We live in troubled times. We are surrounded by demands, expectations, and frustrations. So often, the squeaky wheel gets the attention, not the gracious individual holding the door for us. Some might say we’ve become a culture of impatience, and many might agree.
Impatience is easy to identify. We become irritable; we let anger and resentment surface; we may even articulate a few expletives just to further demonstrate our dissatisfaction. We’ve all seen impatience in action.
Patience, on the other hand, may appear passive and polite. Patience is the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity. But how do we become more patient and be the kind of person we want to be? Join us as we discuss our own struggles with impatience, and review an expert's suggestions for fostering it.
At the end of the day, how do you want to be remembered? Ask yourself this question and give the episode a listen.
Show Notes:
Ten Tips for Cultivating Patience During Uncertain Times
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/issues/2020/0700/p43.html
The Khan Academy:
https://www.khanacademy.org/
Road Rage Statistics By The Zebra, updated September 15, 2023

We hear them on the daily: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Turn that frown upside down. Just stay positive. Those adages may be helpful for some of life’s challenges, but what happens when a devastating life event brings pain and suffering? How do we continue to find hope and strength in the face of unimaginable hardship?

This month’s series includes Robin’s insight into one of life’s most difficult experiences. Insight into the criminal justice system, restitution, and forgiveness. Insight into the reactions of family, friends, and communities when someone is convicted of a crime that changes lives forever.

One of Robin’s favorite scripture verses is Romans 8:28: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. The verse is not about the good of suffering’s end; rather, it affirms that things are working together for good in the midst of suffering and that God is working even in suffering for our good. Please join us as we are reminded of God’s grace in the midst of suffering.

Today we’re tackling a topic that’s more urgent than ever: the rising tide of anxiety and depression among Gen Z. In a world where social media, smartphones, and video games dominate their lives, young people are grappling with an alarming increase in mental health issues, leading to profound questions about what it means to live a fulfilling life.

In this episode, we dive deep into Jonathan Haidt’s compelling book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. As we discuss the trade of what Haidt calls the play-based childhood for a phone-based childhood, we’ll uncover how the quest for the "perfect" life has become a double-edged sword—promising connection while often delivering isolation and fear.

Join us as we explore the profound impacts of digital culture, hear stories of resilience, and discuss practical ways we can support Gen Z in navigating these challenges. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone who cares about the future, this conversation is essential. Let’s unravel the complexities of today’s youth together and discover how we can help them reclaim their lives.
Learn more about the book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036

We live in a hurried world. The modern conveniences that are touted to "save time’" are keeping us busier than ever. We over-schedule, over-commit, and end each day exhausted and already focused on the demands of tomorrow.

Quite often, it is our relationships with God and our family that suffer the absence of our time and attention. Do you spend time each day praying, reading the Bible, journaling? Is family time devoted to spending time in communion with each other? Are we setting examples we hope our children will follow?

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry offers tangible suggestions for living an unhurried life. The book encourages us to spend more time focusing on love, joy, and peace, and less time in a frantic state of constant motion. If you are seeking a peace-filled life, listen up.
Show Notes:
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World

by John Mark Comer

The Bible tells us, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings...” James 4:8. If there was ever a time when prayer and faith were needed, it’s now.

For the 73% of Americans who are experiencing election anxiety and stress, prayer can offer a sense of control and empowerment. Most of all, prayer can bring peace to our lives and the world.

We’ve heard that many churches are planning to open their doors on Nov. 5 to encourage prayer for our country. No music or ministering, just a place for people to pray and lay their worries down. If your place of worship hasn’t organized a similar opportunity, it might be worth suggesting.

We will be praying for you and our country in the days ahead. Please feel free to join us.

Show Notes:

Healthy ways to deal with election anxiety and political stress

https://www.treatmyocd.com

Volunteers of America

https://www.voa.org

To pray the prayer Robin highlights in the show, go to:

https://info.thecrossingchurch.com/blog/a-guide-to-praying-for-the-presidential-election

The meditation Denise guides us in at the end of the episode:

“If you’re feeling frightened about what comes next, don’t be. Embrace the uncertainty. Allow it to lead you places. Be brave as it challenges you to exercise both your heart and your mind as you create your own path toward happiness; don’t waste time with regret. Spin wildly into your next action. Enjoy the present, each moment, as it comes, because you’ll never get another one quite like it. And if you should ever look up and find yourself lost, simply take a breath and start over. Retrace your steps and go back to the purest place in your heart...where your hope lives. You’ll find your way again.” Alo Yoga