powerful, and beautifully ordered.Today we’re going to talk about that quiet strength. The hidden lessons. And why this way of life is one of the best teachers we’ve got.

"Faith in Pieces: What to Do When You’re Not Sure What You Believe Anymore."It’s not a light conversation. But maybe it’s one of the most important ones we’ve had. Because I’m right there too, walking through the fog, asking the hard questions, trying to figure out what it means to be a believer in a world where the very word Christian has become... complicated.

Kat and I are showing up to tell you something loud and clear:If we can do it, so can you.We’re not superhuman. We’re not magic. We’re not perfect. But we made a decision. Not to be done. Not to wait for “someday.”Today we’re going to talk about what it means to choose Day One—and why waiting is the enemy of transformation.

Today we’re going to dig into a hard truth: we might have messed up.Not out of malice. Not out of neglect. But maybe out of too much love. Out of too much rescue. Out of too much solving and not enough standing back and letting our kids—and even ourselves—struggle.

You’ve heard me talk about boundaries before—why we need them, how they protect us, how they define who we are and who we are not. But today... we're going deeper. This is not just about saying no to toxic people. This is about something more fundamental: Choices. Habits. Energy. Evolution.You see, life isn't just happening to you—it's happening through you. Your reality—your peace, your problems, your future—it's all being shaped right now by what you're doing daily, who you're allowing in, and what you're feeding your mind and spirit.

Now listen, this isn’t a PSA packed with stats and slogans. This is a conversation. This is me pulling up a chair across from you, looking you in the eyes, and saying, “Let’s try to understand this thing together—and let’s not be afraid to talk about it.”Whether you’ve lost someone, or you're afraid for someone, or maybe you’re the one walking through that silent tunnel yourself... I want to speak gently and clearly. There is light. Even in the thickest fog.

Buckle in, because today we’re going to talk about something that might feel lost in today’s climate—common ground.Not common sense. Not common goals. Not even common politics or beliefs. I mean the art of seeing what we share in common as human beings. The stuff underneath the noise.This episode is about evolution—not biological, but personal. Social. Psychological. And dare I say, spiritual.

Today, we’re taking a walk—down memory lane. Not just to reminisce, but to reflect. Because this isn’t just about nostalgia... it’s about leadership—how it was, how it is, and where it’s headed.There’s this quote from Patton that hit me like a brick to the heart:"Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way."Now, Patton wasn’t exactly known for being soft-spoken either. But his legacy? Leadership through clarity. Through presence. Through example.Leadership lessons learned over the last four decades!

And whether you’ve been riding with me since episode one… or you accidentally clicked this while trying to play your favorite true crime show — I’m glad you're here.Because this? This is not just another podcast episode. This is the start of something fresh. Something needed. This… is the relaunch of Crusade with Me!

Today’s episode is 83A in our series “The Appointed Hour: Living Like the Clock Is Ticking.”So far, we’ve faced the big question: “What if you knew the exact day you were going to die?” Then we talked about what you’d want to do before that moment — your real bucket list.And now… we’re getting into something trickier.We’re calling this one: 👉🏽 “Eat, Drink, and Be... Wise?”Because if time is short — why not just enjoy every indulgence? Why not feast, play, and coast our way to the end?The Bible says it, doesn’t it? "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!" — but is that permission, or is it a warning?Let’s take that apart today. Let’s talk joy. Let’s talk self-control. Let’s talk about how to be free without being foolish.And let’s find a way to celebrate life without losing the sacred center.

Today is Episode 82A, and we’re in the thick of a new series called “The Appointed Hour: Living Like the Clock Is Ticking.” If you missed last time, go back and catch Episode 81A — where we asked the big question: What if you knew the date you were going to die?Now we move forward with a natural next question: What would you want to do before then? And that brings us to today’s title: 👉🏽 “Kick the Bucket: The List That Matters.”We’re not just talking about skydiving and eating pasta in Rome. We’re talking about what actually matters. Because not everything worth doing is flashy — but it might just be holy.Let’s talk about how to build your real list. Not the show-off list. Not the “likes” list. But the soul-deep, purpose-driven, last-breath kind of list.

We’re calling this series “The Appointed Hour: Living Like the Clock Is Ticking.”And today’s episode — Episode 81A — asks one simple, terrifying, exhilarating question:What if you knew the exact day and time you were going to die?Would you live any differently?Would you finally rest? Would you finally move? Would you finally say what needs to be said? Would you let go of the fear that’s been clinging to you like a shadow?And what about joy?

Now, if you’ve been with me the last couple rides, you’ll know we’ve talked about more than boots, hats, or horses. We’ve been talking about a way of life. A rhythm. A code.So today, I want to tie it all together.We’re callin’ this final ride in the series: “The Cowboy Way.” And it’s all about how we walk through this life with quiet strength, how we take responsibility, how we enjoy the life we’ve been given, and how we ride through the storms without makin’ ‘em worse.

Because being a cowboy—or a crusader, or a mentor, or just a good person—it ain’t just about doing the job well. It’s about what you leave behind. It’s about how you hand off the reins.What do folks learn by watchin’ you? What are you really passin’ down?Let’s talk about it.

Now, you don’t have to own a pair of spurs or rope a steer to ride with me today. This episode isn’t about rodeos or Western movies—though I’ve enjoyed plenty of both. No, today we’re talking about the spirit of the cowboy… and what it teaches us about how to live in a noisy, fast-moving world that’s forgotten the value of quiet strength, personal responsibility, and respect for other people’s fences.

Over the past two episodes, we’ve awakened the inner flame at Pentecost. We’ve faced the fork inside and stared down the shadow in the saddle. And now? Now we take the next step. The decisive step. We walk in integrity—where the flame becomes our light, the fork becomes one road, and the divided self begins to heal into wholeness.

This is part two of our Pentecost series, and we’re riding straight into the heart of the double-minded life. You’ve felt it before—the pull in opposite directions. Two voices, two paths, one body caught in the tension. It’s like trying to ride two horses with one saddle. Eventually, you fall.So today, we face the fork inside. We look at that shadow within—the part that wants something different than what our spirit knows is right. And we don’t run from it. We name it. We understand it. And we start the work of choosing unity, one step at a time.

Today, we’re going to talk about what it means to awaken the flame within—what it means to live from a place of unity, clarity, and spiritual wholeness. Pentecost was not just a historical event—it is a living reminder of what happens when Spirit breathes into our lives.

last episode was about discernment—cutting through the fog—then today we’re talking about what comes next: discipline. The training. The reps. The fight.Jesus said in Matthew 7:14:“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”Here’s the truth: nobody stumbles down the narrow road. You train for it.This episode is your spiritual gym session. We’ll stretch, we’ll sweat, and we’ll talk about what it really takes to stay on that narrow path.

We’ve all had those seasons—maybe you’re in one now—when you just can’t tell which way is forward. You’re surrounded by decisions, emotions, conflicting advice, and a culture that pulls you in a hundred directions.So how do we cut through all of that? How do we find clarity—not just intellectually—but spiritually?The answer isn’t just willpower. It isn’t better advice or more information.

Mirrors are everywhere today—on our phones, in our homes, in our social feeds. But the kind of mirror James speaks of isn’t about appearances. It’s spiritual. A mirror for the soul.To walk the narrow road back to Eden, we must be willing to see ourselves—not as the world defines us, not as others describe us—but as we truly are.Not all of that is easy. Some of it is hard. Some of it’s beautiful. And some of it’s broken.But the mirror is not your enemy. It is your invitation.It says, “You are more than what you’ve settled for. You were made for Eden. But first, see what’s in the way.”

There is a hunger that can’t be satisfied by food. It’s the hunger of the heart. It drives our choices, our habits, our relationships, even our spiritual walk. And whether we realize it or not—we are always feeding something. Listen and get the CWM Tips on how to feed what you want to starve what you don't.

This is about alignment. Wholeness. Moving forward with intention and balance. It’s about recognizing that our physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual vitality are not separate pursuits — they are one journey. One integrated path. And when we learn to strive well in one area, we often find unexpected blessings in the others.

Crusade with Me! I’m so glad you’re here today. This is episode 69, and we’ve just returned from a weeklong sabbatical in beautiful, sun-drenched Key West. We took this trip with intention — not just to relax, but to reconnect. To pause. To breathe. To recognize the Divine in the rhythm of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and the stillness that invites praise.This episode is about just that — recognizing the Divine and pausing to praise. It’s about how rest is not weakness, but power. How stepping away can bring you back stronger. And how each of us is called to strive in our lives — not with frantic energy, but with holy purpose. With clarity. With joy.

We're focusing on the flow—the grace of just being here, together.Today’s conversation is about ease, about rhythm, about learning how to move through life without forcing it. This episode has the heartbeat of something ancient—gentle strength, surrender, and joy.

Today’s not just any episode—it’s personal. Because today… I turn 60 years old.And maybe that number doesn’t feel big to you—but to me, it’s a marker. A signpost. A moment that invites a deep breath.So we’re doing something different. We’re going on a trip. A real vacation to a place we’ve always wanted to visit but never have.And you know what? I wrestled with that.“Is this selfish? Should I be doing more? Is this wasteful?”And the question that really settled in my soul was this:“Is it okay to just… be?”

Today’s episode continues our theme of being real. Not a version of real that plays tough or brags about pain—but truly real. The kind that drops the mask… first in front of the mirror, and then in front of the world.We’ve all worn one. A mask of invincibility. Of religiosity. Of numbness. Maybe it’s the mask of productivity, of laughter, of being “fine.” But beneath the smile… God sees. And more importantly—God loves.

Whether you’ve listened to every episode or you’re just catching up, today we’re going to tie together the last three episodes — episodes 62, 63, and 64 — into one powerful reminder of the journey we’re on together.This week, we’ve been focusing on what it means to be real, rooted, and rising. It’s about stepping out of hiding, planting deep roots in God’s truth, and flowing forward with courage. Let’s dive in.

Today we go deeper. If you thought last episode stirred your heart, then stay with me now because this is where we get real. I want you to hear me: this is your time. No more hiding. No more masks. Only rising.So, take a breath, clear your mind, and let’s step together onto the Way — not as someone you’re pretending to be, but as who God made you to be.

We’re going to look back at where we’ve been, tie it all together, from much earlier episodes, and press forward. And here’s our focus: becoming real. Real with God, real with ourselves, and real with others.

If life’s been heavy lately — if you’ve been feeling small, tired, or overwhelmed — stay right here. Because today, we are going to lift our eyes and see something bigger than the weights we carry. We’re going to remember the One who moves mountains and sets the stars in place. And in doing that, we’ll find the strength and peace to take the next step on our road back to Eden.

"The Road Reopened: The Flaming Sword Removed""Walking the Narrow Way: From Wilderness to Garden""Guarding the Tree of Life: Living as a Crusader of Eden"

once you taste the life God intended for you — there’s a new mission: Now, you become a guardian of that life. A keeper of the flame. A crusader of Eden.Our episode is called 'Guarding the Tree of Life: Living as a Crusader of Eden.' Because this isn’t just about going home — it’s about standing watch, protecting what’s sacred, and living so that others are drawn to the life you’ve found.

'Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.'Now from Exodus 16:1-4 — when God’s people walked the wilderness road:'The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin... In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt!" Then the Lord said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day."'And finally, from Revelation 22:1-2 — the garden restored:'Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb... On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.'"

We’re going to talk about how the way back to God has been cleared by Jesus' victory — and what that means for you and me, right now, as we walk through our own trials, struggles, and victories.

You made it to the recap. This is Crusade with Me!—and today’s episode is a quick power-up to seal in all the truth, hope, and strength we’ve been building together this week.Whether you caught all three episodes or just one, this recap is your spiritual highlight reel. Think of it as your armor-polishing moment before heading into battle again.

Crusade with Me!—where we pick up our shields, lift our eyes, and keep marching forward in the name of Jesus. If you’ve had a rough week, this episode is especially for you. Because today, we’re reminding ourselves of something powerful: You were built to overcome.Let’s dig right into the Word—Romans 8:37 says:“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”More than conquerors.Not just survivors. Not just hanging on by a thread. Not just barely making it. More. Than. Conquerors.