The post Carmen on The Denison Forum: “Responding to the Uvalde shooting” appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

The post Listen to Mornings with Carmen Podcast appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Linda Mintle – Dr. Linda Mintle Show

How do we deal with our own rage and anger, as well as when we are on the receiving end of extreme anger?

Rick Morton – VP of Engagement at Lifeline Children’s Services

Dr. Rick Morton, an adoptive father to three Ukrainian children, carries a heavy heart thinking of his friends, his family, and ministries being drastically impacted by Russia’s aggression. He explains to us the pressure this war is putting on vulnerable Ukrainian children. 

Today’s Episode

The post Dealing with extreme anger | The domino effect of Russia’s aggression appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Dean Inserra – Author of “Unsaved Christian: Reaching Cultural Christianity“

What is “cultural Christianity” and how do I know if I’m a cultural Christian or a real Christian? 

Wait a minute: are you saying I can believe all the right things and do all the right things and not ACTUALLY be a Christian? How is that possible?

Dean helps us understand the nuances and how the gospel of Jesus answers this!

Daniel Bennett – John Brown University and Uneasy Citizenship Blog

How has the U.S. responded to the Ukrainian invasion and who is Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Biden’s SCOTUS nomination?

Today’s Episode

The post Living like we know we’re saved | Comparing the Russian invasion of Ukraine to past takeovers appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Adam Holz – Plugged In

Nightbirde, the stage name of a contestant on America’s Got Talent who received a golden buzzer from Simon Cowell, and who is also an outspoken Christian and Liberty University grad, has now died. 

Carmen LaBerge – Carmen’s Leftovers

Ukraine is in the headlines, so Carmen helps us bring the mind of Christ to bear on THESE headlines of the day.

Today’s Episode

The post Nightbirde’s faith and Kanye West | Ukraine’s struggle and God’s ongoing redemptive plan appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Bruce Ashford – Research Fellow at the Kirby Laing Center

Bruce leads us through three more words of the ten words he has for a broken society.

Chris Martin – Terms of Service Newsletter

Chris Martin is a content marketing editor at Moody Publishers and author of the Terms of Service newsletter, a newsletter about social media and its effects on the world.

Today’s Episode

The post Three more of God’s words to our broken society | Cyber security and the information super highway’s dead end appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Peter Kapsner – 50 Shades of Truth

Dr. Leonard Sax – Author of “The Collapse of Parenting”

Today’s Episode

The post Making sure our identity is rooted where it should be | The character education of our kids and why honesty matters appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

John Brandon – Forbes Columnist & Digital Media Director for Northwestern Media

Sam Storms – Author of “A Dozen Things God Did with Our Sin”

Today’s Episode

The post What truth is all about and where to find it | Finding peace in knowing what God has done appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Jeff Bilbro – Grove City College & Front Porch Republic

Ruth Kramer – Mission Network News

Today’s Episode

The post Fostering healthy masculinity | China’s efforts to re-write Scripture appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Abigail Rist –

Ruth Chou Simons –

Today’s Episode

The post Russia-Ukraine tension hitting home | Finding freedom by responding to His welcome appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Mark Caleb Smith – Cedarville University

Ryan Bomberger – Radiance Foundation

Today’s Episode

The post Finding a new agent of unity and understanding for our country | Why we’re stronger than our circumstances appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Elizabeth Neumann – National Immigration Forum: Moonshot

Russia attempts to justify a Ukraine invasion.

Jessica Lalley – Voices to Connect

Making other people’s business your business.

Today’s Episode

The post Russia’s attempts to justify a Ukraine invasion | Making other people’s business your business appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Dave Buehring – Lionshare Media

Tending and loving those who are closest to us.

Per Ewert – Director at Clapham Institute of Sweden

How far does religious freedom extend?

Today’s Episode

The post Tending to and loving on those closest to us | How far religious freedom extends appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Adam Holz – Plugged In 

Adam gives us a larger spotlight on new tech and gambling. 

Carmen LaBerge – Carmen’s Leftovers

What would a eulogy for Jesus sound like?

Today’s Episode

The post Larger spotlight on new tech and gambling | How a eulogy for Jesus would read appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Steve West – Liberties Roundup for World Magazine

Dan DeWitt – Cedarville University & Theolatte

Today’s Episode

The post Religious assemblies in public schools | Translating our theology into the common language appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Peter Kapsner – 50 Shades of Truth

Rod Wilson – Author of “Thank you. I’m Sorry. Tell Me More.”

Today’s Episode

The post The formula and process of what happens during baptism | Living with the purpose of delivering kindness appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Ben Johnson – The Daily Wire

Tim Sullivan – Associated Press Reporter

Today’s Episode

The post Shifting the way of life under Taliban rule | One community but two starkly different realities appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Bill English – Bible and Business

Bryan Chapell – Author of “Daily Grace”

Bryan has released a new devotional titled “Daily Grace: 365 Daily Devotions Reflecting God’s Unlimited Grace”

Today’s Episode

The post Why rent prices are continuing to rise | Reflecting God’s unlimited grace appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Dean Inserra – City Church Tallahassee, Author

Jim Denison – Denison Forum & Author of “The Coming”

Today’s Episode

The post Combining the feeling of satisfaction with righteousness | The constant urge for more and still never arriving appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Bret Nicks – Christian Medical and Dental Association

John Hopkins has done a study on the effectiveness of lockdowns. What are the results?

Kevin and Sherry Harney – Authors of “Organic Disciples”

“Organic Disciples: Seven Ways to Grow Spiritually and Naturally Share Jesus”  is based on the idea that spiritual growth not only can come through typical spiritual disciplines, but also through sharing our faith with others.

Today’s Episode

The post Accessing the Impact of Lockdown Measures | Engaging the World with the Truth of Jesus appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Nick Pitts – Fellow at the Institute for Global Engagement

The Canadian Trucker Convoy seems to be over due to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s inaction of the Canadian Emergency act.

Paul D. Miller – Georgetown University and Providence Magazine

Dr. Miller helps us learn the Russia-Ukrainian situation, a situation that is long in the making and more than likely escalating to war.

Today’s Episode

The post Movement for Medical Freedom Spreading | How to Interpret the Movement of Russian Operations appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Adam Holz – Plugged In

The Oscar nominees are out and the winners are…FAMILIES! While not every movie on the Oscar list is meant for kiddos and up to go to, there are a smattering of family films with built in positive messages.

Susan Mettes – “The Loneliness Epidemic”

Susan is a behavioral scientist. She says that, “Although we are more connected than ever before, loneliness plagues more and more people. Why do people feel more lonely than ever? How can we as Christians respond to the problem of loneliness amongst our friends, families, and churches?” Today she helps us dig into answers to these questions and more!

Today’s Episode

The post Family Stories Starting to Win on the Big Screen | Ministering to the Inner Lives of the Lonely appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Bruce Ashford – Research Fellow at Kirby Laing Center

The Ten Commandments, sometimes called, the Ten Words have something to say to our broken society and Dr. Ashford is here to reveal to us us what.

Chris Martin – Terms of Service Blog

Can we protect our kids in the metaverse and why is has Wordle become such a cultural phenomenon Chris and Carmen attempt to bring the mind of Christ to bear on these questions.

Today’s Episode

The post Why We Like to See God Differently Than He Actually Is | What Made Wordle Explode appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Carmen’s Leftovers

John Bradley – Lamia Afghan Foundation

Afghanistan has topped Open Doors World Watch list for 2022 and many are claiming the U.S.’ betrayal of Afghanistan. How should we think of this and what is happening in this challenging and heartbreaking situation? Carmen and John try and help give some clarity.

Today’s Episode

The post Connecting Love to God and Nothing Else | Our Nation’s Betrayal of Afghanistan appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Ben Johnson – The Daily Wire

Taking Kids to Church Matters More Than the ‘Right’ School, Study Suggests is a recent article reviewing some research that has come out about children’s wellbeing.

Jason Romano – Sports Spectrum

Jason, a former ESPN producer talks with Carmen about the Super Bowl, sports, and faith.

Today’s Episode

The post Missouri Governor’s Christian Values Statement | When Faith and Sports at the Biggest Stage Intersect appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Carmen’s Leftovers – The Power of Prayers

Do you feel the power of prayers? Well, former General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches said he felt it after he and his community of Tonga were prayed for worldwide. Prayer provides perspective and puts us in the right posture toward the world and everything in it. It also joins us to the will of God, his effective and affective will!

Catherine McNiel – Author of “Fearing Bravely”

“Fearing Bravely: Risking Love for Our Neighbors, Strangers, and Enemies” covers how Jesus commands us to love our neighbor. Even though we have that command, many of us fear our neighbors and turn inward. Even the church does this. Catherine helps us acknowledge this fear, submit it up to God in prayer and trust him to go before and behind us to “Love our neighbors”

Today’s Episode

The post The Power of Prayer | Courageously Loving All Who Are Among Us appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Jeff Bilbro – Grove City College & Front Porch Republic

An excerpt from Paul Kingsnorth’s, The Migration of the Holy blogpost:

We are worshipping something in our world, as we have always done, and understanding this is crucial to seeing the battles and divides of our time. There is nothing ‘rational’ about this world we have built, however much we might pretend otherwise. Does the world since the Enlightenment in the West – the world of Robespierre, Hitler, Stalin and Hiroshima – look ‘rational’ to you, or does it look like a world in which the Holy has migrated from the Heavenly to the Earthly realm, and is making mischief daily in the ruins?

Ruth Kramer – Mission Network News

Ruth has four tips for navigating the Israeli-Palestinian debates. She also has information for us to pray for regarding Malaysia and the Congo – let’s just put it this way, there are many dying every day without the hope of the Gospel.

Today’s Episode

The post The Migration of the Holy | Defining Your Worldview by God’s Word, Not Man’s appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Carmen LaBerge – Carmen’s Leftovers

It is predicted that a record 31.5 million Americans are going to wager on the Super Bowl. So how should we think about gambling? Carmen takes a deep dive to show what the Bible says and what we out to do in love. 

Geoff Peters – Author of “The Family Business”

“The Family Business: A Parable about Stepping Into the Life You Were Made For” will help you to examine your faith in light of a good father who wants his kids to experience the joy of his work, and the help that his business brings.

Today’s Episode

The post Taking a Deeper Look at the Nature of Gambling | Learning How to Use Your Gifts and Talents to Help Others appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Mark Caleb Smith – Cedarville University

Mark and Carmen discuss the process of redistricting: how political parties are killing competition and driving us further apart by rewarding the fringe voters. They also discuss the of Amy Coney Barrett’s long term plans as a Supreme Court Justice.

Grace McJohnson – “Little Labs”

There is an at home church movement happening across America. What are your experiences of church? What are the variety of fellowships of which you’ve been a part? In Acts we hear about the church in someone’s home. How might hosting, planning to lead, and planning to actively participate in worship change the way you think about worship?

Today’s Episode

The post American Voters Slowly but Surely Moving Out of the Equation | The House Church Movement appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Elizabeth Neumann – Moonshot & National Immigration Forum

ISIS? I thought we were done with them? In other news, what is the latest on the Russia-Ukrainian conflict and China’s strategies involving Iran and Russia? 

Roger Parrott – Author of “Opportunity Leadership”

“Opportunity Leadership: Stop Planning and Start Getting Results“ is meant to help give you an eye for the unexpected, opportunities that may be right under your nose. Dr. Parrott helps us develop six traits to aid us develop underutilized opportunities and more.

Today’s Episode

The post A reminder of Who ISIS is and What They Want | Finding Success from Unexpected Circumstances appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Dave Buehring – Lionshare Media

Am I available to do the things God has invited me to do with Him? Some enemies of availability may include: 1) Not seeking God first (Matthew 6); 2) not making decisions based on God’s value system. 3) not recognizing the season of life you are in.

Carmen LaBerge – Carmen’s Leftovers

Jesus is the vine and his Father the vinedresser. (John 15) May we bear fruit. May we abide in the vine. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength today.

Today’s Episode

The post Saying No to Even the Good Things | Dwelling on Things of the Lord appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Adam Holz – Plugged In

Movies, movies, movies are on the docket today. Adam tell us about “Moonfall” and reviews “The Royal Treatment,” and “Home Team” for us. He also digs into the question: have screens ruined our ability to read deeply?

Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston – Author of “I’ll Be There”

Pop culture would lead us to believe that adult friendships come easily – and make women think if they don’t have their #girlgang, their own Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha that there is something wrong with them. But nothing could be further from the truth! Friendships don’t always happen naturally or come easily – but it is possible to make real, authentic friends, the friends who show up in sweatpants. Amy & Jess literally wrote the book on it: “I’ll Be There (But I’ll Be Wearing Sweatpants).

Today’s Episode

The post What’s Inhibiting Us to Think and Reflect Deeply? | Making Real, Authentic Friends as Adults appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Steve West – Editor of the Liberties Roundup of World News Group

From adoption court cases to same-sex marriage suits, ministries and individuals in the states of Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, and Indiana are all facing challenges on the legal front.

Dan DeWitt – Cedarville University & Theolatte

Can AI assist our spiritual growth and discipleship? Are there really people considered the “prophets” of American secular religion and are they the same as biblical prophets? All this and more coming to you from Dan DeWitt and Carmen today!

Today’s Episode

The post Christian Adoption Ministries’ Continued Fight | New Ways to Aid our Spiritual Growth appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Peter Kapsner – 50 Shades of Truth

Are you middle aged? Well this article is for you: How to Find and Keep Friends. Well maybe the article is not for you, but Peter and Carmen dig into it today. They also dig into the fact that non-believers still desire fellowship.

Melissa and Michael Kruger – Authors of “5 Things to Pray for Your Spouse”

In their joint upcoming book, 5 Things to Pray for Your Spouse , the Krugers offer fresh, biblical ideas to help readers pray for their husband or wife. They draw on their 25 years of marriage for experience and insight. Melissa also wrote the popular book 5 Things to Pray for Your Kids.

Today’s Episode

The post Everyone’s Desire for Authentic Fellowship | Allowing God to Work in a Way Only He Can appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Ben Johnson – The Daily Wire

Religious groups call for amnesty from Hong Kong’s leader. In other news, Whoopi Goldberg has been suspended from “The View” television program after her comments about the holocaust.

Kathy Branzell – National Day of Prayer Taskforce

Heartbreak feels terrible, and scientists have made progress in showing why it feels so bad. So how does God through prayer meet us in that heartbreak and how does he help heal us? Kathy and Carmen can help us evaluate this dilemma and rest on the hope of God even when heartache is extreme.

Today’s Episode

The post The Intersection of the Gosepl and Social Responsibility | Working Through the Experience of Heartbreak appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Amy Julia Becker – Author of “Head, Hart, Hands” & “To Be Made Well”

Amy’s daughter Penny has Down Syndrome and Amy is so glad she did not abort her but often women are counseled to abort children with possible disabilities like Penny’s.

She says:

“The assumptions behind our prenatal testing programs also condition parents — and society as a whole — to see our kids as valuable according to their physical strength, intellectual capacity and social acuity rather than setting us up to receive their lives as they are given.

We need to change our approach to prenatal testing by ensuring that pregnant women who receive prenatal diagnoses get accurate information about what it’s like to raise a child with a disability and expanding the awareness of our collective responsibility to welcome and support diverse lives.”

Chrys Howard and Shellie Tomlinson – Authors of “Rocking It Grand”

Today’s grandmas live in an ever-changing, fast-paced, highly-competitive, busier-than-ever world. Chrys and Shellie who have more than 20 grandchildren are here to help. Together in “Rocking it Grand” they inspire grandmas with personal stories, learned insight, relevant Scripture, and a few laughs to encourage new and seasoned grandmas to press on.

Today’s Episode

The post How We Assign the Value of Our Children | Being Intentional with Your Grandchildren appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Daryl Crouch – Everyone’s Wilson Ministry & For Our City Blog

Most of us live in a very mobile, self sufficient, even isolated time so what does it mean for us to be devoted to one another as fellow believers? Acts 2:42-47 can show us how the early church went from the Living Word to living the word. It provides a snapshot of what it looks like to live in community. 

Jim Denison – The Denison Forum & Author of “The Coming Tsunami

Are people leaving the church or have churches left people bereft of the Gospel? What happens to the local church when we undermine the foundations of Biblical authority and Godly living? Jim and Carmen attempt to tackle these questions and more today! 

Today’s Episode

The post From the Living Word to Living the Word | The Continual Decline of Church Attendance appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Dr. Bret Nicks – Christian Medical & Dental Association

New studies that have proven successful in rabbits may pave the way for relief for work to be done to relieve humans suffering from arthritis. Alongside this news, we also receive our trusty Covid update from Dr. Nicks!

Barbara Reaoch – Author of “A Jesus Easter”

Barbara is super passionate about family discipleship, and that passion makes its way into her writing. Her new Easter family devotional goes through the Old and New Testaments to show how Easter has always been included in God’s plan. 

Today’s Episode

The post Hope for Those with Arthritis | The Full Joy of Our Resurrection Hope appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Nick Pitts – Fellow at the Institute for Global Engagement

Lifeway Research has found that men are a big part of the decisions surrounding unplanned pregnancies – and abortions. So, what do we do with the research?

Luke Moon – Philos Project

Luke breaks down the latest information on Russia and Ukraine. He also brings to light may of the challenges that are faced surrounding international religious freedom.

Today’s Episode 

The post The Responsibility Men Hold in Abortion Decisions | Promoting International Religious Freedom appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Dr. Linda Mintle – The Dr. Linda Mintle Show

Struggling with overthinking? Coupled with prayer, we can help free our minds from being overwhelmed by keeping a paper near and writing down everything that comes in our minds to do. We can also enter into nature to help calm our worries.

Elijah Stacy – Author of “A Small If”

“A Small If: The Inspiring Story of a 17-Year Old with a Fatal Disease — and a Mission to Cure It” contains thirteen lessons from Elijah Stacy, a seventeen-year-old who suffers from a fatal disease. Elijah’s goal? To help us overcome extreme suffering and, to the best of his abilities, relieve it throughout the world.

Today’s Episode

The post What to do When It’s Time for a Brain Dump | Overcoming Extreme Suffering by Developing an Adapter’s Mindset appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Carmen LaBerge – Carmen’s Leftovers

There was a scene in NY last week that is worthy of comment: a killed nypd officer’s final send off. In other news, there are hopes, dreams, disappointments, and the need for resilience in the pursuit of college or not; it’s never too late to walk by faith. 

Daniel Bennett – John Brown University & The Uneasy Citizenship Blog

The retirement of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer marks a new beginning for a soon to be nominee, likely a black woman. Outside the United States, we ask where we are at in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and what hopeful stories may be tied up in it.

Today’s Episode

The post The Value of a Human Life | Balancing Citizenship with Security and Convenience appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Adam Holz – Plugged In

We hear a review of the new movie on Disney+, “Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild” as well as a review of a new children’s show on Netflix titled “Ada Twist, Scientist”

Mitch Hildebrant – OneChild

Jesus calls us to care for children and not send them away as insignificant. Children are valuable to Him! In many cultures around the world, children are often abused, neglected and discarded. They may be sold for profit into the sex industry or sold as slaves to work in horrible conditions. But Jesus has committed children into our arms of protection.

One in six children in the world lives in extreme poverty. That’s 385 million children who need the kind of help OneChild provides. We can’t take care of all of them but we each take responsibility for one of them.

Today’s Episode

The post The Process of Picking Out an Engagement Ring | Going to the Hardest Places to Make a Difference appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Mitch Hildebrant – OneChild Conversation

Children are a heritage and a reward. They are a blessing! The children we’re seeking to find champions for today have parents who love them deeply but who cannot provide them sufficiently. They need our help to provide the most basic needs for their children. This is what the church does for one another – we sacrifice and become willing to live a little more simply that someone else might simply live.

Adam Holz – Chris Martin

Are you selling your prayers? If not, some people are selling theirs on an app. Similarly, is there any hope in our developing digital dystopia? Jesus is that hope, and Chris offers us some more underneath him. Chris also gives us some info about his upcoming book that releases Tuesday, February 1, titled “Terms of Service.”

Today’s Episode 

The post Giving of Yourself So a Child Will Thrive | Clinging to the Past and the Future When the Present is So Precarious appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Peter Kapsner – 50 Shades of Truth

Peter and Carmen discuss the rise and fall of Jerry Falwell Jr.

Marcus Rixon – Former OneChild Child

Marcus was a child in India who had little hope of growing beyond the 12ft by 6ft house he lived in, let alone the poverty he was stricken with. Then OneChild came and helped him rise above it by providing for him many basic needs.

Today’s Episode

The post Living Within the Intoxication of Earthly Power | From Overwhelming Challenges to Beyond Greatest Dreams appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Ben Johnson – The Daily Wire

Justice Breyer of the Supreme Court plans to retire and Nancy Pelosi plans to run for reelection again.

Mitch Hildebrant – “OneChild Conversation”

What is OneChild and why should we care? Well, OneChild’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, Mitch Hildebrant, comes on to help tell us what it is and why it matters!

Today’s Episode

The post Changes Coming at the SCOTUS | The Mission Behind Hope Centers appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

John Brandon – Forbes Columnist

John is here to help us with our habits, and today he is here to aid in purging emails, a taks often desired but rarely achieved. Let’s do it!

John Nicholas – Author of “Debt-Free, ASAP”

First hand experience with things can bring some of the best experience. John has it with debt and he is offering something different for us, a plan with proven tools to give us clarity, direction, and plans to eradicate debt. For more information on the process, check out his website and book here!

Today’s Episode

The post The Benefits of Purging | Finding New Ways to Tackle Debt appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Jeff Bilbro – Grove City College & Front Porch Republic

Inspired by Andrew Peterson and Tim Mackle’s Hutchmoot podcast, Jeff and Carmen dive into the wide world of “Trees at the Heart of Creation.” This podcast was also inspired by Andrew’s book, “The God of the Garden.” So if you’re into trees and even if you’re not, it’d be a worthy read or listen.

To hear Carmen’s previous conversation with Andrew Peterson about his book, click here.

Ruth Kramer – Mission Network News

Toxic ash has rained down on Tonga after a large volcano eruption. What does it look like on the ground and how are the needs being taken care of? In other news, Fear of Ukraine being invaded by Russia looms heavily and Burkina’s military has staged a successful coup. There are many things to talk about and many more to pray about.

Today’s Episode

The post The Prominence of Trees in Biblical Narratives | A Heightened Opportunity for the Gospel in Ukraine appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Sarah Mackenzie – Read Aloud Revival

The Read Aloud Revival  is meant to help parents and children fall in love with both books and homeschooling. Homeschooling can be challenging and every child may need something slightly different. So read aloud revival is here to help relieve some of that burden for both parent and child.

Jodie Ballenger – Author of “Beautifully Unbroken – The Prostitute’s Daughter”

Is Jodie’s story of redemption in Christ. Her life was one that no child should have. By age nine she was on the streets, drinking, doing drugs and more, but in an encounter that only God could provide, she came to Christ and her whole life changed for the better.

Today’s Episode

The post Why Kids Can Fall in Love with Books | A Long Journey to Redemption appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Mark Caleb Smith –  Cedarville University

After John Macarthur stated on a Youtube video that God made us male and female, his sermon has been labeled, “hate speech.” So, what is the outfall of this and what do we do when we hold to biblical truths and are persecuted for it? Well, read Matthew 5 today before you listen below and you can get a glimpse.

Todd Nettleton – Voice of the Martyrs

PrayForChina2022.com is a website by Voice of the Martyrs meant to help you join the movement of Christians around the world praying for the persecuted Christians and peoples in China each day during the olympics.

Today’s Episode

The post Facing Persecution for Preaching Biblical Truth | Praying for the Chinese During the Olympics appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Carmen LaBerge – Carmen’s Leftovers

Jesus loves me! This I know,

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong;

They are weak, but He is strong.

Jesus loves me he who died

heaven’s gate to open wide, 

He will wash away my sin, 

let his little child come in. 

Jim Denison – The Denison Forum & Author of “The Coming Tsunami

“The Coming Tsunami: Why Christians Are Labeled Intolerant, Irrelevant, Oppressive, and Dangerous – and How We Can Turn the Tide“ is a soon-to-be-released book by Jim with the goal of preparing and training Christians to engage the culture if or when their biblical model for reality no longer sits well in the eye of most Americans.

Today’s Episode

The post Deciding What’s Love Speech and What’s Hate Speech | Redeeming Our Challenges as Opportunities for God’s Grace appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Dave Buehring – Lionshare

God loves weakness. Yet, often we don’t want to talk about weakness. However, we need to talk about it and acknowledge before God that we are weak and in need of his intervention in our life. In fact, God’s power is made perfect in weakness. Today, Dave helps teach us how to live in that weakness.

Adam Carrington – Hillsdale College

What would a post-Roe America look like? Adam and Carmen muse about that in light of the Right to Life March in Washington. They also discuss how a recent filibuster in the Senate survived and review president Biden’s administration after one year.

Today’s Episode

The post Seeing Ourselves as Needy and Powerless | What a Post-Roe America Would Look Like appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Peter Kapsner – 50 Shades of Truth

A cow has seemingly been found in India with three eyes, and villagers have begun to worship it as an incarnation of God. God has come, but He has come as a man, Jesus Christ. He died the death of a criminal for our sins and he rose from the dead and is now seated next to God the Father in heaven. He has come and will come again!

John Ashmen – City Gate Network

Homelessness is on the rise in many of the cities around the United States. Some drivers of it include, aging out of foster care, mental illness, PTSD, and more. How can we help, what can we do? City Gate Network is here to provide a gospel-powered, life transforming ministry directory that connects individuals to ministries in their area where they can volunteer or work.

Today’s Episode

The post Comparative Religions 101 | The Homelessness Crisis appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Ben Johnson – The Daily Wire

Why should Christians, not just Americans care about China? There are a billion answers to this questions…it is the most populous nation on earth. It also houses many Christians who worship in Government “official” churches as well as underground ones.

Chelsea Youman – National Legislative Advisor for the Human Coalition

The Human Coalition is a “collective of individuals bound together…to remove the stain of abortion from America.” Chelsea is on today to discuss this work.

Today’s Episode

The post Why Christians Should Care About What’s Happening in China | Inspiring the Constant Building of a Culture of Life appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Bill English – Bible and Business

So who benefits from inflation? Turns out it may be the federal government. Since we are talking about the Federal Government, it’s also a good time to talk about taxes, when they are do and more.

T.C. Stallings – Author of “Eyes Fixed: My True Life Story”

T.C. has been the star of several hit Christian films including “Courageous” and “War Room.” Today, he tells us about his life growing up in the projects of Cleveland and how God paved the way for his move from the football field to the movie screen.

Today’s Episode

The post How the Federal Government is Benefiting from Inflation | Trading in My Will for His Will appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Daryl Crouch – Everyone’s Wilson & For Our City Blog

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:1-2 

Chelsea Sobolik – Director of Policy at the ERLC

Chelsea Patterson Sobolik serves as the Director of Public Policy with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission in the Washington, D.C. office. Previously, she worked on Capitol Hill on pro-life policies, domestic and international religious freedom, adoption, and foster care issues. She is here today to discuss the State of the Pro-Life movement in 2022. 

Today’s Episode

The post Investing in Others and Watching What God Does | The State of the Pro-Life Movement in 2022 appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Bret Nicks – Christian Medical & Dental Association

Are we moving from a pandemic mode with Covid to an endemic one? Dr. Nicks also covers 5 things that help us keep our brain sharp. One is movement and another is sleep.

Kelly Kapic – “You’re Only Human”

There are only so many hours in a day, and there are many, many demands on a person. Work, family, church, sleep, hobbies, and more all vie for our attention. Sometimes we don’t need more time management skills, but rather help in being content with God creating to not do it all.

Today’s Episode

The post Learning to Live with Covid | Making Peace with the Fact that God Didn’t Create Us to Do It All appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Nick Pitts – Fellow at the Institute for Global Engagement

What is the forever culture war? What about a parental bill of rights? Nick and Carmen dig into these questions and look into college applicants lying about…everything.

Luke Moon – The Philos Project & Providence Magazine

“Nobody cares about what’s happening to the Uyghurs” is a recent quote by Golden State Warrior Co-Owner, Chamath Palihapitiya. Is that the case that no one cares? What is even going on over there? Carmen and Luke dig into this issue and dive further into the relationship of the NBA with China.

Today’s Episode

The post Parents Proposing a Bill of Rights | The Chinese Government’s Influence on Our Business Agendas appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Linda Mintle – Dr. Linda Mintle Show

What is hate? How does it affect our mind and bodies? Dr. Mr. Luther King Jr. referenced hate and returning hate for hate. Let us stand above it.

Isaac Adams – Author of Talking About Race

“Talking About Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations” argues Christians must understand why they avoid honest conversations about race if they want to enjoy authentic racial unity in their churches. His goal is to help us move from any sort of bitterness to love together. 

Today’s Episode

The post Living with Hate | Gospel Hope for Hard Conversation Around Racism appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Eva Guerrero – OneChild – Honduras

 Eva helps Honduras’ OneChild director in support of the various Hope Centers in the country. She says that one of the greatest needs for the children of Honduras is identity. Most children in their society have no continuity with their family including many dads being gone. She desires to see the nation renewed. 

Daniel Bennett – John Brown University & Uneasy Citizenship Blog

Where does the division between Americans (and all people) really come from? Can Biden turn his approval ratings around? Finally, how can Christians stay unified, even online?

Today’s Episode

The post Providing Hope to Children in Honduras | Where Does the Division Among Us Really Come From? appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Adam Holz – Plugged In

Adam gives us some movie reviews of Hotel Transylvania: Transformania and Scream. He also discusses a recent blog post on the Plugged In website about social media algorithms contributing to eating disorders.

Jennifer Wagner – Author of “Your Good Body”

Jennifer is telling us that our body is good – when the world and everything in it is telling us that our body is too big, too small, too round, too something, to be considered good. What does it mean to see our bodies – the one in the mirror this morning – as a good body, right now, as is? Jennifer’s new book, “Your Good Body” is meant ot help us answer that question!

Today’s Episode

The post Helping Our Kids Effectively Navigate Social Media | Learning to Love the Reflection in the Mirror appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Bruce Ashford – Research Fellow at the Kirby Laing Center

Ten Words for a Broken Society (Preface)

Chris Martin – Terms of Service Blog

Chris has launched a new project with Moody Publishers called “Bible to Life.” Itis a website dedicated to providing answers to the faith questions that people are googling every day. They also mention his new book releasing February first called, “Terms of Service.”

Today’s Episode

The post Ten Words for a Broken Society | Using the Internet for Redemptive Purposes appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Peter Kapsner – 50 Shades of Truth

In the current Covid-19 climate, often opinions about individuals who die from it surround whether one was vaccinated or unvaccinated. If one was unvaccinated, it could bring ridicule and not sorrow. On the other hand, the only true question is Christ, or not Christ. Peter and Carmen talk about this phenomenon and more today.

Kristina Twitty – Decision Care Advocates

Death is not always a pleasant topic for people, but preparing for it can be very helpful for families. When should we start having those conversations? What are some approaches we take take to get the conversations going? Thankfully in Christ, when we die, we enter into the life we’ve been given by his conquering of death by raising from the dead!

Today’s Episode

The post The Devolution of Basic Moral Codes | End of Life Decisions from a Faith-Filled Perspective appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Ben Johnson – Reporter for the Daily Wire

Question is: is American democracy dying or not? How would we know and what would be the signs of it? Ben and Carmen discuss two views trying to answer this question.

Kathy Branzell – National Day of Prayer Taskforce

Kathy reflects on her own experience and loss due to a house fire in her family. She helps us understand what we ought to do and not do, and how the church can respond when tragedy strikes.

Today’s Episode

The post The Current State of American Democracy | Reacting to a Sudden Tragedy appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

John Brandon – Forbes Columnist & Digital Media Director for Northwestern Media

John wrote a book titled, “The Seven Minute Productivity Solution.” Why 7 minutes? In the episode below, he tells us how. Some questions we can ask ourselves though are: Who do I want to be and how will I become like that?

Wendy Alsup – Author of, “I Forgive You”

Forgiveness is a topic we imagine we know a lot about and yet Wendy weaves the story together in “I Forgive You” in a way that covers the enormous breadth and depth while also sharing what forgiveness means at the most personal level. Are you keeping sins? Whose? Why? Sins against me or my sins against others? What’s the relationship between forgiveness and reconciliation? Carmen asks all this and more in today’s episode below. 

Today’s Episode

The post Developing Plans that Work | Exploring What Forgiveness Actually Looks Like appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Jeff Bilbro – Grove City College & Front Porch Republic

Jeff and Carmen look forward into a world where our food system has been overhauled. What would it take and where are the monopolies in the current system negatively affecting consumers?

Ruth Kramer – Mission Network News

Oh the crisis in Lebanon continues, and so ought our prayers. Have mercy on them, God, and make your Son, Jesus known to them! May the Lord also have mercy on the Yemenis, many of whom are starving.

Today’s Episode

The post Attempting to Improve the US Food System | Challenging Times for Ministries in India appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

 Justin Giboney – The And Campaign

In 2022 what should Christians stop doing, start doing, and change how we do? We want to see flourishing and we want to see honest dealing in the public square. Today Justin helps us think through those things and more.

Pat Bradley – Crisis Aid

Crisis Aid, a nonprofit organization serving children and families who are in crisis situations in the U.S. and internationally, is rescuing as many survivors as possible to break the cycle of sexual abuse and exploitation before it’s too late. Fore more information on Crisis Aid and how you can get involved, click here.

Today’s Episode

The post Elected Officials Using Family Members to Protect Them | Fighting to Break the Cycle of Sex Trafficking appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Mark Caleb Smith – Cedarville University

So what’s on our syllabus for the new year? What should we as Christians be reading and studying in the New Year? Mark, a professor acts as if he was going to write a syllabus for us this year.

Scott Todd – President of OneChild and Author of “Hope Rising”

“Hope Rising: How Christians Can End Extreme Poverty in This Generation” is a bold look at the solution that is already in our reach: ending extreme poverty. His hope is that Christians would take the charge in hand and follow Christ into these dark and preventable places!

Today’s Episode

The post A Syllabus for Christians in the New Year | Solutions for Extreme Poverty appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Elizabeth Neumann – Moonshot & National Immigration Forum

The U.S. is having bilateral talks with Russia this week in regards to the Ukraine conflict. In other news, North Korea has joined China with having hypersonic missiles. Finally, Kazakhstan is in the midst of major protests.

Sally Michael – Author of “More Than a Story”

“More Than a Story Children’s Bible” is meant to point children to the One True God. It is a comprehensive overview of the Bible, not shying away from our sin problem, and in the process pointing us to Jesus.

Today’s Episode

The post NATO’s Attempts to De-Escalate the Russia-Ukraine Conflict | Helping Our Children Place Their Hope in Christ appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Dave Buehring – Lionshare Media

The New Years is a time to repent and reset  as we hear on Dave’s podcast linked here. It is a time to turn around and head back home to the Good Father, and exchange the world’s ways of pride for God’s currency of humility.

Adam Carrington – Hillsdale College

What is the Supreme Court’s job in the vaccine mandate and is the job they are doing lining up with that? In another area, schools, how are teachers’ unions affecting children both negatively and positively. This and more on today’s episode below!

Today’s Episode

The post Taking Time to Reset and Repent | The Power and Fallout of Teacher’s Unions appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Adam Holz – Plugged In

The Book of Boba Fett, Silent Sea, and the 355 are all on the list of reviews for Adam today. That’s not to mention 2021’s Movers and Shakers Edition of Plugged In!

Bobby Ross Jr. – Christian Chronicle and Religion Unplugged

We already heard a movie year in review with Adam, but this time, Bobby gives us a year in review about religion journalism! He also looks ahead into the coming year and the coming religious news stories!

Today’s Episode

The post Pop Culture Movers and Shakers of 2021 | Top Religion Reporting from the Past Year appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Steve West – Editor of the Liberties Roundup at World Magazine

The Supreme Court is about to hear a case about a federal vaccine mandate. There is also a court challenge by parents in Virginia county against Critical Race Theory. Finally, the Equality Act is still alive and strong and being considered in Congress.

Dan DeWitt – Theolatte

Dan reflects on John 14 – “Our Orphaned Hearts.”He and Carmen also engage with how to build lasting relationships with people who don’t share our own faith in Jesus.

Today’s Episode

The post Putting the Brakes on CRT Teaching in Schools | Building Lasting Relationships with People Who Don’t Share Our Commitments appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Peter Kapsner – 50 Shades of Truth

Carmen and Peter are never short on interesting headlines. Today they discuss a the birth of a child by a transgender individual. They also dive into the brokenness of human relationship revealing itself through the Ghislaine Maxwell trial.

Kevin Harris – Radical Mentoring

Kevin is President of Radical Mentoring. His primary role is to connect with independent mentors and church leaders who desire to create a culture of mentoring. All of their resources are free and today he tells us all about what mentoring is, why we need to mentor, and how mentoring is different from discipleship.

Today’s Episode

The post The Longing for Relationship | Creating a Mentoring Movement appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Ben Johnson – The Daily Wire

Forbes says, “Almost half of teachers are thinking about leaving their jobs.” This is especially the case in Chicago, and it puts us at a fork in the road for education; Carmen and Ben weigh in.

Tim Muehlhoff – Author of “Eyes to See”

“Eyes to See: Recognizing God’s Common Grace in an Unsettled World” is Tim’s work at unpacking the doctrine of common grace. He offers examples from our own culture and beyond to show us that God is at work even when we don’t see him.

Today’s Episode

The post Chicago’s Education Fiasco | How We Can Miss Seeing God at Work appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Bill English – Bible and Business

Dave Ramsey is sued for religious discrimination and Apple becomes the first 3 trillion dollar company!

Justin Whitmel Earley – The Common Rule & Author of “Habits of the Household”

Justin leads us through ways to make habits and not resolutions, how to unlock the power of family habits, and even offers us a downloadable habit planner. Check it out!

Today’s Episode

The post The Success of the World’s Most Valuable Company | Changing Habits Instead of Making Resolutions appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Daryl Crouch – From the Living Word to Living the Word

What does it mean to say that the Bible is inspired and what did Jesus refer to when he spoke about the Scriptures? This week, let’s talk about the Bible as the Living Word, and then Believers as people who live out the The Word.  

Linda Dunegan & Mike Gailey – Author of “My Journey” & Anchorage Strip Club Becomes Ministry Hub

Join us to hear about Linda’s new book and a follow up story about the conversion of how Linda and Mike helped transform an Alaskan strip club into a church.

Today’s Episode

The post Being Followers Who Live Out the Scriptures | A Truly Divine Intervention appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Jeff Barrows – Christian Medical & Dental Association

So what are some 2022 health ideas? What is also the state of COVID with Omicron? All this and more today with Dr. Barrows.

Trillia Newbell – Author of “The Big WIde Welcome”

Jesus knows that everyone needs him to rescue them from their sin, and he welcomes anyone who is sorry and asks to be his friend. In this book, children will learn that Christians and churches are called to be like Jesus: to give a big, wide welcome to all kinds of people so that they can hear the good news for themselves.

Today’s Episode

The post Health Ideas for 2022 | A Church that Learned to Love All Sorts of People appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Nick Pitts – Fellow at the Institute for Global Engagement

We are coming up on the first anniversary of the January 6th Capitol Riot/Insurrection. How do we redeem or reclaim it? In a similar tone, where do Americans stand on the use of force/violence against the government?

Luke Moon – The Philos Project

What news should we keep an eye on in 2022? Already this year, a ship has been taken off the coast of Yemen, the Jerusalem Post has been hacked by Iran, and Sudan’s Prime Minister is resigning. There is much to watch and pray for.

Today’s Episode

The post Where Americans Stand on the Use of Force | The News We Should Keep an Eye on in 2022 appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Melissa Larson – Ethnic Studies Department at UNWSP

Melissa and her husband are founders of Vineworks, an organization which sells artisan goods from around the world to give the artisans opportunity and fair wages in the hope that they can alleviate poverty. Today, Melissa and Carmen talk about the importance of the Bible and how one can develop a Bible reading plan.

Jeff Gowler – President of Global Media Outreach

Global Media Outreach is a pioneer in online evangelism and discipleship, harnessing the power of leading edge technology to fulfill the Great Commission. To date, they have reached over 2 billion people with the Gospel over the internet with over 200 million indicating a decision to believe in Jesus. That’s amazing! That may pose some questions for you and Carmen asks some today!

Today’s Episode

The post Finding a Bible Reading Plan That Works for You | Reaching Those Seeking God on the Internet appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Carmen LaBerge

Many things are already on the calendar for the new year. What’s on your calendar? What does Jesus say about the future?

Daniel Bennett – John Brown University & Uneasy Citizenship Blog

Polls are showing that Americans’ fear is rising. However, Daniel and Carmen are optimistic; this and every year is the year of the Lord. They are not ignorant to think they are in a utopian but are actively anti-dystopian. How do they do that? Check out the episode below to hear.

Today’s Episode

The post Allowing God to Work Through You in the New Year | Many Fearful Headlines in 2022 appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

The post Christmas Eve Part 2 – Reflections on O Come, O Come Emmanuel appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

The post Christmas Eve Part 1 – Arrows to the Incarnation appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Peter Kapsner – 50 Shades of Truth

Your Christmas presents from Carmen and Peter today are wrapped in several stories. These gift wraps include Christmas lights all the way to everyday heroes. Check out today’s episode to unwrap your present!

Carmen’s Leftovers

Here are a few of Carmen’s favorite things about Christmas: 1. Jesus 2. Angels 3. Opportunity and openness to the Good News of Great Joy 4. Lights.

Today’s Episode

The post A Celebration of Heroes | Some of the Favorite Things About Christmas appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Ben Johnson – The Daily Wire

Harvard Professor Charles Lieber has been found guilty of lying about his ties with China. While they are on the topic of China, they discuss that the last memorial monument for the Tiananmen massacre being removed from Hong Kong.

Tara Royer Steele – Author of “Eat. Pie. Love”

“Eat. Pie. Love.” serves 52 days of powerful Scripture, heartening devotions, and reflective questions designed to satisfy your spirit. Not only that but it has easy-to-follow recipes and quirky illustrations sprinkled throughout. This devotional will encourage you to hang on when life gets tough.

The post Harvard Professor Lies About China Ties | A Fun Look at Holiday Pies and Baking Goods appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Carmen’s Leftovers

What are the differences between ruts & rhythms? Some may think, “I thought by now things would be different; I thought by now I would be different.” While this can often be our thoughts, we have to remind ourselves that as Christians we are being changed from one degree of glory to another and must moment by moment submit ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Randall Goodgame – Slugs and Bugs

Randall knows children’s music. He has made many-an-album under the title, “Slugs and Bugs,” which are fun and catchy Bible-based albums meant to point children and their parents to Christ. Today he shares with Carmen his new Slugs and Bugs Christmas album.

Today’s Episode

The post Walking by the Spirit Step by Step | The Music of Christmas appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Daryl Crouch – Everyone’s Wilson & For Our City Blog

Recent tornados brought to mind the tornado that tore through Daryl’s community just before the COVID lockdown in early 2020. He reflects on the recovery and the changes in the community since that time.

Todd Nettleton – Voice of the Martyrs

How are the persecuted celebrating Christmas? What’s the cost of them following Christ in their context in the first place? Todd gives us insight after meeting with multiple Christians from Middle Eastern countries.

Today’s Episode

The post Ministering to Those Who Have Recently Experienced Loss | The Growth and Persecution of the Church in the Middle East appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Bret Nicks – Christian Medical & Dental Association

Lots of new news about COVID and the omicron variant is out there. Bret uses his medical expertise to help us navigate the questions we may have about everything from vaccine boosters, vaccinating our kids, and the “milder” nature of the new variant.

Allie Marie Smith – Author of “Wonderfully Made”

On a gloomy June day in 2001, eighteen-year-old Allie Marie Smith hopped in her blue Ford Explorer and headed north for the Golden Gate Bridge. She planned to jump off and end her life. 

Smith had been a scholar-athlete, part of the popular crowd at her all-girls high school, and appeared to have the ideal life. But hiding behind a pretty smile, she was fighting an internal battle with mental illness. “My body was alive, but there was no life within me,” Smith recalls. 

What happened? Did someone intervene? Why didn’t you go through with your plan?

Allie answers these questions and more, revealing to us the love of the great Heavenly Father in her life.

For more information on her book, “Wonderfully Made: Discover the Identity, Love, and Worth You Were Created For,” click here.

Today’s Episode

The post How to Handle Omicron During the Holiday Season | Ignoring the Outside Voices and Trusting God’s Plan appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Nick Pitts – Fellow at the Institute for Global Engagement

It’s Nick’s first Christmas as a married man, so it seemed appropriate for Carmen and him to discuss how one negotiates family expectations and intentionally starts traditions of their own. They also review a few stories that stand out from 2021 and write a headline for 2022 that they hope to see.

Luke Moon – The Philos Project

China is an ever-present player in the headlines and that is still the same today as the Hong Kong election came to a close with a pro-Beijing candidate winning. Russia also regularly finds its way into our news, and today it is because of their interactions with the Ukraine.

Today’s Episode

The post Prioritizing the Future of Families | Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Tension appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Dr. Linda Mintle – The Dr. Linda Mintle Show

Dr. Mintle gives us some tips on how to fight Covid fatigue during the holidays. She also helps guide us through anticipating family issues before the holidays come.

Collin Hansen – The Gospel Coalition

Collin runs us through his list of “The Top 10 Theological News Stories of 2021” As usual, Carmen then asks the questions for us to ponder: What makes a story theological? & Isn’t every story theological at some level?

Today’s Episode

The post Anticipating Family Issues Before the Holidays | Working Effectively so that God Would Find Faith Among Us appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Lisa Clow – Artist/Musician on “O Come, All You Unfaithful”

During the Christmas season particularly, many have found it hard to sing the song “O Come All Ye Faithful” not because God had not saved them, but because they did not feel faithful. Yet, Christ meets us there. He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30. This is Lisa’s story for us today and the story of her song, “Come All You Unfaithful.” 

Daniel Bennett – John Brown University and Uneasy Citizenship Blog

Pew Research has found there are 3 in 10 people who claim to be “Religiously Unaffiliated”. This title is more complicated than just labeling someone atheistic or agnostic. So what do we do? How do we interact with this group? How do we disciple Christians who may make this claim…can a Christian make this claim? Carmen and Daniel Bennett dig into this tricky conversation today!

Today’s Episode

The post Entering into the Joy of the Christmas Season | Growing Group of the Religiously Unaffiliated appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Adam Holz – Plugged In

There’s no way home from this review today, but really there’s Spiderman, “No Way Home” in our review today! Carmen and Dan also dig into the various athletes like Steph Curry who have their faith in Christ on full display.

Sara Forhetz – National Spokesperson for Convoy of Hope

Tornadoes swept through the south, leaving devastation in their wake. Sara is part of the effort to help those affected by such catastrophes. They are currently serving 7 communities across the reason and distributing supplies to everyone they can. What can you do? Pray and partner with churches who are on the ground. For more information on Convoy of Hope, click here.

Today’s Episode

The post The Red Carpet Experience | Responding to the Multistate Tornado Outbreak appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Stephen Grcevich – Key Ministries

One in 44 U.S. children are on the autism spectrum and it’s four times more common in boys. So how do Christmas gatherings at home and church affect these children and how can we help them thrive?

Dan DeWitt – Cedarville University & Theolatte

Many of us know some personal scrooges in our lives. Many know other scrooges who are just fictional characters from places such as Charles Dickens novels and …Peloton commercials?! Yep that’s right! Carmen and Dan dive into all things Scrooge today, particularly one unlikely scrooge: C.S. Lewis.

Today’s Episode

The post Making Your Christmas Friendly for Autistic People | An Unlikely and Unexpected Grinch appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Peter Kapsner – 50 Shades of Truth

What are the expectations for pastors and which of them is biblical regardless of whether they align with our particular denominational standards? In other news, there’s a rising “Dis”ease in our youth, one of a climbing mental health crisis. Carmen and Peter discuss what may be some causes and how we as ambassadors for Christ can enter that crisis with them.

J. Warner Wallace – Author of “Person of Interest”

“Person of Interest: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible“ takes us into a world where the New Testament documents had been destroyed and all we had was the historical fallout caused by Jesus’ murder. With only that information, could we reconstruct the identity of Jesus? J. Warner takes us through this scenario, bringing us both to the historical fallout and the historical fuse leading up to his death.

Today’s Episode

The post The Youth Mental Health Crisis | Why Jesus Still Matters Today appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Ben Johnson – The Daily Wire & Known as “The Rights Writer”

What’s it look like when the state doesn’t have enough schools to fulfill their guarantee of education, yet they can’t back religious schools to fill the gaps? That’s exactly what is happening in Maine. Ben weighs in on this peculiar situation to give insight into Maine and the rest of the United States.

Vaneetha Risner – Creator of “Helping the Hurting”

“Helping the Hurting” is a booklet by Vaneetha meant to help those navigate the various instances of suffering in our life and the lives of those around us. It means a lot to show up for a hurting friend, so what are some ways we can do that effectively and even point them to Jesus lovingly along the way? Veneetha helps guide us through that and more!

Today’s Episode

The post Schools Providing Both Academic and Spiritual Nourishment | Helping the Hurting appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Adam Holz – Plugged In

Christmas with the Chosen is here. What is it? It’s a variety show of Christian artists singing and bearing witness as well as a 45 minute new episode of The Chosen. While the Chosen is quite a happy note, many adults have found social media to be bringing them down. Why is that?

Rebecca McLaughlin – Author of “Is Christmas UNBelievable?

“Is Christmas Unbelievable?: Four Questions Everyone Should Ask About the World’s Most Famous Story” addresses whether 1) Christ was a real person, 2) If we can take the Gospels seriously, 3) How we can believe in a virgin birth, and 4) Why all of it matters.

Today’s Episode

The post Linking Depression and Social Media | Evidence for the Christmas Story appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Elizabeth Neumann – Moonshot & National Immigration Forum

What country do you think is the biggest threat to the United States? Is it Russia, China, North Korea? It appears that many Americans view China as the greatest threat, why? Carmen and Elizabeth dive into the worldview and religious beliefs that set us apart.

Dan DeWitt – Theolatte & Cedarville University

“Hannukah is not Jewish Christmas.” If not, Jewish form of Christmas, then what is it? Dan and Carmen dig into the Maccabees and the time between the Old and New Testaments to reveal how Hannukah started and what Jews really are celebrating during this season.

Today’s Episode

The post The Current and Future Standing of Our Democracy | Explaining the Purpose of Hanukkah appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Peter Kapsner – 50 Shades of Truth

We all ask ourselves this question…How strong is Peter Kapsner? Could he have snapped the infinity gauntlet in Avengers? It’s questions like these that keep us up at night.

Sarah Molitor – Author of “I Grew Up With You”

Inspired by Sarah’s own six pregnancies, “I Grew Up with You” illustrates the beauty of childbearing and the miracle of life from women of all ethnicities, shapes and sizes. . It spotlights the heartfelt and funny moments throughout pregnancy all the way to bringing a baby home.

Today’s Episode

The post Ownership and Sharing Recipes | The Bond of a Mother and Her Child appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Ben Johnson –  Reporter at the Daily Wire and “The Rights Writer”

So what has happened in the Supreme Court arguments surrounding Mississippi’s Abortion Law and what might it look like to have Roe overturned? In news across the pond, we seem to find issues of “False Conversions” led often by Muslim asylum-seekers…what’s the church supposed to do?

Kathy Branzell – The National Day of Prayer Taskforce

Christmas is often a time of great joy, but it can also be a time of loss, lament, but also hopeful prayer. How can we pray for and walk through loss during this season? Carmen and Kathy discuss how, and what it looks like to thank God for his generosity.

Today’s Episode

The post What is the Status of the MS Abortion Law? | Loss, Lament, and Hopeful Prayer This Christmas Season appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Bill English – Bible and Business

Shoplifting is on the rise in several cities including San Francisco, and Minnesota. Why is it happening and what are these cities doing to combat it?

Trudy Cathy White – Daughter of Founders of Chick-Fil-A

Trudy doesn’t just sit under the shadow of a giant chicken, she and her husband are active in serving God. They have been missionaries in Brazil, have founded ministries such as Lifeshape and Impact 360 Institute, and raised four children. Today, she helps us think through how to create core family values such as faith, family, integrity, generosity and more.

Today’s Episode

The post Unpacking the Increase in Theft | The Impact of Core Family Values appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Jeff Bilbro – Grove City College & Front Porch Republic

The supply chain crisis could save Christmas…that is all!

Ruth Kramer – Mission Network News

Mobs in Pakistan, fighting in Ethiopia, and Afghan Christians finding hope, all of these are on our list of prayer needs and on Ruth and Carmen’s list of topics for today.

Today’s Episode

The post Putting a Positive Spin on the Supply Chain Crisis | An Update on Afghan Christians appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.

Justin Giboney – The And Campaign

Justice takes all of us and justice falls on both ends, justice for the innocent and justice for the guilty. How do we think about Kyle Rittenhouse’s situation? What about Kevin Strickland who was freed after 43 years? We as the church must come together and engage our culture with the truth, with justice, with our lives.

Felicia Song – Author of “Restless Devices”

“Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in a Digital Age” helps us answer the question of “What kind of people are we becoming with personal technologies in hand?” And “Who do we really want to be?” Felicia helps renew our perspective on Christian tradition and the beautiful answer it provides to our personal and communal lives.

Today’s Episode

The post The Road on the Way to Justice | Resisting the Soft Tyranny of the Media Age appeared first on The Reconnect with Carmen | Engaging Culture from a Christian Worldview.