Rick Lee James Podcast Network

Musical Advent Calendar With Rick Lee JamesDay 6 - The Rebel Jesus (written by Jackson Browne)Sometimes people on the outside of Christianity are the best ones to give an accurate critique of it. Jackson Browne makes no claim of being a Christian. In fact, in the lyrics of this song he states that he is a heathen and a pagan, but one who is on the side of the rebel Jesus. Critics of Christianity can often be mean-spirited and biting with their criticism, and while Browne is not easy on the church, he seems to have the heart of a loving neighbor who wants to offer the most generous and loving critique possible, for its own good. You can hear how Browne’s heart for the poor resonates with the heart of Christ, and also Browne’s frustration with the way that the Church has too often aligned itself with Christ’s enemies, guarding its gold with locks and guns, rather than laying down its life for those in need.We guard our world with locks and gunsAnd we guard our fine possessionsAnd once a year when Christmas comesWe give to our relationsAnd perhaps we give a little to the poorIf the generosity should seize usBut if any one of us should interfereIn the business of why there are poorThey get the same as the rebel Jesus Proverbs 27:6 tells us that the wounds of a friend are trustworthy and in these lyrics from Jackson Browne, I believe the church has a trustworthy friend, on the side of the rebel Jesus.-RLJMore from Rick Lee JamesSupport Rick Lee James on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rickleejames This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Musical Advent Calendar With Rick Lee JamesDay 5 - Light of the World (Love Has Come) Written by Rick Lee Jameshttp://www.RickLeeJames.comLight of the World VerseA King is born in BethlehemIn a lowly stableHis rule and reign will have no endAnd love will be his cradleLove will be his cradleVerse(Through) pain of labor, blood, and tearsOn the cold, and holy groundThe King of kings is born to menand love will be His royal crownLove will be his royal crownChorus:Light of the worldBorn into the darkest daysCast the fearful night awayShine your light on us we pray.ChorusLight of the worldBorn in the darkest daysCast the fearful night awayShine your light in us we pray.VerseTruly God and truly manBorn that we'd born againHis holy throne is God's right hand Love will be His great commandLove will be His great commandVerse: Let the captives now rejoiceLet the slaves sing freedom's song A king is born to all the worldLove will be his Kingdom's lawLove will be his Kingdom's lawChorus:Light of the worldBorn into the darkest daysCast the fearful night awayShine your light on us we pray.Verse:God eternal, Spoke a Word(And) Broke the silence of the years The word made flesh will dwell with usHis Love will wipe away our tearsHis love will wipe away our tearsVerse:Jesus is our living wayThe path of truth and holinessA narrow road we walk each dayThe light of life from God to usThe light of life from God to usChorusLight of the worldBorn into the darkest daysCast the fearful night awayShine your light on us we pray.More from Rick Lee JamesSupport Rick Lee James on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rickleejames This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (Instrumental)Verse 1Come Thou fount of ev'ry blessingTune my heart to sing Thy graceStreams of mercy never ceasingCall for songs of loudest praiseTeach me some melodious sonnetSung by flaming tongues abovePraise the mount I'm fixed upon itMount of Thy redeeming loveVerse 2Here I raise mine EbenezerHither by Thy help I'm comeAnd I hope by Thy good pleasureSafely to arrive at homeJesus sought me when a strangerWand'ring from the fold of GodHe to rescue me from dangerInterposed His precious bloodVerse 3O to grace how great a debtorDaily I'm constrained to beLet Thy grace Lord like a fetterBind my wand'ring heart to TheeProne to wander Lord I feel itProne to leave the God I loveHere's my heart Lord take and seal itSeal it for Thy courts aboveCCLI Song # 108389John Wyeth | Robert Robinson© Words: Public DomainMusic: Public DomainFor use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.comCCLI License # 549412 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (Hyfrydol)Verse 1Come Thou long expected JesusBorn to set Thy people freeFrom our fears and sins release usLet us find our rest in TheeIsrael's strength and consolationHope of all the earth Thou artDear desire of every nationJoy of every longing heartVerse 2Born Thy people to deliverBorn a child and yet a KingBorn to reign in us foreverNow Thy gracious Kingdom bringBy Thine own eternal SpiritRule in all our hearts aloneBy Thine all sufficient meritRaise us to Thy glorious throneCCLI Song # 31999Charles Wesley | Rowland Hugh Prichard© Words: Public DomainMusic: Public DomainFor use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.comCCLI License # 549412 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Hark The Herald Angels Sing (Mendelssohn)Verse 1Hark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn KingPeace on earth and mercy mildGod and sinners reconciledJoyful all ye nations riseJoin the triumph of the skiesWith th'angelic hosts proclaimChrist is born in BethlehemHark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn KingVerse 2Christ by highest heav'n adoredChrist the everlasting LordLate in time behold Him comeOffspring of the Virgin's wombVeiled in flesh the Godhead seeHail th'incarnate DeityPleased as man with men to dwellJesus our EmmanuelHark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn KingVerse 3Hail the heav'n-born Prince of PeaceHail the Sun of RighteousnessLight and life to all He bringsRis'n with healing in His wingsMild He lays His glory byBorn that man no more may dieBorn to raise the sons of earthBorn to give them second birthHark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn KingVerse 4Come Desire of nations comeFix in us Thy humble homeRise the woman's conqu’ring seedBruise in us the serpent's headAdam’s likeness now effaceStamp Thine image in its placeSecond Adam from aboveReinstate us in Thy loveHark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn KingCCLI Song # 27738Charles Wesley | Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy© Words: Public DomainMusic: Public Domain This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

The words and the music of "O come, O come, Emmanuel" developed separately. The Latin text is first documented in Germany in 1710, whereas the tune most familiar in the English-speaking world has its origins in 15th-century France.Because "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is a metrical hymn in the common 88.88.88 meter scheme (in some hymnals given as "8.8.8.8 and refrain"), it is possible to pair the words of the hymn with any number of tunes. The meter is shared between the original Latin text and the English translation.However, at least in the English-speaking world, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is associated with one tune more than any other, to the extent that the tune itself is often called Veni Emmanuel.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Come,_O_Come,_Emmanuel This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings Friends,Nine years (and 50 pounds ago), I released a live concert DVD/CD with songs written from the book of Psalms. The album is called “Basement Psalms LIVE”. It has a track that I felt would be appropriate for Thanksgiving Day here in the United States. For those of you who celebrate, I wish you a wonderful day of giving thanks. Perhaps this song will help in your celebrations. Happy Thanksgiving! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)Episode 491 - John Marc Kohl - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James PodcastDallas-based singer/songwriter, worship leader and multi-instrumentalist John Marc Kohl, recently released his album Still. The album delivers deeply vulnerable, autobiographical themes grounded in the promises of God's unyielding faithfulness. Co-produced by Kohl and Will Hunt, with two tracks produced by Bryan Fowler (TobyMac, Newsboys), Kohl penned or co-penned the entire 12-song set, collaborating with such acclaimed songwriters as Fowler, Shane Barnard, Mike Donehey and The Worship Initiative's Aaron Williams, among others.John stopped by my podcast to update us on his new music, life, and ministry.WEB SITEhttps://www.johnmarckohl.com/Music For the Season: Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing)The season of Advent is right around the corner. This episode is about a view of musical resources available to you involving the song.* Official Music Video Link: * Web Site: https://rickleejames.com/* PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com* SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing* Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts* Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 Endorsements:“A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.”-CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/“I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.”–Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary)"I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release."-Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter)"Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus."-Mike Harland----more----RICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)Episode 490 - Walter Brueggemann (Rerelease)It was a joy to welcome Walter Brueggemann back to the Voices In My Head Podcast. Walter Brueggemann (born March 11, 1933 in Tilden, Nebraska) is an American Protestant Old Testament scholar and theologian. Brueggemann is widely considered one of the most influential Old Testament scholars of the last several decades. Today we discuss his new book in the Interpretations series, Money and Possessions. This episode was recorded in September of 2016.Guest Walter Brueggemann - RERUN----more----Music For the Season: Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing)The season of Advent is right around the corner. This episode is about a view of musical resources available to you involving the song.* Official Music Video Link:* Web Site:https://rickleejames.com/* PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com* SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing* Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts* Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 Endorsements:“A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.”-CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/“I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.”–Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary)"I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release."-Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter)"Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus."-Mike Harland----more----RICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)Episode 489: Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing)The season of Advent is right around the corner. This episode is about a view of musical resources available to you involving the song.* Official Music Video Link: * Web Site: https://rickleejames.com/* PURCHASE ALBUM: * SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing* Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts* Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 Endorsements:“A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.”-CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/“I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.”–Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary)"I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release."-Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter)"Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus."-Mike Harland----more----RICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)Episode 488: You Do Not Have A Sin Nature by Ken TannerYou do not have a sin nature" by Kenneth TannerYou do not have a “sin nature,” you have a human nature that participates in sin, contrary to your good creation in the divine image.Your participations in evil are not who you are but tragic negations of your created human goodness, a deep down formation in and by the love that is God, which all who share human nature have from the beginning. This is the divine image in humanity. This is the meaning of "God saw all that he had made—and it was very good!"And there’s something else: we confess that God shares our common humanity in Jesus Christ. God is human. What it means to be human and what it means to be God is forever tied to one person. And this human is sinless.The sinlessness of Jesus Christ is greater than the collective sin of humanity and his life story of perfect obedience is now the measure of every human.Sin is a denial of our true nature. We are made in the image of love, not hate, in the image of humility, not pride, in the image of generosity not greed.While it’s evident that the sin of our ancestor, Adam, has wide-reaching destructive consequences in everyone, everywhere, Christians are the ones who trust that the obedience of the human God is greater than Adam's transgression.The effects of his good humanity will override every evil in us and in creation. This is a basic Christian trust.And this changes the way we look at everyone. Jesus is the lens through which we view every human.Sin does not belong to human nature. That human nature is not inherently evil, but rather participates in an original created goodness that is wounded by sin.This seems plain but maybe that’s why we miss it. God cannot become what is inherently evil. When God becomes human he takes on human nature as he finds it, subject to the conditions of the fall, for what has not been assumed has not been redeemed, but our good creation remains however stained.God becomes what God makes and what God makes is always good.We are sinners, as we confess every week in the liturgy. Sin is a power that afflicts us. But it’s also important to understand that we are not our sins. They do not define the human person. The human God does.Source:https://www.reddit.com/r/cruciformity/comments/voonp9/you_do_not_have_a_sin_nature_by_kenneth_tanner/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf----more----RICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 487 (Re-Release) Finding God in the Exorcist with guest Ben DeBonoOn this episode of the podcast Ben DeBono of the Sci Fi Christian Podcastdrops by to talk about the classic horror film and novel, The Exorcist. It is our belief that the story is not as much a tale of the demonic as of the God who overcomes all evil. Listen in as we discuss one of the first faith based films to be made by Hollywood. Long before there was Facing the Giants, there was, The Exorcist. Join us as we search for God in the Exorcist. "Do not despise my command because you know me to be a sinner. It's God himself who commands you! The majestic Christ who commands! God the Father commands you! God the son commands you! God the holy spirit commands you! The mystery of the cross commands you! The blood of the martyrs commands you!"Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.rickleejames.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)Episode 486: Bowen Family Systems TheoryFamily Systems TheoryThe family systems theory is a theory introduced by Dr. Murray Bowen that suggests that individuals cannot be understood in isolation from one another, but rather as a part of their family, as the family is an emotional unit. Families are systems of interconnected and interdependent individuals, none of whom can be understood in isolation from the system.The family systemAccording to Bowen, a family is a system in which each member had a role to play and rules to respect. Members of the system are expected to respond to each other in a certain way according to their role, which is determined by relationship agreements. Within the boundaries of the system, patterns develop as certain family member's behavior is caused by and causes other family member's behaviors in predictable ways. Maintaining the same pattern of behaviors within a system may lead to balance in the family system, but also to dysfunction. For example, if a husband is depressive and cannot pull himself together, the wife may need to take up more responsibilities to pick up the slack. The change in roles may maintain the stability in the relationship, but it may also push the family towards a different equilibrium. This new equilibrium may lead to dysfunction as the wife may not be able to maintain this overachieving role over a long period of time.There are eight interlocking concepts in Dr. Bowen's theory:* Triangles: The smallest stable relationship system. Triangles usually have one side in conflict and two sides in harmony, contributing to the development of clinical problems.* Differentiation of self: The variance in individuals in their susceptibility to depend on others for acceptance and approval.* Nuclear family emotional system: The four relationship patterns that define where problems may develop in a family. - Marital conflict - Dysfunction in one spouse - Impairment of one or more children - Emotional distance* Family projection process: The transmission of emotional problems from a parent to a child.* Multigenerational transmission process: The transmission of small differences in the levels of differentiation between parents and their children. * Emotional cutoff: The act of reducing or cutting off emotional contact with family as a way managing unresolved emotional issues.* Sibling position: The impact of sibling position on development and behavior.* Societal emotional process: The emotional system governs behavior on a societal level, promoting both progressive and regressive periods in a society.More at: https://genopro.com/genogram/family-systems-theory/ ----more----RICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome To The Neighborhood: A Mister Rogers Tribute Podcaston Twitter @MisterRogersSayAs we again walk into this podcast neighborhood, we want you to know that no matter where you are from, you are welcome here. I’m glad to be your our neighbor. Every daughter, every son, every tribe, and every tongue, in the Spirit of Fred Rogers and the life of welcome that he lived, welcome to the neighborhood.It’s been a little while since we had a visit to this podcast neighborhood, but I’m so glad to tell you that this week we have guests; singer-songwriter JJ Heller and her husband Dave Heller. In addition to making music together, they also hosted the podcast, INSTRUMENTAL with Dave and JJ Heller.JJ Heller BioAt some point in our lives, we all want someone to believe in us, to remind us there is beauty in the world, and to tell us that everything’s going to be ok. THERE IS A CHILD IN ALL OF US, AND THAT’S WHO JJ HELLER MAKES MUSIC FOR. JJ writes thoughtful intimate songs that feel like balm for the soul. Her soothing voice and inspiring melodies blend with poignant lyrics to stir the hearts of listeners of all ages. In 2017 JJ began regularly releasing a new song on the first Friday of each month. It’s a strategy that helped her grow from 800,000 to over 15 million streams per month. In addition to releasing monthly singles, Heller is busy working on her orchestral I DREAM OF YOU albums, I Dream of You: CALM, JOY, SLEEP, LOVE, and coming this November, I Dream of You: CHRISTMAS. Few musicians have the privilege to look back on 20 years of full-time music-making, but as far as JJ Heller is concerned, she’s just getting started.JJ has released covers of Fred Rogers’ music before, and her new single, Neighbor, is a song that I feel Fred Rogers would have strongly resonated with. JJ Heller's Web Site: jjheller.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)Episode 485: Mikayla Munn and Linda ZnachkoFormer Inmate Becomes an Advocate for Women in CrisisMikayla Munn and Linda Znachko Bring Life-Giving Message of Hope and Encouragement for Women Battling Trauma and ShameIndianapolis, IN—What would cause a young woman—a good student and college athlete— with a bright future to do the unthinkable and allow her newborn son to die?Mikayla Munn plead guilty in 2018 to neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury or death. After serving six years in an Indiana Women’s Prison, Munn is now free and speaks publicly about the painful sequence of events that led to Alexander Liam’s death. She shares a message of hope and redemption for any woman who finds herself in desperate circumstances.An unreported sexual assault between her junior and senior year at college led to feelings of shame and depression. Back at college for her senior year, Munn’s depression deepened causing her to self-isolate, which progressed to anger toward family, friends, and teammates. She began drinking, sneaking alcohol into her room, and taking over-the-counter and prescription drugs to anesthetize her pain.Diagnosed with Acute Stress Disorder while in the hospital, Munn sought counseling help to make sense of her life and the choices she made that led to that fateful night. Following her subsequent arrest, Munn was placed in a suicide cell with nothing but a copy of the transcripts from the night of her son’s death and witness statements Munn came face-to-face with her actions and the resulting consequences. Broken, she looked up and, in the light, saw the figure of a cross, and cried out to God.During the next six years, she was a model prisoner, attended continuing education classes, worked in the kitchen and other areas, and sought every opportunity to find out more about the God she had reached out to. With the help of the chaplain and others she attended group Bible studies, and during Covid lockdowns poured over the Word of God seeking greater understanding and intimacy with Him.Today, Munn continues to rebuild the broken pieces of her life with the help of her faith, family, and friends. She has joined forces with Linda Znachko of He Knows Your Name Ministries, to let others know how this loss of life can be avoided in the future. It was Znachko who, after the two-year criminal investigation had been completed, officiated and made all the arrangements for the funeral allowing Alexander’s broken-hearted family to put him to rest.Munn wants women to know, encourages, and reminds them that:• Asking for help does not make you weak. It’s okay to ‘not be okay’ all the time.• We all bear scars and have skeletons in the closet, how we deal with them makes all the difference.• Choosing to navigate difficult circumstances well will make you a better person.• Shame is a thief that will destroy your self-esteem and self-respect if you let it.• Be courageous, speak up and fight for yourself, and don’t suffer in silence.She also plans to partner with the “Safe Haven Baby Boxes” organization, an option that was not available to her at the time. The Safe Haven Baby Box program provides a way for a mother in distress, who might take the life of her newborn child, to bring the infant to a firehouse or hospital and anonymously surrender the baby in a safe chamber, allowing medical personnel to provide immediate care.“As we learned from Mikayla if mothers–at their height of panic and distress–know they have a safe, reliable way to place their infant into the hands of those who will care for the child, without facing prosecution for making this heartbreaking decision,” Znachko says, “I believe it will be possible to save the lives of thousands of babies every year, and also spare these mothers from lifelong pain and remorse.”ABOUT LINDA ZNACHKOIn 2009, Linda Znachko unexpectedly had her life turned upside down after watching a television news report about the tragic death of a young infant abandoned in a trash dumpster. The heartbreaking report made Znachko resolve that she would do everything in her power to ensure no infant would ever again die without a name or a proper burial. As the founder of He Knows Your Name Ministries, Znachko now works with numerous mothers to make certain that every infant who dies under similar unfortunate circumstances is recognized as a precious and important life.Znachko partners with the organization “Safe Haven Baby Boxes” founded by Monica Kelsey and has spent the last seven years raising awareness and educating others about the Safe Haven Law and the Safe Haven Baby Box (SHBB) program, whose logo bears the footprint of baby Amelia, found deceased and abandoned at an Indiana park. In the seven years since Amelia was found Indiana has not had another abandoned deceased baby found, thanks in part to the work of Znachko and the SHBB program.The SHBB program has achieved an impressive success rate in Indiana and is now being stud

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)Episode 484: Brent Peterson - The Back Side of the CrossAmazon Affiliate Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3BSV9tTThe Back Side of the Cross: An Atonement Theology for the Abused and AbandonedLeclerc, Diane; Peterson, BrentCitation (Chicago Style): Leclerc, Diane, and Peterson, Brent. The Back Side of the Cross: An Atonement Theology for the Abused and Abandoned. Cascade Books, an imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2022. Kindle edition.Book DescriptionThe cross has always been portrayed as the means of salvation and forgiveness for sinners, but does it have anything to say to those who have been sinned against? This book shows that the atonement of Christ has powerful potential to speak to those who have been wronged, especially those who have been abused and abandoned in countless ways—those who cower at the back side of the cross wondering if they are included. As victims of various kinds of abuse are beginning to come out of the shadows in cultural conversation and in the context of the church, The Back Side of the Cross is a timely book for several audiences. It is thoroughly rigorous and will interest theologians and their students; it also offers a very practical section for pastors and those who want to care for the wounded; and it can even reach survivors themselves as it offers true hope in the urgency of such real pain.About the Co-AuthorBrent Peterson is Dean of the College of Theology and Christian Ministries and Professor of Theology at Northwest Nazarene University. He is a leading voice in the Wesleyan tradition on the sacraments, and founded the Wesleyan Liturgical Society.RICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)Episode 483: Elias DummerElias Dummer co-founded and fronted one of Canada’s most acclaimed worship bands, The City Harmonic. As the group’s principal songwriter, he helped pen such hits as “Holy (Wedding Day)” and “Mountaintop,” as well as “Manifesto,” which served as the theme song for 2011’s National Day of Prayer. The City Harmonic earned 12 GMA Canada Covenant Awards and a Juno Award (Canada’s GRAMMY® equivalent), before disbanding in 2017. Dummer released his solo debut, The Work Vol. I, in 2019 and was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2020 Covenant Awards. Both as a solo artist and with The City Harmonic, Dummer’s music has garnered more than 100 million streams to date. His much-anticipated sophomore solo album, The Work Vol. II, released on July 29. The 10-song recording laments the failings of humanity while ultimately amplifying God’s lavish grace—His finished work on the cross which offers new mercies each day. LINKS:ELIAS DUMMER’S ‘THE WORK VOL. II’ SHOWCASES GRACE, MERCY AND THE JOY OF COLLABORATION: http://www.turningpointpr.com/news/elias-dummers-the-work-vol-ii-showcases-grace-mercy-and-the-joy-of-collaboration/ELIAS DUMMER ‘Expectation’ (acoustic) RICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) -Episode 482The Lost SheepRICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) -Episode 481Mindblown with Rich KirkpatrickMINDBLOWN: Unlock Your Creative Genius by Bridging Science and Magic. Simply put, creativity is what makes us human. What if creativity isn’t voodoo but a definable process to learn and follow? The author pulls from researchers, creatives, and experience. The premise is this. Everyone is wired to create. And as we uncover and apply the process, we might actually become better people along the way!You'll be introduced to the author's three-step creative process, The Dream, The Sandbox, and The Story, where you learn to discover, develop, and deliver your creation to the world. There's a magic to science and a science to magic. Bridging these different ways of thinking is the key. MINDBLOWN shares lessons from brain scientists and creative practitioners to give you the key to your innate design as a creator.Get The Book: https://amzn.to/3QS6jDOABOUT Rich Kirkpatrick:Rich Kirkpatrick, a native of San Jose, California, studied music at The Phil Mattson School, and earned his bachelor’s and master’s from William Jessup University. Over the years, he has worked as a church musician and ministry leader. Rich writes, consults, and speaks about the intersection of creativity, faith and leadership. His new book, MINDBLOWN: Unlock Your Creative Genius by Bridging Science and Magic, comes out the summer of 2022. His first book, The Six Hats of the Worship Leader (2014), has helped thousands of church musicians and remains on the reading list at several universities. As a musician, Rich is a songwriter and recording artist, with A Beautiful Liturgy. Rich loves a good espresso and deep conversations with friends, new and old. He lives in the East Bay Area, California, with his wife and family. Web Site: https://rkblog.com/A Beautiful Liturgy: https://abeautifulliturgy.com/shop/RICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) -Episode 480Meredith MauldinABOUT MEREDITH MAULDIN:Meredith Mauldin is a passionate worshipper and songwriter that can’t help but rally others to do the same. She spent 7 years pioneering the worship and songwriting culture at the UPPEROOM in Dallas and was the founder of their label and publishing company. Meredith has now created a ministry called SongLab, to empower worshipers to minister to the Lord as well as write songs from their hearts and for their local churches. She has held over 30 SongLabs all over the country since 2019 and releases collective worship music from those events. Her passion is to write songs that will turn the eyes of the bride to Jesus! When she isn’t worship leading, she has enjoyed being a voice actor for cartoons for over 22 years and loves hanging out with her husband, Michael and three kids! They currently live in Atlanta, GA.Web Sites:Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-turning/1634823631Spotify: RICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The DarknessGet The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaRick Lee James Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) -Episode 479 Confessions of a Crappy Christian with Blake GuichetConfessions of a Crappy ChristianReal-Life Talk about All the Things Christians Aren’t Sure We’re Supposedto Say—and Why They Matter to God Why does it so often feel like Christians can’t talk about the real, hard stuff in life? We know our lives should reflect Jesus; what He did and said, and how He interacted with others. But if we’re being honest, there are days when we face tough, confusing things that can make us feel, well, very not like Jesus. As our culture moves further from truth and grace, Christians are burned- out, isolated, and unsure of where to turn for sound biblical advice that applies to their everyday struggles.If you’ve ever felt this way or wished someone would talk about things like forgiveness, mental health, broken friendships, redirected dreams, sex, facts versus feelings, church hurt, rest, weakness, healing, and more in honest, down-to-earth terms while sticking to what Scripture has to say about them, you’ve come to the right place.Confessions of a Crappy Christian is for you if you:● have ever thought you’re too messed up for church● feel exhausted and alone in your struggles● think you need to complete a checklist before God will love you● need a friend who cares about you too much to let you stay stuckWith honesty and vulnerability, Blake Guichet, host of the popular podcast Confessions of a Crappy Christian, helps us embrace the truth that we can’t do it all perfectly and gives us the wisdom, guidance, and hope to move from “crappy” Christian into a freer and fuller walk with Christ. In Confessions of a Crappy Christian, Blake Guichet offers an honest and transparent approach to navigating the things we aren’t sure we’re allowed to talk about as Christians and helps us discover why God cares about them and us. Invites anyone raised in the church, on the fringes of the church, or impacted by church culture to explore what the Bible really says, regardless of whether you fit into the “Christian mold.”Befriends the person who feels alone in their struggles, as she humbly and vulnerably walks alongside them. Addresses today’s trend of hating on the Church with no plan to do anything about it. What if there was someone who could be honest about some of the issues within Christianity, while simultaneously offering hope and reminding them that God is still so good? “The world doesn’t need more perfectly presentable Christians. It needs people who love Jesus and are willing to show up and say, ‘I can’t do anything on my own. There is nothing good in me apart from Christ, but with Him, I am unstoppable. With Him, I am more than enough and He empowers my every effort,’” says Guichet.ABOUT THE AUTHORBlake Guichet is a writer and founder of the Crappy Christian Co., which aims to teach women how to use their God-given gifts for the Kingdom. She is the host of the popular podcast Confessions of a Crappy Christian—a weekly show that specializes in conversations with guests about their passions, struggles, and all the things they aren’t sure they can talk about. Blake is a proud Enneagram 8, American history buff, and playlist enthusiast, and her primary goal in all aspects of her ministry is to tell the truth while always pointing people to Jesus.PRODUCT DETAILSPaperback: 224 pages Price: $17.99 Publisher: Tyndale Momentum ISBN-13: 78-1-4964- 5704-2BUY THE BOOK: https://amzn.to/3w6fc4rWeb Site:https://crappychristianco.com/RICK LEE JAMES INFOWeb Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/hallsLyric Video:Thank you for reading Rick Lee James Substack. This post is public so feel free to share it.More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaRick Lee James Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome To The Chaplaincy Neighborhood with Rick Lee JamesThis week I take some time to catch up our listeners on what has been going on in my neighborhood and why I think Mister Rogers would have been an excellent hospital chaplain.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesAS I WALK THESE HALLShttps://rickleejames.hearnow.com/hallsThank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.Music featured on podcast was “As I Walk These Halls” by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/I’m your host Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my web site is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward being with you again next time.Until Then: You make each day a special day. You know how, by just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) -Episode 478 -As I Walk These HallsI’m back from my Podcast hiatus and I’ve got a new single.-Rick Lee JamesSpecial thanks to Chris Marchand for allowing me to feature our conversation from his Podcast, PostConsumer Reports, here on my show today. PostConsumer Reports Podcast : http://www.postconsumerreports.com/Web Sites:https://www.rickleejames.comGet The Single:https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/hallsLyric Video:Thank you for reading Rick Lee James Substack. This post is public so feel free to share it.Below are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees More from Rick Lee JamesShine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaRick Lee James Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Some closing thoughts before a summer hiatus. See you in a few weeks.www.rickleejames.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast)Episode 476 - Lesli Hudson-ReynoldsLesli Hudson-Reynolds serves as Director of Donor Relations, as well as resident Gender Identity Expert for Posture Shift, a leading training and consulting resource for church and ministry leaders on LGBT+ inclusion and care. Lesli also assists the Culture Shift’s president, Bill Henson, in managing Guiding Families Direct Care for Transgender young people and their families. Prior to joining the Posture Shift team, Lesli spent 15 years touring the US and Europe as Production Stage Manager for numerous Broadway musicals, ballets and plays. They recently began pursuing their MDiv in Theology and Biblical Studies. Lesli lives in Tennessee and they are Huge fan of the New England. The pronouns we will be using for Lesli today will be they and them.Web Site:https://postureshift.com/team/----more----Below are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Rsurces * Protecting Ukrainian Reuees Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) - Episode 475 -Pieter Valk Equips the Church To Love Gay PeoplePieter Valk is a speaker/author about discernment, vocational singleness, & LGBT+ topics according to a traditional sexual ethic,the Executive Director of Equip (equipyourcommunity.org)—a premier consulting & training solution for churches aspiring to be places where gay people thrive according to a traditional sexual ethic,a cofounder of the Nashville Family of Brothers (familyofbrothers.org)—an ecumenically Christian monastery building family for men called to vocational singleness,a teacher/aspiring deacon in the ACNA about celibacy and sexuality,and a licensed professional counselor specialized in serving gay Christians hoping to steward their sexualities according to a traditional sexual ethicOr more simply, Pieter helps churches love gay people and celibate Christians find familyWeb Sites: Publications by Pieter Valk: https://www.pieterlvalk.com/publicationsEquip https://equipyourcommunity.org/Pieter’s Story: https://equipyourcommunity.org/blog/im-gayBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) - Episode 474 -Pieter Valk Equips the Church To Love Gay PeoplePieter Valk is a speaker/author about discernment, vocational singleness, & LGBT+ topics according to a traditional sexual ethic,the Executive Director of Equip (equipyourcommunity.org)—a premier consulting & training solution for churches aspiring to be places where gay people thrive according to a traditional sexual ethic,a cofounder of the Nashville Family of Brothers (familyofbrothers.org)—an ecumenically Christian monastery building family for men called to vocational singleness,a teacher/aspiring deacon in the ACNA about celibacy and sexuality,and a licensed professional counselor specialized in serving gay Christians hoping to steward their sexualities according to a traditional sexual ethicOr more simply, Pieter helps churches love gay people and celibate Christians find familyWeb Sites: Publications by Pieter Valk: https://www.pieterlvalk.com/publicationsEquip https://equipyourcommunity.org/Pieter’s Story: https://equipyourcommunity.org/blog/im-gayBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) - Episode 473 - Brian Zahnd: When Everything's On Firehttps://brianzahnd.com/About Brian ZahndBrian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church, a non-denominational Christian congregation in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Brian and his wife, Peri, founded the church in 1981. Brian is also the author of several books, including, Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God, Water to Wine, A Farewell To Mars, Beauty Will Save the World, and Unconditional?: The Call of Jesus to Radical Forgiveness and his latest book, When Everything’s On Fire: Faith Formed From The Ashes.When Everything’s On Fire: Faith Formed From The AshesBook description: Is it possible to hold on to faith in an age of unbelief?Intellectual certainty has long been a cornerstone of the Christian faith. But in an age of secularism, skepticism, and cynicism, our worldviews have been shaken. Various solutions exist―some double down on certainty, while others deconstruct their faith until there is nothing left at all. But Brian Zahnd offers a third way: what is needed is not a demolition but instead a renovation of faith.Written with personal and pastoral experience, Zahnd extends an invitation to move beyond the crisis of faith toward the journey of reconstruction. As the world rapidly changes in ways that feel incompatible with Christianity, When Everything's on Fire provides much-needed hope. A stronger, more confident faith is possible when it is grounded in the beauty and truth of Christ. Zahnd permits us to risk the journey of deconstruction so that God can forge something more beautiful in its place.Amazon Affiliate Book Link - When Everything’s On Fire: Faith Formed From The Ashes - https://amzn.to/3wwsnv1Below are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees * https://alinoorani.org/* https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) - Episode 472 - THE WOOD DRAKE SESSIONS with Paul Ranheim and Kirk SauersWood Drake Sessions’ co-creators Paul Ranheim (top) and Kirk Sauers.About The Wood Drake SessionsBirthed in 2020 when longtime friends Paul Ranheim and Kirk Sauers began songwriting via Zoom, The Wood Drake Sessions is a creative collective seeking to provide inspired and timely worship songs for the Church. The Wood Drake Sessions also offers a variety of resources, including charts, lead sheets and tutorials to help worshiping communities sing together. Ranheim is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, worship leader, pastor and church planter currently on staff at Redeemer Longmont in Colorado. A Pacific Northwest native, he has served with Young Life as well as at churches in Spokane, Washington; Santa Barbara, California; St. Louis and Nashville, among others. Currently a worship leader and artist-in-residence at First Presbyterian Church in Augusta, Georgia, Sauers spent eight years in Nashville as a songwriter, touring mandolinist and background vocalist. His acclaimed solo worship EP, Always and Forever, released in 2015 and Sauers’ songs have been recorded by bluegrass favorite Lonesome River Band and chart-topping Canadian country artist Jess Moskaluke, among others. THE WOOD DRAKE SESSIONS FULL-LENGTH DEBUT WITH SANDRA MCCRACKEN AND LESLIE JORDAN AMONG STANDOUT COLLABORATORSFrom the Valley to the Golden Shore Released April 29, 2022NASHVILLE, Tenn.—From the Valley to the Golden Shore, the full-length debut from worship newcomers The Wood Drake Sessions, is set to bow April 29. Showcasing collaborations with such luminaries as bestselling singer/songwriter and worship leader Sandra McCracken; singer/songwriter Leslie Jordan (All Sons & Daughters); modern hymnist Wendell Kimbrough; and NPR-lauded singer/songwriter Liz Vice, among others, the album was written by The Wood Drake Sessions’ co-creators Paul Ranheim and Kirk Sauers. Produced by Lucas Morton, From the Valley to the Golden Shore features nine roots-based, organic pop tracks conveying the surety of Christ’s sovereignty despite the turmoil of the times. Offering a preview of the album’s overarching message, the April 15 Easter-themed single “All Will Be Well” is a Sauers-led track joyfully proclaiming Jesus’ victory over death, “I’m alive/I have won/See the grave I’ve overcome.” Additional highlights include album opener “Oh How Good To Be Together,” an engaging corporate worship anthem led by McCracken; “I See A King,” with Vice’s signature vocals atop an R&B-infused groove celebrating the Savior who will right all wrongs; the Kimbrough-featured “Grace Will Prevail,” articulating God’s unfailing promises; and Jordan’s poignant closer, “Bountifully With Me,” a gentle song of praise for Christ’s provision. “Our great desire is to see the Church flourish today, and we believe new songs that capture God’s faithfulness and great deeds in the midst of our cultural moment are important for her flourishing,” Sauers shares. “We hope our music can inspire and stir the affections of our hearts to continue to love, trust and enjoy God. We also envision these songs helping shape the faith of God’s people as they sing them together in worshiping communities, serving not just to help us know Truth and inform our heads, but to feel Truth and shepherd our hearts.” “All too often we feel like we’re drowning in the noise of this world,” Ranheim adds. “We need to be reminded that we have a King who is coming, and believers of all cultures, races, and times—along with all creation itself—will rejoice at the restoration and shalom that Jesus will bring. We need songs that shape us to hope deeply in Him.” “We wanted the album to be brought to life by a variety of people, to have greater representation than just our own voices,” Ranheim continues. “I still remember the moment I heard Sandra in my head singing ‘Oh How Good To Be Together,’ and I knew she could make that song come to life unlike anyone else. Pretty soon we found ourselves reaching out to a handful of artists who all generously agreed to join in our mission.” “The Wood Drake Sessions name was inspired by a Wendell Berry poem, ‘The Peace of Wild Things,’” explains Sauers of both the duo’s moniker and mission. “When despair grows within, the poet writes of lying down ‘where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water.’ The imagery of a still and worriless creation extending its welcome of peace profoundly touched the ache of our hearts. Paul and I knew this was how we wanted our songs to exist—as works of art inviting us into the stillness of God’s presence, the grace of His goodness, and the rest of perfect peace.” For further information: visit thewooddrakesessions.com or turningpointpr.com. Follow The Wood Drake Sessions on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Below are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) - Episode 471 - The Soul of the Helper with Dr. Holly OxhandlerThere are many kinds of helpers in our world, the caregivers among us. They are the social workers who serve the vulnerable, the nurses and doctors who treat the ill, the teachers who instruct the young, the first responders who rescue the imperiled, the faith leaders who comfort the congregation, the volunteers who support the community. And whether or not it is our professional calling, each of us is likely to serve as a caregiver at some point in our lives, as a parent raising a child, for instance, or as a loved one caring for an aging relative. These and many other efforts to serve are among the most noble pursuits we can imagine, but they come with a danger worth recognizing.In their devotion to the well-being of others, caregivers routinely put their own well-being last and can unintentionally burn themselves out physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Their self-neglect, paired alongside a deep desire to help others, has the potential to stir up feelings of anger and resentment, leading to a sense of guilt and shame. They often believe that if they were to grant themselves any rest or grace, they would be at risk of failing in their duty.In The Soul of the Helper, Dr. Holly Oxhandler shows caregivers and fellow helpers a more self-compassionate way to cope with their overwhelming responsibilities and to attend to their own needs, particularly when it comes to their mental health and spiritual journey. She invites them to pause and realize that if they let their personal resources run dry, they cannot possibly care for others as fully as they wish. In fact, their efforts are likely to cause more harm than good.With a background in spiritually-integrated mental health, Dr. Oxhandler teaches helpers a seven-step process to slow down and reconnect with the stillness within themselves. It is in this space of stillness that Oxhandler guides helpers to reconnect with the “sacred spark” within their soul. By allowing themselves to enter that stillness, caregivers will recognize that they, too, are worthy of care. And with that realization, they will see anew the sacred spark that dwells inside everyone else, especially within those they’re helping.As a social worker, researcher, and person of faith, Dr. Oxhandler writes in a warm and welcoming style, shares many relatable stories, and widens her scope to include believers of all faiths and spiritual traditions. Her book is for caregivers everywhere who sense the sacred spark within them saying, in effect: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”Links for Dr. Holly OxhandlerWeb Site: https://hollyoxhandler.comTwitter: (@hollyoxhandler) · https://twitter.com/hollyoxhandlerAmazon Affiliate Book Link: https://amzn.to/3y8s4ceBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) - Episode 470 - Have You Heard About Greg? Greg O’Brien, producer and star of the documentary “Have You Heard About Greg?”Have You Heard About Greg? (HYHAG) puts a human face on the most terrifying disease of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The heart of the story is the resilient spirit of the O'Brien family that has already lost several family members in their fight against Alzheimer’s. Greg O'Brien, a lifelong award winning investigative reporter, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's at the age of 59 and has committed his QTR (Quality Time Remaining) to getting people talking about this quiet killer and increase the research funding. This is a unique cinematic journey through Alzheimer's with Faith, Hope and Humor featuring an array of dedicated experts who have joined the fight who will hopefully inspire you to get involved.There are over 6 million people living in the US who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s/Dementia. The goals of the film are to get people talking about a far more impactful and much more damaging quiet pandemic that threatens to destroy the US health care system along with millions of lives by 2050. This threat is real.Web Links:Film Web Site: https://www.hyhag.com/Amazon Affiliate Book Link to Greg’s Book (On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer's): https://amzn.to/3KozURG Ukraine ReliefBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees * https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 469: Will Willimon - Listeners DareWill Willimon has long been a trusted colleague for working preachers. He is known for his encouragement of his fellow ministers to enjoy telling the truth of Jesus Christ. He is Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at Duke University Divinity School, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, and is a retired Bishop of the United Methodist Church. For 20 years as Dean of the Chapel at Duke University, Will became known as one of America’s most engaging preachers.His new book, Listeners Dare, (a companion to his previous book, Preachers Dare) is for anyone who listens to sermons—which includes preachers, since there’s no way to preach without gaining skills as a listener. Listening is a human skill, but as God’s word is proclaimed, the hearer experiences a vocal mix of preacher, listener, and God.Web Links:Amazon Book Link to Listeners Dare: https://amzn.to/3OfEbK6Peculiar Prophet Blog: https://willwillimon.com/blog/Ukraine ReliefBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 468: Nostalgic Future PodcastOn Nostalgic Future, Joe Cook and Chris Marchand explore their pop culture obsessions in an attempt to prove that the past is the only way forward. Each episode will focus on a piece of pop culture history, often something that has been influential to Joe or Chris. Joe has a history in radio, both DJ-ing and managing at stations, and Chris is a teacher, musician, and author of a book on the history of Christmas. For several years now they’ve also hosted the Between the Songs podcast, which is on the music of Rich Mullins. The new podcast, among other subjects, will have conversations about Quantum Leap, Beatles movies, music from the 90’s, and weird cartoons from the 80’s.Web Links:Nostalgic Future on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pastfuturepodPodcast Page: https://anchor.fm/nostalgic-futureUkraine ReliefBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees * https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Mister Rogers, Now More Than Ever with guest Dennis ScottAsk anyone and they’ll tell you, “We need Mister Rogers more than ever.” This audio collection features interviews with fans, friends, and colleagues whose lives were changed by the simple wisdom and kindness of Fred Rogers. For the first time you’ll hear both celebrities and everyday people tell their stories of how Mister Rogers affected them and, in some cases, even saved their lives.As incredible as it may sound, Fred Rogers personally answered every letter he received. Hearing his words read aloud and the heartfelt gratitude from people who experienced his kindness firsthand make this a one-of-a-kind audio presentation. Hosted by beloved TV personality Tom Bergeron, it will touch you and help you believe, as Fred Rogers did, that all of us are special.This spoken word collection includes special appearances by Kellie Pickler, The Cowsills, Lee Greenwood, Jim Brickman and Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. It's seventy-two minutes of fun and memories. It also includes a rare interview with David Newell, the "Speedy Delivery" Man from Mister Rogers' NeighborhoodProduced by our guest on this special episode, two time Grammy and Emmy winner, Dennis ScottThank You Mister Rogers Web Sitehttps://thankyoumisterrogers.com/Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.Music featured on podcast was Stay by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to my guest Dennis Scott and The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/I’m your host Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my web site is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward being with you again next time.Until Then: You make each day a special day. You know how, by just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 467 The Jesus Music with John J. ThompsonOn this episode I’m joined by John J Thompson, former Associate Dean of Trevecca Nazarene University’s School of Music in Nashville, Tennessee. He’s a speaker, producer, author, artist, and the founder of the podcast “True Tunes.” He is an expert on all things Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). As a consultant and historian he was interviewed for the new documentary “The Jesus Music Film”, which is now steaming on Hulu.“The Jesus Music” interviews some of Christian music’s most recognizable stars, including Amy Grant, TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, Michael W. Smith, Michael Tait, Lauren Daigle and more. The film retells a nostalgic history of “Jesus music” — which would later be called contemporary Christian music. “The Jesus Music” offers an insight to the lives and careers of some of Christian music’s most talented creators while legitimately criticizing churches for their lack of support and discussing the problem of racial segregation in Christian music. I invited John to have a visit on the podcast today to dive deeper into the conversation that Film initiates.Web Links for John J Thompson:Bio: https://truetunes.com/john-j-thompson-bio/True Tunes: https://truetunes.com/Books: https://amzn.to/3jzKp9LThe Jesus Music Film: https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/the-jesus-musicUkraine ReliefBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees * https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 466 - Historian Julian Zelizer About the author: Julian E. Zelizer is a history and public-affairs professor at Princeton University. He is the editor of the new book The Presidency of Donald J. Trump: A First Historical Assessment.The Presidency of Donald J. Trump: A First Historical AssessmentLinks for Dr. Julian ZelizerBooks by Dr. Zelizer: https://amzn.to/3xxXGYFPrinceton Web Site: https://history.princeton.edu/people/julian-e-zelizerUkraine ReliefBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 465Guest: George Ross - President of CCLIAs President of Christian Copyright Licensing International, Inc. (CCLI), George Ross strives to innovate and improve experiences for CCLI’s customers and rights holders and continues to ensure CCLI is a market leader by simplifying the complexities of copyright. George has over twenty years of leadership experience and a strong track record of creating and deploying multilingual solutions that serve a global audience.Prior to his role as President, George served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer for 3 years and Chief Technology Officer for 9 years. During that time, he was focused on building strong teams that deeply integrate into the business by pulling on his own depth of experience as a strategic technical consultant to numerous Fortune 500 companies and leading universities and a good old-fashioned willingness to roll up his sleeves. George is a recognized expert in web technologies with national speaking credits and publications to his name.CCLI Web Site: https://us.ccli.com/Ukraine ReliefBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees * https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 464Oletha Barnett - Author of Diversity of a Different KindOletha Barnett is a theologian, a lawyer, and a conflict resolution specialist who has directed the conflict resolution ministry at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, TX for decades. She was commissioned by the Elder Board for conflict resolution work. She is also an adjunct professor at Southern Bible Institute & College, and founder of Conciliation Services LLC, which provides services to churches, other organizations, and individualsShe serves on the Board of Peacemaker Ministries, is a Certified Christian ConciliatorTM, Certified Management Specialist, Certified in Christian Prevention Relationship Enhancement, and Certified Human Behavior Consultant. She holds a BS in Mathematics, Juris Doctor, and Master of Arts in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary.In her new book Diversity of a Different Kind, Oletha Barnett offers a unique viewpoint to resolve conflict, heal wounds, restore relationships, address and correct sin, and unify the churchIn a world rife with the issues of division of every kind.Conciliation Services Web Site: https://conciliationservices.com/Ukraine ReliefBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees * https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Bonus Episode: Solving Guns - Polilogue SpecialAlmost every Monday on my morning run, you will find me listening to some of my favorite podcasts. One of the first podcasts I always listen to during my Monday routine is Polilogue, a show about the substance and style of the Sunday morning news shows. The show is hosted by Brendan Steidle and Naomi Soto, and they really know their stuff.This past Monday, April 4th, Polilogue premiered an incredibly important new series which asks the question, “how do you solve gun violence when legislation fails?”Polilogue’s new series on Solving Guns began out of frustration. Why couldn’t the United States meaningfully reduce gun violence? If passing laws kept failing—couldn’t we try something else? Aren’t there other ideas? Solving Guns is an effort to understand and present new ideas to solve gun violence—without legislation.I reached out to Brendan Steidle after I heard the first episode of this new series and asked if I could have permission to share it with my listeners, in hopes that we can get it into as many ears as possible.Brendan graciously agreed to allow me to share the episode with you, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share it with you here as a bonus episode of Voices In My Head.My dear listeners, I have three things I am asking you to do:* Listen to this important episode with an open mind.* Go to https://polilogue.com/ and subscribe to the Polilogue Podcast* Visit the web site https://www.solvingguns.org/ where you can find episodes in written form as well as a video version.My thanks again to Brendan and Naomi for allowing me to share this show with my audience, and congratulations on the birth of their second child. Together, I hope we can make the world a more peaceful place for our children to grow and thrive.Blessings,Rick Lee JamesWeb Sites You Will Want To Visit:https://polilogue.com/https://www.solvingguns.org/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 463Unraveling The Lie-Knot with Sheryl Giesbrecht TurnerAll of us are products of our upbringing and experiences and whether we realize it or not, have come to believe things about ourselves that aren't true. Those false beliefs hold us back. They are like recordings that constantly play in our minds, condemning us, accusing us, shaming us and blaming us. Is it possible to silence these thoughts that have tied us in knots for so long? Can we ever find peace?In her newest book, Unraveling The Lie-Knot Sheryl Giesbrecht (geese-breck) Turner dives into these false beliefs that hold us back. Sheryl served as Focus on the Family's pastors' wives columnist for four years. Hundreds of her columns, magazine and devotional articles have appeared in Focus on the Family Magazine, Just Between Us, Discipleship Journal, CCM, Walk Thru the Bible’s InDeed and Tapestry publications. Sheryl has stopped by the podcast today for a visit and I’m so grateful that she has.Sheryl’s Official Web Site https://sherylgt.com/Ukraine ReliefBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees * https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 462 The CCLI Conversation with The Evangelicals Jonathan Burkey and Jeremy Thompson stop by for a visit.Each episode of The Evangelicals Podcast features Jonathan and Jeremy, two young Evangelical pastors who discuss identity and cultural topics. This week they join Rick Lee James on Voices In My Head to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of CCLI.* Find THE EVANGELICALS PODCAST here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-evangelicals/id1427013335Ukraine ReliefBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees * https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 461 Guest Artist: Avila New Single: She's Too GoodGet ready to rock! My guest this week has a great new, straight up Rock-n-roll single called “She’s Too Good” and we go behind the music to get the inside story on this amazing new artist.* Avila’s Links all in one place: https://instabio.cc/4031812m2XoH0Ukraine ReliefBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees * https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 460 - Spencer LaJoye - Plowshare PrayerSpencer LaJoye is a folk/pop singer songwriter, violinist, and vocal loop artist in Boston, MA, who believes everyone is made of the good stuff. They make music to remember what it means to be human, to find connection in a time of disconnection, and to feel something in a world gone numb. Spencer’s first EP “We’ve Been That Way Before” won the WYCE Jammie Award for Listener’s Choice in Grand Rapids, MI, and most recently, Spencer was chosen as a winner of the 2021 Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition. Last fall, Spencer released their new four-track EP, "Remember The Oxygen," written before, during, and following their coming out as trans/gender non-binary. Their newest single, "Plowshare Prayer," went viral among hurting and healing people around the world before the studio recording was released on February 18th. It poses an answer to the question: what would a prayer sound like if used as a plowshare instead of a sword?Spencer LaJoye’s LINKS* Web Site: https://www.spencerlajoye.com/* Music Streaming: https://ffm.to/plowshareprayer Video by Daley Hake. Filmed at CrosspointeUkraine ReliefBelow are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees * https://alinoorani.org/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 459: Christy Staats Ukrainian Refugees and BeyondChristy Staats is from Stow, Ohio, and went to Miami University receiving a BA in Communications, and BA in Comparative Religion and minor in Sociology. She worked with Cru for 15 years, 11 of which were in the UK and is now affiliate staff. She created Crossings in 2015 for her church in Northeast Ohio to encourage Americans to welcome and come alongside newly arrived refugees in partnership with resettlement and community development organizations and led a similar work with Cru nationally. She was invited to join the Bibles, Badges and Business work of the National Immigration Forum in 2018 and has been organizing and speaking with faith, law enforcement and business leaders about the need for immigration reform since. She is the chair and helped launch the Akron chapter of the AND Campaign and loves helping Christians think of civics and politics as a way to love their neighbors. She is (finally) finishing her Masters in Theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School this spring.Links that Christy Shares about:* Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus* Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform * Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans * Project Alpha * Afghan Advocacy Resources * Protecting Ukrainian Refugees * https://alinoorani.org/ Below are more trusted organizations you can partner with to meet needs in these communities.* Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html* Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine* Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion* Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...* Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...* A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaJust for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 458: Fred Heumann on the Christians in UkraineFred Heumann heads MusicWorks International and since 2012 has been working alongside a seminary in Kyiv, Ukraine, teaching students and partnering in conferences for worship leaders.Fred’s Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.htmlServe Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraineBelow are trusted local organizations you can partner with to meet needs in these communities. Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassionCaritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit... Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/ Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 457 - Ukraine Russia Conflict with Brandon Sipes and Jeremy HudsonWeb Site for Fellowship Christian Church in Springfield Ohiohttps://fellowshipchristian.orgWeb Site For YouTube Video of this ConversationBelow are trusted local organizations you can partner with to meet needs in these communities. Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassionCaritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit... Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/ Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 456 - Guest Micah McElveenThrough his near-death experience in 1995, Micah McElveen's eyes were opened. An aspiring athlete, the then teenager had his life in front of him. But it came to an abrupt pause after a surfing accident broke his neck and placed him in a wheelchair. However, this would not be the end and would ultimately be the catalyst for him walking again as well as experiencing a spiritual transformation that would impact others globally.In his debut release, Dying for Purpose he delivers a fresh perspective on pain, purpose, and mission and how it can be channeled to create a life focused on helping others.Highlighting the trials and tribulations of starting a fledgling ministry in his car, maintaining faith when circumstances seem insurmountable, and remaining spiritually grounded. He writes. “Life can be a puzzle. We begin our journey with an idea of how things are supposed to be–only to one day find unrecognizable pieces lying across the floor of our lives.” McElveen adds, “Amid the most tragic time of my life–when I considered life in a wheelchair. My near-death was designed to bring life to others.”Web Sites for Micah McElveenwww.micahmcelveen.com/dyingforpurposehttps://www.vaporministries.org/https://www.instagram.com/micahmcelveen/Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqaSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 455Sign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime ShowRick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome To The Neighborhood: A Mister Rogers Tribute PodcastA Neighborly Visit with David DaultDavid Dault is a writer, media professional, and educator.He is the host and executive producer of Things Not Seen: Conversations About Culture and Faith, an award-winning radio show and podcast. David began the show in Memphis in 2012, and it now airs weekly on WCPT in Chicago. It is distributed nationally through the Public Radio Exchange (PRX), and has listeners around the nation and the world.Web Site: https://www.daviddault.com/Thank you for joining us here this week in the neighborhood.Music featured on podcast was Stay by Rick Lee James Special Thanks to my guest David DaultAnd The @MisterRogersSay Community on Twitter.Our Substack page is https://rickleejames.substack.com/s/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-a-mister.Our Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/misterrogerssay/I’m your host Rick Lee James. My Twitter account is @RickLeeJames, my web site is RickLeeJames.com, My other Podcast is Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), and I look forward being with you again next time.Until Then: You make each day a special day. You know how, by just your being you. There's only one person in this whole world like you. And people can like you exactly as you are. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 454Rick Lee James Official Web Sitehttps://www.RickLeeJames.comShine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darknessMusic Video:Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe