This Good Word With Steve Wiens

I've been enjoying my sporadic series on God - I hope you have, too. In case you missed the first two episodes, here are the links to Part 1 and Part 2. In this episode, I talked about the inevitable association that nearly all of us will have with a religious tribe - that group of people with whom we share spiritual affinity, similar beliefs, and shared values. I also talked about what happens when you feel like you no longer fit within that tribe, how to process that in a healthy way, and how to move into something different. I talked about how to lose your tribe without losing your faith. I talked about closed systems, broken systems, and open systems. I talked about what Jesus was really talking about when he said he didn't come to bring peace, but a sword, and that you're supposed to hate your father and mother. And I talked about how to graciously keep growing, even when it's confusing to you and everybody else. Enjoy the podcast. P.S. I also mentioned my new book that's coming out on August 22nd! Take a look! Music on today's episode by my good friend Matt Moberg.

Tsh Oxenreider (yep, that's how you spell it) is the author of Notes from a Blue Bike, Organized Simplicity, and At Home in the Word: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering the Globe. She's also the founder of the community blog The Art of Simple, and she hosts the top ranked podcast The Simple Show. Tsh and her husband Kyle and their three kids sold their house, put their furniture in storage, and spent nine months traveling the globe. They went to China, Singapore, Australia, Uganda, France, Croatia, and beyond, "world-schooling" their kids (look it up, it's a thing) and experiencing wanderlust and contentment. I loved catching up with Tsh, and I think you'll be inspired by her story of adventure alongside ordinariness.

Paul Pastor is a writer living in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge. His writing on Christian spirituality has won numerous awards and critical recognition for its beauty, insight, and depth. Paul just released The Listening Day: Meditations on the Way, Volume One. In it are 91 reflections, meditations, and thougths on the bible and spirituality - you might call it a poetic devotional for those who think devotionals lack beauty and depth. This book is thoughtful, lyrical, and beautiful. I enjoyed my conversation with Paul, and I think you will, too. Paul is also providing a free 12-week group discussion guide based on The Listening Day. Download for free here.

On this week's episode, I chatted with my friend Stu G, who has just released a beautiful record and also a book into the world, centered on the paradoxical teachings of Jesus in the beatitudes - blessed are the poor, those who mourn, the merciful, the meek, which directly contrasts today's measures of who is blessed and who is not. I've had the chance to sit around a campfire late into the night with Stu, who is brilliant, humble, and so gifted. Here's what Stu G has to say about words: I am in love with words - a would-be poet even - but am often at a loss for what to say. I used to think I spoke best through my guitar, but I now see how easy it is to hide behind the ambiguity of music. I am more enthralled by the power of words, which can bring life and death. Words are dangerous - even controversial - depending on how they are used or interpreted. Like the teaching of Jesus, I want to be challenged - though it can be painful and fearful. And I want to challenge others - encouraging them to take risks and embrace adventure, to share their hopes and fears, and to live the questions to the answers they seek. I myself am a thinker who is always questioning, always wrestling, always trying to find a better way. I used to live for the future, like weekends or holidays. I used to say, ‘One day I will do this or that.’ But all we have been promised is today. ‘Today is the day of salvation,’ says St. Paul. In an age of social media, we need to work at being present to others, to the task at hand, and to stay in the moment - living for eternity but in the here and now. The new ‘now’ for me is one of community and collaboration - of creating with and performing for a wider group of people. I’m passionate about the connection we make when God inhabits the creative space between artists and seekers. For me this is an authentic expression of church and a foretaste of heaven. Check out more information about Stu's book, record, and upcoming film here. You can support me on Patreon here. My work: I host a weekly podcast. I wrote a book. I have a website. I am the pastor at a great little church. I am sometimes available to travel to hang with your tribe to help you all become more you. And yes, I do Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Oh, and if you’d like to stay up to date with my writing and events and such, you can subscribe to my email list. There. We’re all caught up.

Stephan Bauman is a new friend who has written a courageous new book called Break Open The Sky: Saving Our Faith From a Culture of Fear. Stephan is the former President of World Relief, and he has seen firsthand in some of the most difficult places in the world how it is possible to embrace love in the face of fear. He describes his book this way: "An expedition into living a life of authentic faith, free from the fear that so often plagues our faith communities. We can either turn away or choose to be brave. The journey is not for the faint of heart. As I have gotten to know Stephan, what I appreciate most is that his fierce message is wrapped in his own humility. He's gentle and winsome, and therefore I am finding his message irresistible. Enjoy the podcast. Music on today's episode is by Andy Gullahorn (Song: If You Want to Love Someone).

For the 100th episode, my brothers in law (Joel and Adam) decided to turn the tables and interview me. I'd say I was nervous, but that would be lying. I had a blast and I couldn't wait to do it. We talked curiosity, God, writing, my next book, creativity, and so many other things. 100 episodes????? Whaaaaaat???? Music on today's episode is by Joel Hanson (Song: Keep On Singing).

So, let's talk about God. What is God? Where is God? Who is God? And how does God inhabit our stories, our hopes, our fears and our dreams? Where is God taking all of this, if God is taking all of this anywhere at all? In this series - and I have no idea how many episodes it will take - I'm going to do what I do: I'm going to share my own journey of understanding God, I'm going to talk about some odd, poignant and interesting stories in the Scriptures, and I'm going to invite you to show up with your story as well. In the second episode of this series, I talked about the universal temptation to label and judge everything in comparison to something else, and to decide that one is good, and one is bad. We learn this as children, and it's very helpful. But if we don't learn to hold the tension of two seemingly opposing thoughts, we'll always choose sides, we'll only seek out the facts that support our side, and we'll dehumanize the other side (the enemy). There's a better way. Enjoy! Music on today's episode was by Grayshot (Song: You Know the Way).

Zach Hoag is one of many people who are noticing declining church attendance in the United States. Unlike many people who see it as a collapse, a loss, or even a death, Zach sees a surprising resurrection happening just below the surface. He calls this post-Christian reality an "apocalypse" in the truest sense of the word: a revealing is happening, and it just might be the best thing to happen to the church. "Could it be," Hoag writes in his brand new book, The Light is Winning: Why Religion Just might Bring us Back to Life, "that what this apocalypse is revealing is our need not merely to be spiritual or merely to cling to religious ritual but to embrace a spiritually resurrected religion? To inhabit the rooted religious practices that can sustain us over the long haul and bring life to the world?" I loved my conversation with Zach. He's humble, funny, brilliant, and I sincerely believe he's on to something really rich here. The Light is Winning is a story of death, resurrection, and a brilliant new beginning. It's the story of how the church will resurrect, revive, root down and find true flourishing. It's the story of letting there be light. You can purchase Zach's insightful new book here. Enjoy! Music on today's episode is by Matt Moberg (song: Pirate Song).

So, let's talk about God. What is God? Where is God? Who is God? And how does God inhabit our stories, our hopes, our fears and our dreams? Where is God taking all of this, if God is taking all of this anywhere at all? In this series - and I have no idea how many episodes it will take - I'm going to do what I do: I'm going to share my own journey of understanding God, I'm going to talk about some odd, poignant and interesting stories in the Scriptures, and I'm going to invite you to show up with your story as well. In this first episode, I talked about the three reasons I'm doing this series: (1) I am part of a larger phenomenon that I believe is happening globally - we are in the middle of a massive shift in how we understand God, each other, and the world; (2) The most common question I get is why I have such a love affair with the Hebrew language and the Hebrew Scriptures - and so I want to take that further into how it helps me understand God outside of my own categories and my unconscious narrative; and (3) I want to give you a third way of understanding God apart from the tired progressive/conservative binary. This is meant to be a conversation starter. So let's converse! Music on today's episoe was by Matt Moberg (song: Minnesota Man). Please check out my Patreon Page for lots of new content that you can only find there.

Born just over 36 hours apart, Justin & Patrick are life-long friends with a rich, deep relationship that spans beyond 40 years. They travel together, live life together through its ups and downs, and most importantly, will do anything for each other. I had such an amazing, inspiring time talking to Justin and Patrick on this week's podcast. I can't wait for you to get to know them and their remarkable story. Over the past 20+ years, a progressive neuromuscular disease has slowly taken away Justin’s ability to use his arms and legs. From each morning until night, Justin requires daily assistance in every aspect of life such as eating, getting dressed, bathing and even using the restroom. In the spring of 2012, Justin learned about the Camino de Santiago while watching Rick Steves on Public Access TV. Soon after, Justin asked his lifelong friend, Patrick, what he thought about tackling the ancient pilgrimage. Patrick's response was simple and direct. He said, “I’ll push you.” Two years later, they started their journey and had absolutely no idea how they would make the 500 miles from the southwest of France to the Cathedral in Santiago; over several mountain ranges like the Pyrenees, through rivers, and across the vast “desert of Spain" called the Meseta… they just knew they had to get there. Justin and Patrick had to rely on the help and strength of friends, acquaintances and even complete strangers in order to navigate the many challenges they faced on their 35-day journey. Since returning from Spain, they have used their heartfelt storytelling to share the comical details of their journey… the joys, the struggles, the beautiful relationships, and the lessons they learned in faith, hope, love and friendship. Go to I'll Push You to find out all the details about the book and the film, book Justin and Patrick to speak at your church, business, or school, and purchase their book, I'll Push You. Enjoy the podcast! My work: I host a weekly podcast. I wrote a book. I have a website. I am the pastor at a great little church. I am sometimes available to travel to hang with your tribe to help you all become more you. And yes, I do Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Oh, and if you’d like to stay up to date with my writing and events and such, you can subscribe to my email list. There. We’re all caught up.

Leroy Barber has dedicated more than 25 years to eradicating poverty, confronting homelessness, restoring local neighborhoods, healing racism, and living what Dr. King called “the beloved community.” In 1989, burdened by the plight of Philadelphia’s homeless population, he and his wife Donna founded Restoration Ministries, a non-profit created to serve homeless families and children living on the streets. In 1994 he became Director of the Internship Program at Cornerstone Christian Academy. Licensed and ordained at Mt Zion Baptist Church, he served as Youth Director with Donna, and as the Associate Minister of Evangelism. In 1997, he joined FCS Urban Ministries in Atlanta, GA and worked with the Atlanta Youth Project as the founding Executive Director of Atlanta Youth Academies, a private elementary school providing quality Christian education for low-income families in the inner city. He went on to plant and pastor Community Life Church, a missional congregation in southeast Atlanta, and served as the Atlanta City Director for Mission Year, a national year-long urban ministry program focused on service and discipleship. In 2007 Leroy became President of Mission Year and led the organization until 2013. He also served as Co-Executive Director of FCS Urban Ministries from 2009 to 2013 and as Global Executive Director of Word Made Flesh from 2013 to 2015. Leroy is currently the Executive Director of The Voices Project and Holla Mentors, organizations committed to supporting and developing leaders of color. He serves on the boards of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), The Simple Way and EEN, the Evangelical Environmental Network. He is the author of Embrace: God's Radical Shalom for a Divided World, Everyday Missions: How Ordinary People Can Change the World (IVP), Red, Brown, Yellow, Black, White: Who’s More Precious in God’s Sight?(Jericho). He was also a contributor to Tending to Eden, and the groundbreaking book UnChristian: What a New Generation Thinks about Christianity and Why It Matters. Leroy has been married to Donna for the past 31 years and together they have five children – Jessica, Joshua, Joel, Asha Joy and Jonathan. Please consider contributing to HopeMob! Enjoy the podcast. Music on today's episode was by Matt Moberg (Bravery Songs)

Lee Wolfe Blum is the honest, vulnerable, and hopeful author of Brave is the New Beautiful: Finding the Courage to Be the Real You. Lee's first book, Table in the Darkness: A Healing Journey Through an Eating Disorder, chronicles her journey with an eating disorder and exercise addition that landed her in the hospital with clinical depression. Lee offers stories from everyday women who have found true beauty in the process of discovering how to become who they really are. In Brave Is the New Beautiful, Blum weaves reflections from her own journey with inspirational stories from everyday women who chose to take off their masks and live authentically. This is a gorgeous book, and Lee's heart and passion comes through so clearly in this conversation. You can follow Lee's writing on her website, and you can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook. Music on today's episode is by Ellie Holcomb (song: The Valley).

Peeps! I mistakenly released the wrong mp3 file for the Shawn Smucker conversation earlier today. This is the right one! Sorry about that! I first heard of Shawn Smucker when one of my friends came home from the Festival of Faith and Writing and said, "Steve. I got to meet SHAWN SMUCKER." And then he went on to gush. And the guy that was gushing is a phenomenal writer himself. I honestly hadn't heard of Shawn, but that changed quickly. Shawn is a gorgeous writer, who has written quite a few books, including Building a Life Out of Words, which tells the story of when he quit his job and started writing full time. He's currently writing a novel (I am terrified of writing fiction), and he talks about it on the podcast. If you are a writer, or want to be a writer, or simply love words, you're going to love this conversation. Music on today's episode is from Sara Groves (song: My Dream).

Lola Wright, in her own words, is "here to be a fierce and loving invitation for the transformation of humanity." Come on now! She works with the Bodhi Spiritual Center in Chicago, where she's a leader, coach, guide, minister, speaker, and teacher. I met her on Twitter, and our conversation went from zero to ninety in about fourteen seconds. Her love for God, for people, and for the restoration of all things comes through passionately and articulately. She's funny, irreverent, wise, and hopeful. She's on Facebook Live every day, and you can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Music today is by my friend Stefan Van Voorst (I'm With the Drunks).

Whaaaaat? Rob Bell is on the podcast today. I've been looking forward to this one for a very long time. Rob Bell has written a bunch of books, including Velvet Elvis, What We Talk About When We Talk About God, and Love Wins. His most recent book is called What is the Bible? How An Ancient Library of Poems, Letters, and Stories Can Transform the Way You Think and Feel About Everything. I'm finding it really delicious, satisfying, and enjoyable. Order it now! I'd also encourage you to listen to the RobCast, Rob's weekly podcast. Sooooooooo good. The music on today's episode is from my friend Stefan Van Voorst. The song is called Hope Take Hold.

It's Rabbi Alan... again! He's back for more after such a robust episode last week. What more do I need to say? There will be more laughter, more stories, more mind blowing questions, observations, and conversation about what it means to finally share that hidden, intimate thing with God that you have never shared before. See? I told you. Enjoy! The music this week is from my friend Stuart Garrard (better known as Stu G). He has just written a stunning book called Words from the Hill, all about his observations on the Beatitudes of Jesus, and it's so good. He's also released a record called The Beatitudes, (featuring John Mark McMillan, All Sons and Daughters, Audrey Assad, Propaganda, and many others) which is so beautiful, I could cry. The song today is called Heaven is All Around. Buy it, share it, do all the things.

It's Rabbi Alan! What more do I need to say? There will be laughter, stories, mind blowing questions, observations, and conversation about what it means to finally share that hidden, intimate thing with God that you have never shared before. See? I told you. Plus, there will be more next week from our resident guru. Enjoy! The music this week is from my friend Stuart Garrard (better known as Stu G). He has just written a stunning book called Words from the Hill, all about his observations on the Beatitudes of Jesus, and it's so good. He's also released a record called The Beattitudes, (featuring John Mark McMillan, All Sons and Daughters, Audrey Assad, Propaganda, and many others) which is so beautiful, I could cry. The song today is called Oh Blessed. Buy it, share it, do all the things.

Kaitlin Curtice is a Native American author of the forthcoming book Glory Happening: Finding the Divine in Everyday Places (it releases on November 7th, 2017). She's also a frequent writer with Sojourners, and she leads worship at First Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia. Her writing is elegant, poignant, and it creates space for busy people like me to rest and be at peace. Talking to Kaitlin was like experiencing grace - her experiences and her stories invite me into a slower, more beautiful way of living. I loved my conversation with Kaitlin and I love that I now get to share her with you! Follow Kaitlin on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram; Please check out her blog, and you can read her articles at Sojourners here. Music on this episode is by Ben Howard (I Will Be Blessed)

Rabbi Natan Margalit is the Director of Organic Torah, which is a not-for-profit, program based, educational initiative to integrate ancient Jewish wisdom as a leading-edge voice in contemporary efforts to create a healthier, more sustainable, prosperous and just world. I met Rabbi Natan through our resident guru, Rabbi Alan Ullman, and when we first talked, there was an immediate spark between us. I kept interrupting him, shouting YES!!! so much that he could hardly finish a sentence. So we decided we needed to record a podcast, because I knew you would love him. Please check out his work at Organic Torah, and if you're in the Boston area, please look him up and attend one of his classes. He's brilliant, creative, and I'm so grateful you are going to get to glean some of his wisdom. Music on this episode is from Ben Rosenbush and The Brighton (song: High Flyer).

It's Holy Week. Before we can get to the resurrection, we need to go through the pain of loss. Mary Magdalene, we are told, "stood by the empty tomb and wept." Grieving loss can be a tricky thing - you think you're done, and then grief sneaks up on you and lets you know that there's more to do. Sometimes this shows up in your dreams, haunting you with bizarre scenes. Sometimes it shows up in your body - through sickness, a persistent ache, or extreme fatigue. This week, we pause to take a look at the ways in which most of us need to process grief and loss more than we think we do. Music this week by my friends in the amazing band Grayshot (the song: Long Year)

One of my friends recently told me that I HAD to read this new book - The Way of the Dragon Or the Way of the Lamb, by Kyle Strobel and Jamin Goggin. It's one of those books that is so good that it sort of hurts to read it. Kyle and Jamin decided to seek out people over the age of 70 who had a different relationship with power - such as J. I. Packer, Dallas Willard, Marva Dawn, John Perkins, Jean Vanier, James Houston, and Eugene Peterson - gathering their uncommon wisdom about taking the path of vulnerability and weakness instead of grabbing power. I loved my conversation with Jamin and Kyle, and I now consider their book required reading for every pastor. Enjoy.

"Violence unmakes the world, but preemptive love has the power to unmake violence." Jeremy Courtney is the founder and CEO of the Preemptive Love Coalition, which brings relief to families fleeing war in Syria and Iraq. They help refugees rebuild their lives. And we provide lifesaving medical care for children in conflict zones. Jeremy and his wife Jessica moved to New York City just after 9/11, then to Istanbul, and finally to Iraq during the Iraq War in 2006. Their story is less heroic than it is humble; they have simply fallen in love with the Iraqi people, so they are in it for the long haul because in their words, the Iraqi people are "our people." Enjoy. Become a monthly sponsor of Preemptive Love. Read Jeremy's book, Preemptive Love. Read Jeremy's article in the Washington Post: The World is Scary as Hell. Love Anyway.

John D. Blase is a gentle, wise soul, and he just published a book of poetry, titled: The Jubilee: Poems. His words help me want to love better, stay grounded in what matters, and use my words to heal and restore, instead of divide and conquer. He's also the author of Know When to Hold 'Em: The High Stakes Game of Fatherhood, Touching Wonder: Recapturing the Awe of Christmas, and he co-wrote of All is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir, with Brennan Manning. We talked poetry, of course, but we also talked about writing in general, about the importance of civil discourse, Brennan Manning, and what it means that our words form us. You can purchase The Jubliee: Poems here, and you can connect with John on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and on his website. The music on this episode comes with permission from one of my favorite singer/songwriters, the brilliant Sara Groves. The song is called Floodplain.

Ruth Haley Barton is one of my dear friends, and has also been a mentor for many years. She's the author of many books, and is also the Director of the Transforming Center, which is dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors, Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve. In this episode, we talked all about the nature of transformation -- it was so good for my soul. Ruth just recently launched a brand new podcast called Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, and season 1 is all about Developing Sacred Rhythms in the Life of a Leader. I got the chance to interview her in all nine episodes; we had some expansive conversations that I think will really be helpful in your own journey of spiritual transformation. Enjoy this conversation, and then make sure to check out her new podcast! Music: I am New by Joel Hanson

Have you ever experienced that awkward moment when someone asks you a question, and you know they want an either/or response, but you just can't go there? Have you ever wanted to demand a better, more expansive question, one that respects the nature of your answer, and the fact that their small question can't contain the truth of your nuanced answer? Well, well, well. You need to get to know Mu. Enjoy! Links: Music kindly provided by Sisters of Murphy (songs: 17 and Green Over Red (Radio Edit). Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. And - I meant to mention this, but forgot: Listen to this fabulous interview with Krista Tippet and Padraig O Tuama to hear more about Mu.

Lent is the season when most of us feel deprived, guilty, and hungry. But it was really meant to be a season where those of us who feel lost, lonely, and empty could return to God to be filled and finally satisfied. It's a season to get really honest about the ways in which we've gorged ourselves on things that don't satisfy. It's a season to come home. Enjoy. Music used by permission from The Brilliance. Songs: See The Love, Oh Earth, Brother (featuring Propaganda), and Night Has Passed/Morning Has Broken.

On today's podcast, I talked about your body, your soul, your mind, and your spirit. In all of those areas, what are you saying yes to? What are you saying no to? What limits are you recognizing and how are you gently noticing what you need, and then moving toward those things? In this season of such high anxiety and stress, it's important to pay attention to these four areas, and start getting serious about what you are saying yes to, and what you are saying no to. Enjoy! Resources: Music on this podcast brought to you by Ben Rosenbush and the Brighton, from their album A Wild Hunger. Sabbath, by Wayne Mueller; A Prayer Guide for Lent by Daniel Lukas. And email me at steve (at) stevewiens.com if you live in Syndey and want to meet likeminded folks!

Jeff Johnson is the founder and director of Motion 117 Productions, where he creates films, primarily because he's fascinated with the question "why." Jeff's also a part of the incredible band Cloud Cult, who produced a feature film called The Seeker, which Jeff directed. It's beautiful, haunting, and surprising. Jeff's a very good friend of mine (he's also the father of twins). I loved talking to him about his creative process and the journey of telling fascinating and hopeful stories in the world. Enjoy! Living in Awe, Running With the Wolves, and Through the Ages all appear on this podcast with kind permission from Cloud Cult. You can follow Jeff on Facebook and Twitter. Cloud Cult's Stories from the Road, (and other Cloud Cult videos) can be viewed here.

Almost exactly one year ago, Scott Madison fell 30 feet from a truss high above the stage at the church where he works. He probably should have died (but, well... he didn't). Scott's remarkable recovery and startling insights into a new life with God are inspiring, challenging, and humbling. I've known Scott for about ten years, and I loved this conversation. Enjoy! You can follow Scott on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

Sometimes we make decisions way too quickly and we regret them. Sometimes we let decisions drag on forever as the anxiety piles up like laundry. Sometimes we let others make our decisions for us. What's behind that? What are we afraid of? Is there a better way? I was recently trying to make a decision about a risky idea that has been nagging at me for quite a while. I elicited the help of some friends via email and got wildly different reactions. I swung wildly with those reactions, promising myself I'd never do the idea and then convincing myself I had to do it. Then I had a conversation with one of my friends that honestly changed everything. She helped me see decision making from an entirely different point of view. So that's what this podcast is all about. Enjoy!

In which I interviewed the inimitable Nish Weiseth, a self-proclaimed Enneagram 5 with a 5 Wing, author, speaker, mother, feminist, and hopeful-yet-angsty activist. We covered a range of topics, from being raised by atheist parents in the buckle of the bible belt, to getting Facebook stalked by vicious alt-right trolls. She talked a lot about how she is embracing the reality that in many ways, she's always been an outsider. We talked about how hard that's been, but also how that has been transformed into courageous action. We talked about where she sees hope in the world, and also what drives her crazy. We even talked about the reality of getting demoralizing royalty statements (because misery really does love company). I loved getting to know Nish - and I think you'll love our rollicking conversation as well. Connect with Nish on Twitter and Facebook, and please consider buying her book, Speak: How Your Story Can Change the World.

In which I interviewed my friend Dan Lukas, and he actually blew my mind about how he thinks about prayer. So many of us are terrified that we're getting it wrong, and we give up before we've even started. "I pray," he says, "so that I am made to look more and more like my creator." We tackled a lot of the big questions about prayer, including if prayer changes God's mind, what to do when prayers aren't answered, the many different ways to pray, how to figure out if it's God speaking or yourself, and many more. This was easily one of my favorite podcasts so far. You're going to love Dan's wisdom and humility. Get in touch with Dan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and at his church. And please check out his podcast, Lord Teach Us to Pray.

In which I invited everybody to the uncomfortable - or exciting, depending on your personality - place of allowing yourself to learn new things, to change what you think, and to expand as a human being. Would you be willing to watch/read the news from a different source for a while? Would you be willing to look stupid but ask what something is when someone brings up something you don't know in a conversation? Would you be courageous and ask to spend time with someone who knows more about something than you do? Would you be willing to use your imagination more than your intellect from time to time? Let's be learners, friends. 2017 needs it.

In which I talked about cultivating the ability to see the light of Christ in the world in unexpected places, while taking unfamiliar journeys. In the Christian household, Epiphany is the season where we look for the light of Christ, and we wonder what unexpected, unfamiliar place(s) it will show up in the world. Epiphany means "revelation" or "showing forth," and during its season, we remember the three pagan astrologers who left everything, following a star to find a baby in a manger. Their response wasn't doubt or cynicism, but wonder, awe, and joy. Can we open our eyes this season to see the unexpected places that the light of Christ is shining? Can we abandon the familiar in order to go on an unfamiliar journey? And when we find it, can we allow ourselves to respond to wonder, awe, and joy instead of cynicism, even if it shows up in a very unexpected place? I mentioned Ruth Haley Barton's wonderful Epiphany post. You can read it here. I also quoted J. Phillip Newell's book The Rebirthing of God: Christianity's Struggle for New Beginnings. You can purchase Beginnings on kindle for $2.99 (through January 7th). You can purchase These Good Words: 30 Days of Scripture and Reflection for .$99

In which I talk about a different way to approach the idea of resolutions. Resolutions tend to make us feel "less than," and that life can only be enjoyed when we've reached our goal. Change that actually changes you involves taking the time to listen to what your soul really wants, and where God wants to lead you, instead of only focusing on what you don't like about yourself. And please consider using my new journal - These Good Words: 30 Days of Scripture and Reflection, available as an immediate download here. You can find this episode's ShowNotes here.

In which Rabbi Alan and I talk about how LIGHT is always found hidden in the darkness in the Scriptures, beginning with Genesis 1 and ending with Revelation 21. Some juicy quotes: "Sacred wisdom isn't on demand." Come on now! And, "God-light is at its essence, freeing." Enjoy.

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Click here to register for Genderfull (a different kind of conversation about masculinity and femininity, and how to find fullness - yours and God's - beyond the binaries. Click here for this week's shownotes.

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