Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)

The level of discourse in this country seems to be at an all time low. Instead of having face to face conversations we just all seem to be writing rude, snarky, and disrespectful comments about each other on social media. As followers of Christ we should lead the way in having generous conversations, seasoned with grace. On this episode I dive into a few ways to have discussions with people with whom we disagree. The hope is that we might be able to stop looking at our conversations as a competitions to be won, and seek  honest dialogues where we hear each other, even when we disagree.

This episode deals with an article from the European Church of the Nazarene and conversations that they want Christians around the world to have with and about refugees. It's a highly volatile climate right now and it is my hope that this episode of Voices In My Head Podcast will bring us all into a greater understanding of the plight of refugees and our conversations with and about them. Alternative facts are not permitted. Blessings, Rick Lee James

  Weston Skaggs is the Voice In My Head this episode. The dramatic birth of his daughter, near loss of his wife in that childbirth, and the adoption of his son all were life altering experiences that fed into the songs on his first full length album: Joy & Sorrow Meet. Produced by Chris Hoisington of Brothers McClurg, Joy & Sorrow Meet marries Weston’s vocation as a church worship leader and his penchant for personal storytelling. Raw lyrics set to music that doesn’t mind showing off it’s “humanness” draws the listener into a journey of the heart. Stylistically, the album combines classic gospel and folk, strung together with alt-country instrumentation, then set in an indie-sonic landscape.   Weston Skaggs is many things. A South Carolina boy raised in Ohio. Husband to Amy and daddy to Paisley and Bo. Singer/songwriter. Beard enthusiast. Registered nurse. Star Wars nerd. A no longer suffering Cleveland sports fan. And most importantly: Christian. This causes his music to be painted with the brushes of redemption, faith, hope, and love. "I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that changed me from my blindness and self-centeredness to a life of purpose. I'm passionate to create a fresh and unique musical sound that offers encouragement to the church and hope to lost and hurting people.", Skaggs says.   Find out more at www.westonskaggsmusic.com

Mike McHargue (better known as Science Mike) is the best-selling author of Finding God in the Waves, host of Ask Science Mike and co-host of The Liturgists Podcast. He's a leading voice on matters of science and religion with a monthly reach in the hundreds of thousands. Among other outlets, Mike has written for RELEVANT, Don Miller's Storyline, BioLogos, and The Washington Post. Mike loves sharing ideas in person, and is an in-demand speaker at conferences, churches, and colleges.  He's recently spoken to sold-out crowds in New York about the science of addiction, explained the science of storytelling at Storyline in Chicago, and shown people how Christianity can embrace the modern world at Belong in London. Mike lives in Tallahassee, FL with his wife Jenny and two daughters. http://mikemchargue.com/

My guest today on Voices In My Head is Troy Bronsink Troy is the founder and director of The Hive: A Center for Contemplation, Art, and Action, a nonprofit social enterprise in Cincinnati curating contemplative small groups and mindfulness in the workplace. Troy is also a singer, a songwriter, and speaker who has spent the last 15 years speaking, leading music, and leading retreats for creatives, social activists and faith groups. He is also the author of the book, Drawn In: A Creative Process For Artists, Activists, and Jesus Followers.   Find out more about The Hive: http://www.cincyhive.org Troy Bronsink's Web site: http://www.troybronsink.com    

Episode 191 is an appeal to Christians regarding President-Elect Donald Trump. This appeal consists of 5 things. 1. We will pray for President-elect Trump, elected officials, our nation, our churches, and each other. 2. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the prophets, we will tell the truth about the world around us, and we will speak up for those who have been marginalized and taken advantage of. 3. We will actively resist the temptation to overlook or normalize values, speech, and behavior that are in conflict with what Scripture calls us to. 4. In the name of Jesus, we call President-elect Trump to repentance for dishonoring the image of God in others. 5. We will fix our eyes on Jesus and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, redouble our efforts to honor the image of God in all people and to love all our neighbors as ourselves.   Add your name at  https://appealtochristians.com

"How should we know that there is heaven after death, when this side of death we expect nothing of heaven?" - Karl Barth (from his Christmas Day Sermon 1918)

DISCLAIMER: The story shared on this podcast was originally shared by Bill Harley on NPR's Tinsel Tales Volume 2. Voices In My Head Productions does not own this story, or this audio but we are big fans of Bill Harley and want to spread the word about his stories and music. Please visit www.BillHarley.com and find a wonderful world of storytelling.   The Christmas Club by Bill Harley Commentator Bill Harley was a great saver, but he had a lot to learn about spending. As a young boy, he discovered the true spirit of giving.   Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy award-winning artist, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the RI Council for the Humanities and an NPR commentator, Bill’s songs and stories paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. Home of "Zanzibar", "Monsters In The Bathroom", "50 Ways To Fool Your Mother", "You're In Trouble", "Dad Threw The TV Out The Window", "Down in the Backpack" and "The Ballad of Dirty Joe", Bill’s work spans the generation gap. Singer, storyteller, author, playwright, educator, performing artist – welcome to the world of Bill Harley – a world of wit and wisdom.   bhvaqycm   

Today we begin a new series on Praying with the church. This episode deals with Jewish Prayer Practices which Jesus and his disciples likely engaged in. I hope you will join in on these prayer practices as we intentionally seek to make every moment a sacred moment.

Thinking of giving the gift of music this Christmas but you aren't sure of what kind of music that those special people in your life might appreciate? This week's podcast is a sample of the entire album, "Hymns, Prayers, and Invitations". Listen first and see if you like the music enought to give it as a gift this year, and if you do like it you can buy it at www.RickLeeJames.com, Bandcamp.com, iTunes, CDBaby.com or Amazon.com.   Rick lee James live concert movie available on Amazon Instant Video.   Also, check out Rick Lee James interview about Advent on CCMMagazine.com   You can also purchase Rick's book, Out of the Depths, on Amazon.com