Advent gives us time to remember that THIS is not the end of the story. This is not the end of your story or your child’s story, your marriage’s story, the church’s story, or our country’s story. Christ, our Beloved and our Victor, WILL return. Truthfully, it’s my favorite time of the church year. After all the hard news and the heaviness of the brokenness of our world, we get to turn our eyes upon Jesus, to gaze there, to Behold our God, Join me for this 16-day audio Advent Journey to Behold our God and focus on the divinity of Christ through the scriptures and music of Handel's Messiah: https://mailchi.mp/athirstforgod.com/messiahadvent

Advent gives us time to remember that THIS is not the end of the story. This is not the end of your story or your child’s story, your marriage’s story, the church’s story, or our country’s story. Christ, our Beloved and our Victor, WILL return. Truthfully, it’s my favorite time of the church year. After all the hard news and the heaviness of the brokenness of our world, we get to turn our eyes upon Jesus, to gaze there, to Behold our God, Join me for this 16-day audio Advent Journey to Behold our God and focus on the divinity of Christ through the scriptures and music of Handel's Messiah: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/athirstforgod.com/messiahadvent" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/athirstforgod.com/messiahadvent</a>

A Gentle Invitation to Advent

Bette Dickinson

Bette Dickinson tells the story of how saying "yes" to enfleshing God's message of the Magnificat became one painting, then twenty-five, and then an entire Advent devotional. She also gives us an inside view on how her inner achiever was set free from striving so the Spirit could truly flow through her.  Follow @bette_dickinson on instagram This is an Advent devotional you will return to again and again:  https://www.amazon.com/Making-Room-Advent-Devotions-Season/dp/1514004836/ref=asc_df_1514004836/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=564690296844&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=3158106950605108191&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=901078...

Bette Dickinson tells the story of how saying "yes" to enfleshing God's message of the Magnificat became one painting, then twenty-five, and then an entire Advent devotional. She also gives us an inside view on how her inner achiever was set free from striving so the Spirit could truly flow through her.  Follow @bette_dickinson on instagram This is an Advent devotional you will return to again and again: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Making-Room-Advent-Devotions-Season/dp/1514004836/ref=asc_df_1514004836/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=564690296844&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=3158106950605108191&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9010784&amp;hvtargid=pla-1643843137891&amp;psc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Making-Room-Advent-Devotions-Season/dp/1514004836/ref=asc_df_1514004836/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=564690296844&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=3158106950605108191&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=901078...</a>

Bette Dickinson, Advent, and an Artist's Vocation

Beth Booram

We have a complicated relationship with desire and longing. Yes, our every cry is welcomed, but do we even want it to come up for daylight? Sometimes desire can feel vulnerable. Other times sharing can be a delight. What happens when we begin to recognize God has a new calling for us? In this episode I invited Beth Booram to teach us to listen to the first seeds of a God-given dream.

We have a complicated relationship with desire and longing. Yes, our every cry is welcomed, but do we even want it to come up for daylight? Sometimes desire can feel vulnerable. Other times sharing can be a delight. What happens when we begin to recognize God has a new calling for us? In this episode I invited Beth Booram to teach us to listen to the first seeds of a God-given dream.

Spiritual Direction for your God-Given Dream with Beth Booram

You've heard the phrase, "name it to tame it?" When we name our emotions, the heaviness around our feelings suddenly lifts. In this episode, Alison L. Bradley and I talk through page 5 of the workbook I created for you outlining a four-step process to emotional resiliency. In it I give multiple tools to name, ground, metabolize and then come to a place of rest in the Presence of God. These steps are validated by contemporary neurobiology and the Biblical invitation to lament. Get your free 21-page, "I'm Feeling...Choose your Own Adventure Workbook" here: https://mailchi.mp/9669bd96e860/feeling-choose-adventure  Follow Alison L. Bradley on instagram @alisonlbradley and at her enneagram themed instagram site: @9ish_andiknowit

You've heard the phrase, "name it to tame it?" When we name our emotions, the heaviness around our feelings suddenly lifts. In this episode, Alison L. Bradley and I talk through page 5 of the workbook I created for you outlining a four-step process to emotional resiliency. In it I give multiple tools to name, ground, metabolize and then come to a place of rest in the Presence of God. These steps are validated by contemporary neurobiology and the Biblical invitation to lament. Get your free 21-page, "I'm Feeling...Choose your Own Adventure Workbook" here: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/9669bd96e860/feeling-choose-adventure" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/9669bd96e860/feeling-choose-adventure</a> Follow Alison L. Bradley on instagram @alisonlbradley and at her enneagram themed instagram site: @9ish_andiknowit

Creative Ideas for Naming Emotions with Alison L. Bradley

Some of these thoughts on resilience from Melody Ries have been breakthroughs for me. Here you can learn from my mom's spiritual director and her profound story. Neuroscience and Redemption. This conversation is full of gold.

Some of these thoughts on resilience from Melody Ries have been breakthroughs for me. Here you can learn from my mom's spiritual director and her profound story. Neuroscience and Redemption. This conversation is full of gold.

Building Resilience with Therapist Melody Ries

God never tells someone they are too needy. He never rebukes or shushes them. God moves towards us in our need. You can do this SIMPLE prayer practice as often as desired.

God never tells someone they are too needy. He never rebukes or shushes them. God moves towards us in our need. You can do this SIMPLE prayer practice as often as desired.

A SIMPLE Ignatian Contemplation Prayer Practice: Blind Bartimaeus

What if you knew that every cry was welcomed? What if you knew you didn't have to weigh your need or manage expectations, just come? This is the focus of today's Presence Project Podcast episode. Want to dive deeper with us? bio.site/summerjoygross

What if you knew that every cry was welcomed? What if you knew you didn't have to weigh your need or manage expectations, just come? This is the focus of today's Presence Project Podcast episode. Want to dive deeper with us? bio.site/summerjoygross

Your Every Cry is Welcome

In this podcast episode, Summer invites us to think about our inner critic in another way. Maybe our inner critic is a part of us who needs the love and compassion of God. Also included is a prayer exercise to invite our inner critic out of the darkness of shame and into the Light of God's healing.

In this podcast episode, Summer invites us to think about our inner critic in another way. Maybe our inner critic is a part of us who needs the love and compassion of God. Also included is a prayer exercise to invite our inner critic out of the darkness of shame and into the Light of God's healing.

Healing the Inner Critic

How do we become aware and discerning with the toxic thoughts which have become the fbackground noise of our life? They are stealing our joy. They are robbing us of courageous creativity. They are demanding perfection. It's time to take back stolen ground by befriending our inner critic. Surprised by this invitation? Listen in. bio.site/summerjoygross

How do we become aware and discerning with the toxic thoughts which have become the fbackground noise of our life? They are stealing our joy. They are robbing us of courageous creativity. They are demanding perfection. It's time to take back stolen ground by befriending our inner critic. Surprised by this invitation? Listen in. bio.site/summerjoygross

Befriending our Inner Critic with Gem Fadling

Sarah Herring, Spiritual director, therapist and former Dean of Students at Simpson, teaches us a beautiful, grace-filled way to reflect on your day and pray the Examen. This is so rich, friends. Find a beautiful video by Sarah and free 9 pg Examen workbook for a gentle reflection on your day on bio.site/summerjoygross.

Sarah Herring, Spiritual director, therapist and former Dean of Students at Simpson, teaches us a beautiful, grace-filled way to reflect on your day and pray the Examen. This is so rich, friends. Find a beautiful video by Sarah and free 9 pg Examen workbook for a gentle reflection on your day on bio.site/summerjoygross.

Creative Right Brain Prayer Tools with The Examen

Overcome chronic anxiety through resting in God.Simple, repeatable tools. Ancient contemplative practices. Modern brain science.Practice resting in the heart of God on the good days so you can make your way home to the Prince of Peace in the middle of your hurricanes.

This podcast is just so unique.  Summers voice partnered with her ability to communicate reverence for the Lord is unmatched.  Every episode feels like I have had an actual spiritual experience.  I’m not just learning about Jesus-I am being led to having an encounter with JESUS, in every episode.

Amazing Podcast

The show has amazing production and such deep insights into many different types of prayer.

So great

Overcome chronic anxiety through resting in God. Simple, repeatable tools. Ancient contemplative practices. Modern brain science. Practice resting in the heart of God on the good days so you can make your way home to the Prince of Peace in the middle of your hurricanes.

The Presence Project Podcast

Aundi Kolber

Aundi Kolber talks with me about attachment styles, a new view for anxiety, and looking at spiritual practices through a trauma-informed lens. What happens when spiritual practices like silence trigger you? You Try Softer.

Aundi Kolber talks with me about attachment styles, a new view for anxiety, and looking at spiritual practices through a trauma-informed lens. What happens when spiritual practices like silence trigger you? You Try Softer.

Aundi Kolber and the Try Softer way of looking at Spiritual Practices

Why attachment theory and bonding is a helpful companion on this journey and what happens to our brain when we feed it on repetition. Join the Presence Project here:https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject

Why attachment theory and bonding is a helpful companion on this journey and what happens to our brain when we feed it on repetition. Join the Presence Project here:<a href="https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject</a>

The Power of Repetition to Root in God's Love

How do we hold onto the hand of God through life's storms?   I share personal stories, share answers from our Presence Project Community and ask questions about how we look at suffering as Christians. Finally, I share a simple but effective form of breath prayer we can weave through our busy lives.   Join the Presence Project here: https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject Discover the ancient practice of lectio divina here: https://mailchi.mp/2dc9aa798d2d/revsummerjoygross aThirstforGod.com Instagram: @revsummerjoy

How do we hold onto the hand of God through life's storms? I share personal stories, share answers from our Presence Project Community and ask questions about how we look at suffering as Christians. Finally, I share a simple but effective form of breath prayer we can weave through our busy lives. Join the Presence Project here: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject</a> Discover the ancient practice of lectio divina here: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/2dc9aa798d2d/revsummerjoygross" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/2dc9aa798d2d/revsummerjoygross</a> <a href="http://aThirstforGod.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">aThirstforGod.com</a> Instagram: @revsummerjoy

Riding Out our Waves of Pain through Breath Prayer

How centering prayer teaches our brains to release compulsive thoughts into the hands of God.

How centering prayer teaches our brains to release compulsive thoughts into the hands of God.

Centering Prayer:  Freedom from Worry

What happens when the Spirit invites us to meditate on scripture? Transformation.Two stories. One invitation. Join the Presence Project here: https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject

What happens when the Spirit invites us to meditate on scripture? Transformation.Two stories. One invitation. Join the Presence Project here: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject</a>

2 Stories: Overcoming Depression with Scripture Meditation

"Sometimes we get a glimpse of a soul and we want to take off our shoes.   Whether it’s looking into the eyes of the checkout clerk surprised someone truly wants to know how she’s doing or a spiritual directee who lets me see the pain underneath her socially accepted story. Like all of us, she’s become adept at holding up a whole bevy of masks. Every time she walks into our chapel for direction, she takes a while to settle, going through an awkward song and dance performing for my approval before becoming quiet and receptive to the Spirit.   What she doesn’t know is that underneath, when the Holy Spirit broods over her vulnerable story, she’s stunning. &amp; the wrinkles and scars point to a story as deep as her words.   And then as she closes her eyes childlike, holding her face up to the light of God’s Presence I too am warmed by her light." Read the transcript here. Join the Presence Project here and on Facebook here. 

"Sometimes we get a glimpse of a soul and we want to take off our shoes. Whether it’s looking into the eyes of the checkout clerk surprised someone truly wants to know how she’s doing or a spiritual directee who lets me see the pain underneath her socially accepted story. Like all of us, she’s become adept at holding up a whole bevy of masks. Every time she walks into our chapel for direction, she takes a while to settle, going through an awkward song and dance performing for my approval before becoming quiet and receptive to the Spirit. What she doesn’t know is that underneath, when the Holy Spirit broods over her vulnerable story, she’s stunning. &amp; the wrinkles and scars point to a story as deep as her words. And then as she closes her eyes childlike, holding her face up to the light of God’s Presence I too am warmed by her light." <a href="https://wp.me/p96INL-17Z" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read the transcript here.</a> <a href="http://www.athirstforgod.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join the Presence Project here</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/267228990621812/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">and on Facebook here.</a>

The Hidden Beauty of the Human Soul

Ramp

"My anxiety was so debilitating I needed an on-ramp for gratitude. Anxiety had caught me by the ankles. My brain couldn’t make the leap from fear to praise.   But, I could sit down beside the playground while the kids ran from slide to slide and run my fingers through the grass.  I could sit down and open my ears to the creaking of the swing as my little girl pumped her legs. I could lie back and watch one puff of cloud make its way slowly across the sky." Join the Presence Project, now a podcast, here: https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject Join our facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/267228990621812

"My anxiety was so debilitating I needed an on-ramp for gratitude. Anxiety had caught me by the ankles. My brain couldn’t make the leap from fear to praise.   But, I could sit down beside the playground while the kids ran from slide to slide and run my fingers through the grass.  I could sit down and open my ears to the creaking of the swing as my little girl pumped her legs. I could lie back and watch one puff of cloud make its way slowly across the sky." Join the Presence Project, now a podcast, here: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject</a> Join our facebook community here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/267228990621812" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/267228990621812</a>

An On-Ramp to Joy, our Summer Practice

The continual prayer of the heart, the ancient Jesus Prayer, gives us the opportunity to turn our deep need toward God, one repetition at a time. In this episode we root breath prayer firmly in the Christian tradition, from the gospels to the early church fathers. And in the meantime, we walk in the sandals of the blind man, learning to cry out, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me," ourselves.   Join the Presence Project here: https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject

The continual prayer of the heart, the ancient Jesus Prayer, gives us the opportunity to turn our deep need toward God, one repetition at a time. In this episode we root breath prayer firmly in the Christian tradition, from the gospels to the early church fathers. And in the meantime, we walk in the sandals of the blind man, learning to cry out, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me," ourselves. Join the Presence Project here: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject</a>

The ancient Jesus Prayer & Listening to our Heart's Cry

K. J. Ramsey

K. J. Ramsey and Summer Gross talk life with COVID19, grief, and the brain science of anxiety, giving practical tips for our journey back to awareness of our Prince of Peace. Finally, Summer leads us through an Ignatian style scripture practice where we can walk into the gospel story of Jesus blessing the children. 

K. J. Ramsey and Summer Gross talk life with COVID19, grief, and the brain science of anxiety, giving practical tips for our journey back to awareness of our Prince of Peace. Finally, Summer leads us through an Ignatian style scripture practice where we can walk into the gospel story of Jesus blessing the children.

An Interview with K. J. Ramsey: How God Ministers to us in our Anxiety,

"But when Mom started laying down her fears to her counselor one at a time, Delores looked her straight in the eye, “Beth, you’re painting a picture of a life without God in it. Delores’ words shook something in mom. Where WAS God in the picture she was painting? Over and over she was practicing the absence of God. Over and over she was painting a picture of her new location and Christ was nowhere in sight."   Find transcript at aThirstforGod.com

"But when Mom started laying down her fears to her counselor one at a time, Delores looked her straight in the eye, “Beth, you’re painting a picture of a life without God in it. Delores’ words shook something in mom. Where WAS God in the picture she was painting? Over and over she was practicing the absence of God. Over and over she was painting a picture of her new location and Christ was nowhere in sight." Find transcript at <a href="http://aThirstforGod.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">aThirstforGod.com</a>

How Christ Cuts Through our Anxiety with His Presence

Hurry clamps down on creativity. Hurry makes decision-making nearly impossible. Hurry leaves us weary. Hurry divides our focus.   And usually, Hurry is driven by anxiety.  Overwork. Overfunctioning. Overscheduling. They’re rarely if ever driven by joy or trust. And if we follow the train back far enough, we find they’re created by fear. Fear we’ll miss something. Fear we’ll be rejected. Fear we’re not caring enough. Fear Fear Fear.

Hurry clamps down on creativity. Hurry makes decision-making nearly impossible. Hurry leaves us weary. Hurry divides our focus. And usually, Hurry is driven by anxiety.  Overwork. Overfunctioning. Overscheduling. They’re rarely if ever driven by joy or trust. And if we follow the train back far enough, we find they’re created by fear. Fear we’ll miss something. Fear we’ll be rejected. Fear we’re not caring enough. Fear Fear Fear.

The Cost of Hurry

Psalm 78 confronts us with how easy it is to speak against God and ask, “Can God set a table in the wilderness?” On the hard days we struggle to remember. It’s human. But, what if we kept a journal, like Ann Voskamp’s 1000 gifts, and on the hard days, we perused the pages and found the goodness of God printed in our own handwriting? Or what if we used a holiday primed for this, Thanksgiving, to speak the stories of gratitude into each other’s lives, to pass the goodness of God from one generation to another just like we do the mashed potatoes. This simple ritual, three kernels of corn, is our own family’s way of doing just that.

Psalm 78 confronts us with how easy it is to speak against God and ask, “Can God set a table in the wilderness?” On the hard days we struggle to remember. It’s human. But, what if we kept a journal, like Ann Voskamp’s 1000 gifts, and on the hard days, we perused the pages and found the goodness of God printed in our own handwriting? Or what if we used a holiday primed for this, Thanksgiving, to speak the stories of gratitude into each other’s lives, to pass the goodness of God from one generation to another just like we do the mashed potatoes. This simple ritual, three kernels of corn, is our own family’s way of doing just that.

Trust in God Built One Gratitude after Another 

Truth is, sometimes connecting with God in the middle of chaos and anxiety can be near impossible. Anxiety disconnects our prefrontal cortex, making it difficult for us to be rational and relational.  During times like this, the world feels off-kilter. We feel off-kilter. Today I’m going to walk us through an Ignatian scripture exercise of Mark 4:35-40 using holy imagination and the senses. Why? The senses ground our anxiety and then heighten our ability to focus.

Truth is, sometimes connecting with God in the middle of chaos and anxiety can be near impossible. Anxiety disconnects our prefrontal cortex, making it difficult for us to be rational and relational.  During times like this, the world feels off-kilter. We feel off-kilter. Today I’m going to walk us through an Ignatian scripture exercise of Mark 4:35-40 using holy imagination and the senses. Why? The senses ground our anxiety and then heighten our ability to focus.

When You Need the One who Calms Storms

Our brains have to be rewired for perfect love.  Here’s why. Many of us transfer our attachment disorders onto our relationship with God. We have received halting, crippled human love from our caregivers and we end up using that same lens with which to view God. It’s the only lens for love we have!  In Brain science speak, we’re literally  trying to push perfect love through the same neural pathways we were given of imperfect human love. &amp; this rewiring to perfect love is the ultimate mission of The Presence Project.

Our brains have to be rewired for perfect love.  Here’s why. Many of us transfer our attachment disorders onto our relationship with God. We have received halting, crippled human love from our caregivers and we end up using that same lens with which to view God. It’s the only lens for love we have!  In Brain science speak, we’re literally  trying to push perfect love through the same neural pathways we were given of imperfect human love. &amp; this rewiring to perfect love is the ultimate mission of The Presence Project.

New Neural Pathways to Perfect Love

Mindfulness is Christian as it leads our full embodied presence into the courts of God’s presence. The present moment can be a doorway to communion.  Join the Presence Project here: https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject Join our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/267228990621812

Mindfulness is Christian as it leads our full embodied presence into the courts of God’s presence. The present moment can be a doorway to communion.  Join the Presence Project here: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/45d1fce7d557/thepresenceproject</a> Join our Facebook page here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/267228990621812" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/267228990621812</a>

A Christian View of Mindfulness

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The best podcasts on investing. For anyone interested in the stories in the investing industry, whether it's an interview with Ray Dalio or Ed Thorp to the writer of The Big Short. This topic includes the most fascinating stories from all the best investors. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!