Shows
The Crafty NarrativeDivine Light Mission Episode 18A 8 year old takes over a cult….what could go wrong…..
Music thanks to Kevin Mac Leod and his song Southern Gothic
Sources:
Divine Light Mission | Encyclopedia.com
Divine Light Mission - Cults and Sects
Shri Hans Ji Maharaj
The Origins of Sant Mat, The Five Names, and the Identity of Tulsi Sahib's Guru, by James Bean | by SantMat | Sant Mat Meditation and Spirituality | Medium
Encyclopedia Handbook of Cults in America by J. Gordon Melton
"A Charismatic Religious Sect The Divine Ligh...2025-04-2121 min
Sanctuary Stirrings#33 Finding Your Sacred Space--Where is Your NEST? A Conversation with Special Guest Linda AndersenDo you long for a place to meet with God? A sacred space that feels like home to your soul?In this episode, we explore the significance of these personal havens with mentor and spiritual formation expert Linda Andersen. Linda shares her story of how God has led herto sacred spaces through the years and how He may be doing the same for you. Join us for this heart-stirring conversation that will leave you inspired to seek out (or rediscover) the NESTs God is calling you to, and with a prayer of love t...2025-03-2920 minSanctuary Stirrings#32 Children of God or Slaves? Receive the Gift of the SabbathGod is a firm believer in freedom of choice. As much as he wants us to receive all the gifts that he has for us, he leaves it up to us which ones we will receive and which ones, to our detriment, we leave in his outstretched hand. The same heavenly Father who created Adam and Eve on the sixth day and the very next morning declared their first day of existence a day of rest, delight, and worship offers the same gift to us today. But in the world that we live in, Sabbath c...2025-02-2214 minThe Crafty NarrativeI AM Episode 9
When Saint Germain is the leader of your cult some 146 years after he dies.
Music thanks to Kevin Mac Leod for his song: Southern Gothic
Reference:
I AM movement | American Spiritualism & New Age Beliefs | Britannica
The Origin of the I AM Movement – MOUNT SHASTA MYTHS
IAM Americas Destiny : Guy Ballard : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
I AM Activity – WRSP
United States v. Ballard | Case Brief for Law Students | Casebriefs
Our Activities | Saint Germain Foundation | United States
Count de S...2025-02-1634 minSanctuary Stirrings#31 Feeling a Little Distant from God? Stop Thinking. Start Singing!Have you ever felt weighed down, heavy-hearted, and a little distant from God even though, it seems, you have all your faith boxes checked? You’ve been attending church, having your daily time with Jesus and the Bible, and attending
Bible study.
Yet, somehow, you don’t feel as close to God as you usually do and don’t know why.
Join me for this delightful episode exploring the missing link right at your fingertips!
--
Reawaken Hymns on YouTube. A beautiful
contempor...2025-01-2508 minSanctuary Stirrings#30 New Year's Resolution or Sacred Stewardship? A Fresh Perspective on 2025What are Christians supposed to do with New Year’s? Is it
just another Hallmark holiday or an invitation from God? Join today’s conversation to flesh out this significant day on the calendar and receive the gifts God has waiting for you!
The New Year Examen Worksheet
The New Year Examen and Your Life’s
Golden Thread with Chris Slabbekoorn Sanctuary Stirrings
Podcast Episode #19The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Prayer
Cabin
To receive other great articles, information about Sanctuary events, and other resources to grow closer t...2025-01-0410 minSanctuary Stirrings#29 Including the Name of Jesus in Holiday ConversationsHere amid the Holiday season, with parties and events filling your days and New Year’s get-togethers just around the corner, do you ever find yourself hesitant to include the name of Jesus in conversation?
Me too.
If you have a passionate love for Jesus and a desire to share what he means to you as the Holy Spirit opens doors this season, join me for this episode.
To receive other great articles to grow closer to Jesus and each other in your email, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com an...2024-12-1908 minSanctuary Stirrings#28 Have You Put the Holy Spirit on the Shelf?Children keep us humble, and a few years ago, my husband and I thought we had completely failed as parents when our daughter brought us an eye-opening question. But the pain was quickly replaced with joy as the Lord brought us back again to His wonderful gift.
If you haven’t been taught about the filling of the Holy Spirit, or if, like me, you’ve heard some confusing teaching through the years and put Him on the shelf, I think you’ll enjoy this episode opening the door wide to all the Lord has for you...2024-11-1611 min
Talking Cents168: I'm Divorced: Now What? Pt. 1In this episode, we're wrapping up a three-part series on banking with Lori Melton from First Community Bank. Divorce is hard and navigating the financial challenges that can arise make it even harder. We'll be looking at some action steps you can take with your personal finances.
6 Keys to Financial Independence
2024-09-1017 minTalking CentsTC167: Finding the Bank That's Right for YouI've got special guest Lori Melton with First Community Bank back for part two of our series on banking. Just like financial advice isn't one size fits all, neither are banks! In this episode, we're taking a look at different aspects of banks - services, amenities, culture - so you can decide if you're in the bank that's right for you and give you some things to consider if you're looking to switch.
6 Keys to Financial Independence
2024-09-0316 minTalking Cents166: Fraud ProtectionWith credit and bank cards being so common, all of us are likely to experience fraud at some point. I'm kicking off a three-part series about banking with special guest Lori Melton of First Community Bank. And in this episode, she's bringing her years of experience in the banking world to help you protect yourself against fraud and what to do if you're the victim of fraudulent charges.
6 Keys to Financial Independence
2024-08-2717 min
Educational DiagnosticiansTexas 2024 Dyslexia Handbook FAQsAmy Smith, Candace Vielma, Lori Melton, and Zarvonia Gibbs pitch in to add commentary to Nazzie's summary of the FAQs of the the dyslexia handbook. 2024-08-1658 minSanctuary Stirrings#27 Pilgrimages Rarely Go As Planned“Pilgrimages rarely go as planned. They’re evolving journeys, not packaged holidays.” Ted Harro, Camino Pilgrim, Renovare
As it is in pilgrimage, so it is in life. Just when you think you have everything planned to a “T,” a detour or a roadblock changes everything!
What do you do now?
Pilgrimages Rarely Go As Planned Full Article
You can read Perry’s full story in his book. Whether you go on an actual pilgrimage or not, you’ll be so inspired!
Stepping Out On An Adventure...2024-06-2909 minSanctuary Stirrings#26: Soaking in the Psalms Prayer Practice with Linda AndersenTake this episode along as you sit at the beach or in a quiet spot with your early morning coffee. Drink of the Living Water as First Love Founder and author Linda Andersen leads us through this powerful practice of Soaking in the Psalms.
Day 1 Pilgrimage Takes Patience Transcript
Spiritual Retreat for Tired Souls: A Quiet Guide to Time Alone with God by Linda Andersen
#abideinJesus
#christianformation
To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus and each other in your email each week, go to...2024-06-2211 minSanctuary Stirrings25: 2024 Summer Series, Pilgrimage Takes Patience!
Hearing from many of you, there’s been an interest in the topic of pilgrimage, and my recent trip to Italy on The Saint Francis Way. I hope you enjoy this series of short vignettes about pilgrimage and monthly soaking in Jesus’ prayer practices by First Love Founder, Linda Andersen. May these stirring topics, be little bite-size morsels to strengthen our lives with God as we travel through the summer.
Day 1 Pilgrimage Takes Patience Transcript
MAWG Morning Alone with God June 15 & July 20
The Saint Francis Way
Spiritual Retreat for Tired...2024-06-1507 minSanctuary Stirrings#24: To Italy and Back Again—Pilgrimage 101“Pilgrimage,” not a word that comes into our 21st Century Christian vocabulary very often. Come along as I lead you through my recent experience traveling The Francis Way in Italy, An ancient spiritual practice that the Lord opened my eyes to nearly 10 years ago, and I have been fascinated with ever since. Hear a little bit about this practice and the gift that might be waiting for you through this ancient and current practice of life with God.
To Italy and Back Again—Pilgrimage 101 Article
Unhurried Living Ministry & Podcast with Gem & Alan Fadling
On the...2024-06-0814 min
Simply Wholehearted☀️ Ennea-Summer: Enneagram 8 The Challenger**Grab your Enneagram 8 Guide Sheet to follow along**https://www.simplywholehearted.com/enneagrameightguidesheetLet's have an Ennea-Summer together. We'll be talking about all nine Enneagram types starting with the type 8.Are you an Enneagram 8 or have a type 8 in your life? They are often referred to as "The Challenger" and I'm sharing characteristics of a type 8, including:-- Fears, desires, and weaknesses-- Wings 9 and 7-- Communication patterns-- Lines of stress and growthYou'll also hear a powerful story from a Wholehearted Coaching Type 8 client, Lori M...2024-06-0318 minSanctuary Stirrings23: Dying to Live … Conversation with Circuit Rider, Autumn Christina
Whatever the Lord is asking of you today, I hope you enjoy this story of surrender and that it gives you the strength to say, “Yes!”
And in that “Yes!” you find the joy and satisfaction you were created for because it’s in dying that we truly live!
Click on the link below to learn more about Autumn and this powerful movement of God that reached 37,000 young people on College Campuses last year.
AutumnMeltonmissions.com
#the_auddy
#circuitriders
#joyinsurrender
#Godisgood
#lifewithjesu...2024-04-2737 min
Hungry Authors52. Publishing with Giants with Lori MeltonWhat’s it like to get a book deal with a Big 5 publisher? Lori Melton is a spiritual director and soon-to-be author with the largest publisher in the U.S. In this episode, we talk with Lori about her journey – but most importantly about the incredible idea that she pitched and which found a home in just the right place. Listen and you just might find yourself inspired to take a closer walk with one of your spiritual giants!
Lori G Melton is a Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader with a life-long passion for walking with God and...2024-04-0800 minSanctuary Stirrings22: 5 Easy Ways to Worship Jesus This Easter WeekendWith Easter being the most important day of the whole year for us as Christians, why does it so often catch us by surprise?
If you’re like me and want to fully savor this opportunity with the Savior instead of screeching into the Church parking lot on Easter morning, you’ll love this episode!
#christianformation
#lifewithjesus
#lovingjesus
#easter2024
#heisrisen
To receive these and other great articles in your email each week to grow closer to Jesus, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our week...2024-03-2314 minSanctuary Stirrings21: Becoming One: Do We Really Have to Pray Together?Just as no two marriages are alike, no two couples’ spiritual relationship will be the same either.
In celebration of Valentine’s month and the unique relationship we share with our spouse, get
ready to free yourself from all the “should’s”, “ought to’s” and “gotta’s” and notice and
celebrate your unique Spiritual Strengths instead.
Couple’s Spiritual 💋 Strengths Survey
Solitude As a Spouse Article
Made from Scratch by Mignon Francois
MAWG Morning Alone with God
Contemplative Retreat
#christianmarriage
#lifeinchrist
To...2024-02-2410 minEducational DiagnosticiansTimes, They are a Changin': Revisions to the Dyslexia Handbook | Nazzie Pater-Rov with Aimee Seaberry and others on ClubhouseNazzie summarizes for the group both proposals for items removed and added to the Texas Dyslexia handbook. Aimee Seaberry also adds a summary of the Dyslexia Academies expected to be provided by TEA. Others also joined to comment. Thanks to Lori Melton for offering the perspective of a dyslexia therapist as well.
See this link for the text of the proposed handbook. 2024-02-2354 min
The Country GoldmineShow #6/2024 Gabe Lee - Heart Don't Break Charley Crockett - Midnight Run Delbert McClinton - One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer The Petersens - Our House Blue Highway - Homeless Man Charles Wesley Godwin - That Time Again Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - If You Insist Lori Yates - Time After Time Colin Amey - Go For a Soda Jim Wilson - Honest Mistake American Aquarium - Losing Side Of Twenty-Five Nicole Rayy - Graveyard Delta Moon - Money Changes Everything The Band Of Heathens - Hurricane Cake - She'll Come Back to Me John Fogerty - The Old Man...2024-02-051h 47Sanctuary Stirrings20: Living Psalm 23
So excited to share about our Good Shepherd’s faithfulness along my publishing path.
Was it just a year ago I heard those dreaded words no author wants to hear, “I’m so sorry to say that your book project was not approved by our publishing committee.”?
When we go through our big and small valleys of the shadow of death, there’s nothing to fear. It’s not the end of the story. There is still more that the Lord needs to write in the middle.
We will see soon enough how goo...2024-01-2709 minSanctuary Stirrings#19: The New Year Examen and Your Life’s Golden Thread with Spiritual Director, Chris SlabbekoornI’ve got a special episode for you today! An interview with a dear friend and my spiritual director, Chris Slabbekoorn. I can’t wait for you to hear about Chris’ unique perspective on the Lord’s work in our lives through what she calls, The Golden Thread, and our conversation about setting apart a few quiet moments to hear the Lord’s still small voice and receive all he has for us in the year ahead, through the practice of the New Year’s Examen.
We pray you’ll be blessed by the New Year’s Examen as our gif...2023-12-3039 minSanctuary Stirrings#18: The Joy of the Season: What Carol Will Your Life Sing?“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O Night when Christ was born.”
Reading those words, just makes you happy, doesn’t it?? Are you humming along? Is there music playing in your head?
Are you smiling? I am!
Why is it that people are happier at Christmas? I wonder if a lot of it has to do with worship. The carols. Amidst all the pain and darkness; war, poverty, and injustice. Uncertai...2023-12-1610 minSanctuary Stirrings#17: Sacred Saturday - What's That?It’s here, the most delightful Church season of the year! A time to focus on all the glorious things God is ... Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace!
Four weeks on the calendar when we schedule time to stop and think about, I mean REALLY think about, a love of God for us so great and his desire for an unhindered relationship with us so powerful that He sent Jesus.
Yet amidst the busy season of shopping, caroling, and feasting, it’s so easy to get swept away, waking up on Decem...2023-12-0212 minSanctuary Stirrings16: Welcoming the Stranger … and who could be “Strange-er” than your Relatives?Woo-hoo! Thanksgiving is here! It’s so exciting to think about all the friends and family gathering together and also terrifying.
What does the Lord have for us in these life-long relationships that can be so messy at times? Are our Norman Rockwell visions of the family sitting around the table just a fairy tale?
… or an invitation from God? And if they are an invitation, how in the world are we supposed to get there?
Other great Thanksgiving articles you might enjoy listening to while you prepare your Thanksgiving feast:
Invitation...2023-11-2305 minSanctuary Stirrings15: What is the Lord Whispering to You This Thanksgiving?Welcome to this episode, where we talk about the incomprehensible mystery that our God will speak when we humbly lean in, ask him, and listen! And the shocking things he revealed to me as I followed what I heard him say.
Other great Thanksgiving articles to listen to while you’re preparing your Thanksgiving feast,
Invitation to Holy Hospitality
Welcoming the Stranger … and who could be “Strange-er” than your Relatives?
Eugene Peterson’s fantastic book, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
To receive these and other great articles to grow clos...2023-11-2111 minSanctuary Stirrings14: Her Name is EvelynHave you ever been captivated by a hero of the faith from history? Is there someone outside the pages of the Bible whose life powerfully inspires you every time you hear about it? Someone who seems to be walking a somewhat similar path, and yet maybe lived centuries before you or in a completely different culture?
What if that burning inside you is God’s indication that he has special gifts waiting for you through the life of another?
Join us as we celebrate a holiday, you may not have celebrated before.
Her Name...2023-11-0410 minSanctuary Stirrings13: The 2023 "7-Day Teatime Challenge"
Can you believe it’s been 6 weeks since Labor Day? It seems everyone I talk to has enjoyed a beautiful and bustling fall. Ours has been filled with people we love, travel, and festivities.
If your fall has been anything like ours, you may be ready to slow down for a bit.
Join us for this episode where we recognize the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death and the Brit’s fantastic custom.
Get out your cozy sweater and favorite mug, as we kick off our month of slowing, with the 2023...2023-10-2107 minSanctuary Stirrings12: Dying an Unintentional Spiritual DeathSometimes I wish God would just let me make the rules. Every living thing left on its own will die, even us. For some crazy reason, God made us divinely insufficient and desperately in need of each other. Just as we are physically dependent on each other to survive, so we are also spiritually.
I couldn’t have been more ecstatic than when I first came to know Jesus. I went to church every chance I could get, until I couldn’t. Then, left on my own, I started falling away. Until …
Blog post: Dying an Unint...2023-10-0712 minSanctuary Stirrings11: What is God Stirring in You this SeasonI couldn’t have been more shocked at the powerful principle that came from this innocent little question a few weeks ago. Hold on tight for what it reveals in you!
Blog post: What is God Stirring in You this Season?
Learning Humility, by Richard Foster
First Nations Native American New Testament by Terry Wildman
To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook at The...2023-09-3008 minSanctuary Stirrings10: I Need You? I Don't Know About ThatWe contemplatives love our time with the Lord. We love silence and solitude and have discovered a pearl of great price that many never do. There’s no greater calling than spending time just with God like a lover, in an indescribable relationship with Him.
But, there’s another side of that same coin.
Join us for this episode where we’re going to talk about our relationship with the Lord with a little twist of the beautiful design, he has divinely orchestrated, to intertwine our lives with others.
I’m going to take you ba...2023-09-1609 minSanctuary Stirrings9: What Belongs and What Doesn’t?A battle that’s been going on since the beginning of time, but possibly even more challenging in the 21st century. Here, at the beginning of Fall with more opportunities than our strength, finances, or spirits can handle, how do we wade through the choices, to make the ones closest to God’s will; the ones when our lives are all said and done, we will be happiest we did?
Join me today as we tap into a foundational practice of discernment God has been using for centuries to show his children the way.
Blog post...2023-09-0911 min
Artists for Joy9. Artist as PeacemakerToday on the podcast: our final Creative Archetype….Enneagram 9s. Teachers call this type The Peacemaker. Merideth chats with author and editor Ariel Curry, bassist and author David James, and author, spiritual director, and retreat leader Lori Melton, all about life as a creative 9. They discuss figuring out how you feel, cultivating a relationship with conflict, and making room for individuality through creative expression. (Side note: All 3 of these 9s are married to Enneagram 8s. How about that!) These 9s invite you all to celebrate the space you inhabit in your personality as we encourage them to step into and celebr...2023-09-0850 minSanctuary Stirrings8: Silent Retreat? Is that even Christian?You may be wondering when you see ours or other ministries beginning to offer “contemplative” practices, if we’ve all fallen off the deep end, sucked up in the current trend towards pagan practices of becoming “one with the universe”.
Join us for this discussion answering the questions that may be coming to your mind with practices like “meditation” becoming a part of our circles. And the account of my apprehensions and how God led me through this process one shaky step at a time on my first silent retreat.
Blog post: Silent Retreat? Is that even Christ...2023-09-0211 minSanctuary Stirrings7: Five, Four, Three, Two, One - ForgiveIt’s not if you’re going to have an offense with someone, it’s when! Something happens and we pray about it, forgiving the person and asking God to restore the relationship. But still, when we see the person again, there’s just that little negative feeling in your heart.
God has the best ways of answering our prayers. And sometimes the sneakiest! Join us in this episode for the story of how he showed up with the answer in my life one Sunday morning.
The Five-Second Rule by Mel Robbins
https:///www.thesan...2023-08-2608 minSanctuary Stirrings6: Solitude as a SpouseTaken aback by a quote by Rilke about the highest task of a married couple, join me for this episode as we discuss something most people never think about in their dreamy visions of marriage.
Your spouse may very well be sending me fan-mail after you listen :)
https://www.thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com/blog/solitude-as-a-spouse
To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Cree...2023-08-1907 minSanctuary Stirrings5: My 5 Favorite 2023 Summer Reads for Falling Deeper in LoveI love this annual August episode, highlighting the books that have found their way to my life, growing my love for Jesus and his people during the summer. Books are such a powerful tool in God’s hand and work in us. Is it any wonder that the first thing Jesus is called in the gospel of John is “The Word”? This episode provides a way for us to share the treasures we have found with each other. Can’t wait to hear about yours!
3000 Miles to Jesus: Pilgrimage as a Way of Life for Spiritual Seekers by Lisa D...2023-08-1208 minSanctuary Stirrings2: Do Kids Need Solitude and Silence?Many adults know they need to make space for silence and solitude, but do we ever think about our children’s need for it as well?
With kids’ lives, from pre-school to high school more scheduled than ever, in this episode, we’ll be taking a look at one of the best things we can give our kids this summer!
To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and...2023-08-0507 minSanctuary Stirrings4: Good and Hard at the Same TimeA common mindset we all struggle with, subconsciously we believe that if we’re walking closely with the Lord and doing what He’s called us to do, we wouldn’t struggle so often with doubt, pain, confusion, and conflict.
Join us for this conversation as we talk about being smack dab in the center of God’s will, and life being both good and hard at the same time.
Read the blog post.
To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus...2023-08-0506 minSanctuary Stirrings3: Retreat Can Look Like a Lot of ThingsWe all do it. The minute we receive Jesus and start walking with him, we begin making “rules” for what quiet time, church, bible study, and loving our neighbor must look like.
Join us in this conversation as the Lord brings me face-to-face with this struggle; taking me kicking and screaming into a new way of doing retreat and reminding me once again that there are endless ways, He draws us closer to Him.
Read the blog post.
To receive these and other great articl...2023-08-0505 minSanctuary Stirrings1: Alive!Sit by me at the theatre, as Jesus Revolution takes me back to the day when I met Jesus for the first time and remember the day that happened for you as well!
Jesus Revolution Movie Trailer
Purchase the Movie
Read the blog post.
To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.
2023-08-0507 minSanctuary StirringsSanctuary Stirring TrailerWelcome to the Sanctuary Stirrings where we talk about all things related to our intimacy with God and others and unpack the abundant life He has for us! So glad you're here.2023-06-2301 min
The Profitable WriterCross the Streams | DWC Member Spotlight: Lori MeltonToday’s podcast episode also includes an interview with one of our Daily Writer Club members, Lori Melton! Lori Melton is a Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader with a life-long passion for walking with God and fostering opportunities for others to grow in their relationship with Him. She and her husband, Bryan, are the founders and directors of The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center in Allegan, MI, the proud parents of five sons and one daughter, and Nana and Papa to two adorable grandkids. She’s also the author of the forthcoming book, Journey with a Giant...2023-05-3018 min
Reinvention RebelsReinvent Yourself: 3 Ways to Kick Your Fears to the Curb | How to Build Your Do It Scared, Do It Anyway Muscle!Have you ever noticed that you are stronger, wiser and more courageous than you think?Those qualities exist within all of us and are key to reinventing ourselves. Sometimes we have to build our Do It Scared muscle to bring them out. 💪🏾The good news: I have 3 simple strategies to help you build and flex this muscle as you reinvent yourself and crush those big goals of yours!This episode builds on the recent episode, Reinvent Yourself: Why You Should Do It Scared and Do It Anyway! | How to Take Action in the...2023-03-0922 min