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“My bad!” It’s lingo for something done wrong. Why do we make bad choices? Debates over human nature and our relationship to God stretch back to the dawn of human history. In this episode take a new look to uncover what people who do bad things can learn about themselves and the goodness of God. We find help in owning our actions, solidarity with others, and renewal of meaning in God's active presence.Support the show

Fear pops up everyday. How can we handle it well? Join me in exploring fear and what it means for our well-being. I draw from Scripture, psychology, and literature to help us cope and overcome it. We can learn from the Hero's Journey motif and Christian spirituality three key insights about dealing with this common experience. "The Lord is my light... of whom shall I be afraid?"Support the show

Confusion can spin our world and faith like a twirling top, can’t it? Who likes confusion, mystery, and uncertainty? Yet confusion might just be the doorway to something we need. Let’s explore the possibility that embracing our uncertainties can lead to greater well-being. Support the show

How can 2023 be a better year for you mentally, socially, and vocationally? A simple tool is keeping a therapeutic journal. You can discover insights and improve your life with just a few minutes each day. Explore with me the benefits and practical methods that will guide you to diary your way to well-being. Support the show

We make many decisions every day. Some are life changing and need special consideration. Do we follow a star like the Wise Men of old? Progressive theology and modern psychology offer some answers. Enjoy this episode as we probe where we might find guidance for our important decisions.Click here to find out more about starting your own podcast! Let them know I sent you with this code: 848536  Support the show

Anger surrounds us today. Fighting, revenge, abuse, and murder make the headlines. Even the ancient words of the Bible narrate stories of God being angry! What can we do with anger? Let’s understand this emotion better and learn to regulate ourselves to achieve a healthier lifestyle.Support the show

Today’s headlines tell the story of a struggle for equality that has persisted for millennia. Women and men are equally human but not equal in rights and opportunity. To understand what’s happening in this quest for wellbeing, we must explore history, theology, and psychology. Join me in this episode about “Gals, Guys, and God.” Support the show

Have you ever felt stuck in a situation you could not change? It’s frustrating and even frightening to lose what psychologists call “agency.” What can you do to break out when you feel like you are locked in and helpless? Let’s explore what to do to regain the power of change in this episode of Tracks for the Journey.Support the show

Forty billion miles! As I celebrate my 70th birthday, I've reflected on some ideas that have helped me along this journey of life. You may find some thoughts that will help you, no matter what your age. Let's consider owning the past, accepting the present, traveling together, and our Companion on this road. Forty billion miles... and counting!Support the show

Whether you are working a first job, or nearing retirement, balancing labor and life is a challenge. When we add to this that the pandemic has altered work for millions, the difficulty increases. Let’s take a few minutes to explore what is happening with our work today, some insights from the Bible, and how we can balance living and working.CITED “Job Satisfaction 2022: Chartbook.” www.conference-board.org. https://www.conference-board.org/research/job-satisfaction/2022-based-on-November-2021 “What Makes Life Meaningful? Views From 17 Advanced Economies,” www.pewreseach.org. https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2021/11/18/what-makes-life-meaningful-views-from-17-advanced-economies/ Messenger, William, “Calling and Vocation (overview). www.theologyofwork.org/key-topics/vocation-overview-article Mendoza, Jordan, “100-year-old man breaks Guinness World Record for working at same company for 84 years.” www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2022/05/02/brazil-guinness-world-record-84-years Your comments are welcome by email to trackspodcast.mail.Follow me and more resources at www.tracksforthejourney.comBuy the latest book at  https://www.amazon.com/Tracks-Journey-2021-Exploring-well-being-ebook/dp/B09QVBC8DL Support the show

The conscience of America is raw as the struggle for racial equality rumbles around us. In this personal, historical and theological episode, Larry explores ways that Christians can act to make a difference. He draws on the writings of Black activist Ijeoma Oluo and the teachings of the Bible to gain insight for today. Listen today for challenge and encouragement in our mutual journey to a better community.(This is a remastered edition originally published in July, 2020)Your comments are welcome by email to trackspodcast.mail.Follow me and more resources at www.tracksforthejourney.comBuy the latest book at  https://www.amazon.com/Tracks-Journey-2021-Exploring-well-being-ebook/dp/B09QVBC8DLSupport the show

Sex commands center stage in our society today, filling the headlines with debate and the websites with erotica. Can we find a healthier sexuality through theology, ethics, and science? I think so, because sex is okay with God. In this episode I discuss the basic vocabulary we need but don't really know. I dig into some of the Bible material beyond just the simple proof texts, especially surrounding LBGTIA issues. Finally, the principles of sex as good and fidelity as central are presented.Your comments are welcome by email to trackspodcast.mail.Follow me and more resources at www.tracksforthejourney.comBuy the latest book at  https://www.amazon.com/Tracks-Journey-2021-Exploring-well-being-ebook/dp/B09QVBC8DLSupport the show

All of us want happiness, especially after the difficult years just past. Do we know what real happiness is and how to live it? Explore in this episode the psychology, theology, and practice of being happy.Sign up with Buzzsprout to start your podcast! For more Info hereSupport the show

In a vast universe, we need something really big. What could be large enough to give us meaning? In this episode, we’ll explore the teachings of the Bible and thoughts of modern philosophy to find a vast truth that builds our well-being.Support the show

Who can we trust today? Really, we can’t live with fullness without trusting the people around us and being trustworthy ourselves. Join me in exploring what trust means for your relationships, faith, and wellbeing.Support the show

Last month I celebrated 50 years of marriage! I'd like to share with you some key ingredients for building a strong relationship. Join me for three skills every couple can use to create a durable, loving bond.Support the show

2022! More Covid, more political battles, more job stress, more disasters… can you feel the stress levels rising? Stress has terrible effects on our health. It’s time to listen to some helps to bust the stress cycle in this bonus episode of Tracks for the Journey. Support the show

Christmas is joy and gifts and … shame? When we probe the story of Mary we find a dark side not portrayed in the Christmas pagaent. What was Mary’s shame and what can we learn about this basic human emotion? Listen today to explore “Christmas: From Shamed to Blessed.”Support the show

Faith and science agree that practicing gratitude brings a better life. Let's explore why and how in this Thanksgiving episode!Support the show

What can you learn in 600 months? I’d like to share some reflections as I celebrate 50 years of Christian ministry. The journey has taken me across several states, venues, and circumstances to glimpse some patterns which I hope will improve your wellbeing. People, balance, and authenticity offer pillars that can support many more years of healthy living. Support the show