Tracks for the Journey

Text me your thoughts! Running the path beneath the giant Sequoias brought a depth to my faith experience. Could going Wild lead to a closer connection to God and the Planet? Explore with me a green path with the perspective of Panentheism, Jesus in the Wild, Ecopsychology, and the battle against plastic pollution. We can learn from Brian McLaren, Ilia Delio, and others a new language of faith discovery that is as old as the planet.Segments include:Discover a Wild SpiritualityPanentheism and the Our Natural WorldEcopsychology Brings Health from the WildEarth Day 2024 Battles Plastic PollutionFor a full transcript with sources cited: https://tracksforthejourney.buzzsprout.comFind more Network resources at https://tracksforthejourney.comLearn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! Getting a good night’s sleep is important. But it’s not always easy. Sleep science offers a better tomorrow by improving what happens tonight. Let’s explore more about your well-being through good sleep habits. Looking at the example of Jesus, making a few minutes of pre-sleep preparation, and a tracking your nocturnal adventure can make all the difference!Segments includeA casualty of sleepinessThe challenges and benefits of good sleepA sleepy SaviorPractices for improving your restLearn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! Today 950 million women will say “No” to pregnancy by utilizing birth control. Is that a moral choice? With changes in America’s laws, the legality of interventional birth control is under attack. I believe there are four ethical and theological reasons to support reproductive choice which contribute to well-being at every stage of adult life.Segments include:A short history of birth controlA radical new age of choice#1- The unitive purpose of sex#2- Rights of Women to control their lives#3- Choosing Divine-human collaboration#4- Stewardship of finite resourcesPhoto by alisa dyson on pixabay.comLearn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! Why was Jesus crying on the road to Jerusalem? That Easter story draws us close to the emotions of a God-filled man and to the life of faith today. We may well ask, would Jesus be crying over my city now? I invite you to explore what tears reveal, the emotions of God in relationship to us, and the crucial decisions for well-being we can make today. Segments include:Why do we cry? The tears of Jesus God’s connection with our pain A better way of life Why would Jesus cry today? Our choices make a difference Photo by Reidy68 on pixabay.comLearn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! I wear glasses to correct the distortions in my vision. Everyone has some biases that distort our perception of the world. Some of these thought patterns cause us to stumble in relationships, work, or lifestyle. When we break those biases we can enjoy better living. In this episode I explore common biases, connect with the Disciples of Jesus on a wild night voyage, and offer some ways to change the biased thoughts that can hold us back from well-being.Segments include:What is a bias? 1:07 Biased Disciples and a Ghost 1:50Awareness of my biases 4:20Stop what isn’t working 7:22Receive ideas from others 8:12Step back from the crowd 9:35Faith for better vision 10:36 CITEDJohn Manoogian III, “The Cognitive Bias Codex - 180+ biases”. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Cognitive_Bias_Codex_-_180%2B_biases,_designed_by_John_Manoogian_III_(jm3).png Carmen Acton, “Are You Aware of Your Biases?” Harvard Business Review, February 4, 2022. https://hbr.org/2022/02/are-you-aware-of-your-biasesPhoto by lichdinh on pixabay.comLearn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! My teacher is red, round, and a billion years old. Without saying a word my teacher has taught important lessons about hope, purpose, and ecological connections. Yes, my teacher is a friendly, billion-year-old rock ready to share lessons for well-being that will enrich our journey of life.I have a small prayer garden at the Bright Star Farm in west Texas. The centerpiece is a soccer-ball size, red granite stone. I've often spent time reflecting on the silent story told by my rocky friend. Thanks for listening!Segments include:Meet my billion-year-old friendA Rocky Road to the FarmEverything ConnectsMade to Do ThisHope for Billions to ComeCITED“Geology of the Rocky Mountains.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geology_of_the_Rocky_Mountains“Alkali Feldspar Granite.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkali_feldspar_granite“Alkali feldspar granite, some varieties of which are called 'red granite',[1] is a felsic igneous rock and a type of granite rich in the mineral potassium feldspar (K-spar). It is a dense rock with a phaneritic texture. The abundance of K-spar gives the rock a predominant pink to reddish hue; peppered with minor amounts of black minerals”  “How Do Rocky Planets Really Form?” https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/how-do-rocky-planets-really-form#(Maps on YouTube: Ron Blakely, designer, in Geoff Manaugh, “Assembling North America.” https://bldgblog.com/2006)Jay McDaniel, “Panentheism: Twelve Metaphors.” https://www.openhorizons.org/panentheism-twelve-metaphors.htmlLearn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! Danger! You may be sabotaging your own well-being! It’s vital to avoid the twin saboteurs of “Fearing Your Fears” and “Confusing Feeling’s with Facts.” In this episode I share a story of Nazi sabotage, the help Jasmine found, and inspiration from a jailbird. Join me to explore ways to foil the plot within and build greater well-being.Segments include:A Nazi PlotSaboteur WithinA Jailbird’s ReactionFearing Our FearsJasmine’s ChoiceConfusing Feeling’s with FactsThe Arrest CITEDDavid A. Taylor, “The Inside Story of How a Nazi Plot to Sabotage the U.S. War Effort Was Foiled.”   https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/inside-story-how-nazi-plot-sabotage-us-war-effort-was-foiled-180959594/(Photo by I.am-nah on unsplash.com)Learn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! All of us care about having good physical health. We deal with illness, practice good habits, and watch our calories, right? When things go wrong, we can struggle with big questions about what we are doing and even God’s place in this quest. Can God make you healthy? The insights of Process  Christian Theology can help us deal with the health issues we face today.  God's essential attribute is Love, the non-coercive activity that seeks the well-being of the world. The love of God brings freedom to us and all things to collaborate with God, or not. In our health, there are no divine interventions that alter the laws of nature. Our choices enable us to collaborate with God's good work for health.  Segments include:A Theology of God's PowerThe Nature of LoveGod collaborates with thingsGod, Love, and your healthGod and our freedomWe should work with God for healthCITEDThomas Jay Oord, The Death of Omnipotence and the Birth of Amipotence. SacraSage Press, 2023David Ray Griffin, Reenchangment without Supernaturalism. Cornell University Press, 2001.Photo by silviarita on pixabay.comMusic by lemonstudio on pixabay.comLearn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! The ticking seconds of the clock—could they be the signal God is moving across my life and yours? Jesus never heard that sound but knew so much about time. He demonstrated every moment brings the possibility of insight, miracle, renewal, or fulfillment. As the new year unfolds, let’s explore how we can unleash the Now-Moments for greater well-being.CITEDAnthony Salvanto, “CBS News poll looks at where Americans find happiness.” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/americans-happiness-whats-good-a-cbs-news-poll-seriesDeborah Martine Chase (Producer), Ken Kwapis (Director). “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Movie). Warner Bros Studio 2005.“Poems about living in the moment.” https://discoverpoetry.comMusic by lemonmusic on pixabay.comLearn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! By December 26, the Christmas wrapping paper is thrown away and the last tidbit of fruitcake eaten. But what if our Christmas celebration could go on-and-on to build our well-being? When we explore beyond the tinsel and tidbits, we can discover God at work far beyond our imagination or the simple fact of a Jewish baby born in 4 BCE. Our lives and our world can be transformed by an endless Christmas!Segments include:The Incarnation IdeaFirst Incarnation: CreationSecond Incarnation: ConsciousnessThird Incarnation: Jesus the ChristFourth Incarnation: Indwelling SpiritFifth Incarnation: Fulfilled UniverseCITED and CREDITSThomas Jay Oord, The Death of Omnipotence and the Birth of Amipotence. SacraSage Press, 2023.Richard Rohr, The Universal Christ. Convergent Press, 2019. Simona Ginsburg and Eva Jablonka, “How Did Consciousness Evolve? An Illustrated Guide.” https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/how-did-consciousness-evolve-an-illustrated-guideKeisha N. Blaine, “'God Is Not Going to Put It in Your Lap.' What Made Fannie Lou Hamer’s Message on Civil Rights So Radical—And So Enduring.” https://time.com/5692775/fannie-lou-hamer/Mallory Wyckoff, God Is. Wm. B Eerdmans Publishing, 2022.Bruce Epperly, Process Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed. T & T Clark, 2011.Learn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! Travel starts with a big question: Where am I going? We can expand the question to our life experience. Where am I going in this journey of life? Research shows well-being is enhanced by exploring the worlds outside of us and within us. Join me to discover ways of growth through explore places around us and inside us. We can travel for our well-being!Included: *"Where are you going?" is an ancient question *The sacred pilgrimage *Exploring the Self within *Traveling together *"The Lord is in this place"CITED Gabriella Paiella. “The Brain-Changing Magic of New Experiences.” https://www.gq.com/story/brain-changing-magic-new-experiences Laura Kwerel, “A mother of 3 was struggling at the airport. Then the 'mom tribe' swung into action.” https://www.npr.org/2023/08/16/1193783789/flying-with-kids-plane-travel-mom-helpsDavid Ray Griffin, Reenchantment without Supernaturalism: A process philosophy of religion. Cornell University, 2001.Proverbs 27:9 NRSVUEGenesis 28:16-17 NRSVUE Learn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! Tracks for the Journey is a channel dedicated to your emotional and spiritual well-being. I’m Larry Payne, the host, and I’d like to explain in more depth how you can benefit from joining me on this life journey. My Tracks for the Journey channel utilizes great resources to enhance your emotional and spiritual well-being. Progressive Christian spirituality is founded on God’s essential love, all-pervasive presence, collaboration with all creatures to create the future, and connections to all faith traditions. Another vital resource is Positive Psychology that enables people to thrive. I also use history to give breadth to our explorations. These sources interact with my 50 years of professional experience as a pastor, hospital chaplain, and licensed counselor. Join me to explore your well-being!Learn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! How good are we at listening to each other? Scientists have been listening for signals from aliens. Sadly, none have been received. In our relationships we give and receive signals every moment. Improving these skills are vital for well-being. This episode explores ways to improve our listening to build better relationships. We can “Listen Up” by: Focusing our attentionLetting go of our agendaPaying attention to non-verbal signalsSpirituality involves listening by God and to GodResources cited:John Gottman and Joan DeClaire. The Relationship Cure. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2001.   https://www.gottman.com“Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_for_extraterrestrial_intelligenceLearn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! The climate is acting crazy but we don’t need to do the same! The climate crisis is not a future threat but upon us now. The effects of catastrophic events have become as destructive to emotional health as to the environment. In this episode I explore ecotheology that leads to tangible actions each of us can take as stewards of the Earth. Join me and Pope Francis as we seek a new climate comfort zone. Sections include:Our climate crisisEcotheology for stewards of the EarthAct Now in practical waysThe prayer of Pope FrancisCITEDDavid Gushee, Introducing Christian Ethics. Front Edge Publishing, 2022.United Nations Act Now program. https://actnow.aworld.org/Learn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! The Bible once failed America and it may happen today, threatening our well-being. In this episode I explore the error of "commonsense literalism" that contributed to the Civil War. There is a better way to interpret the Bible: as a Wisdom book which can speak to all cultures. Sections include:Two messages about slavery from the BibleThe mistakes of "Commonsense Literalism"How the Bible actually worksInterpretation as wisdom for each cultureCITEDMark A. Noll. America’s God: from Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln.  Oxford University Press, 2002.Peter Enns, How the Bible Actually Works. HarperOne, 2019.Visit my website https://tracksforthejourney.comLearn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! All of us have seen the movie scene where the good guy is merciful and spares the criminal, right? But we may not realize that mercy can contribute to healthy living on a daily basis. In this Fast Track series episode Larry discusses what the Bible says about God acting in mercy. He highlights the quality is vital for our emotional health as well. It’s crazy how our well-being grows with Mercy received and given!Sections include:Do X, Get Y? Not with MercyA Merciful GodMercy is good for our well-beingCITED:Diana Butler Bass, Grateful: the Subversive Practice of Giving Thanks. (New York: HarperCollins, 2018). Emma Seppala, “The Compassionate Mind.” https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/the-compassionate-mindLearn about the TRACKS EXPRESS NewsletterSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! Transgendered youth and their parents have rights to determine their gender identity. But laws across America are trying to take away this fundamental freedom. Join me to understand the issues and the reasons this is bad for them, for you, and for the kingdom of God. Let’s affirm transgender rights in this episode of Tracks for the Journey.For more resources www.tracksforthejourney.comSources include:Kayden Asher, “This is not how you fix things.” The Imprint Newsletter, March 13, 2022. https://imprintnews.org/opinion/testimony-from-transgender-teen-in-texas/63370American Psychiatric Association, “What is Gender Dsyphoria?” https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gender-dysphoria/what-is-gender-dysphoriaJack Turban, “The Evidence for Trans Youth Gender-Affirming Care.” www.psychologytoday.com.United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, “Born Free and Equal.” https://www.ohchr.orgAdam Nagourney and Jeremy W. Peters, “How a Campaign against Transgender Rights Mobilized Conservatives.” New York Times, April 17, 2023.Laurel Wamsley, “A Guide to Gender Identity Terms.” https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/996319297/gender-identity-pronouns-expression-guide-lgbtqFrankie de La Cretaz, “Being Nikki Hiltz.” https://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a44201663/nikki-hiltz-first-nonbinary-usatf-championSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! The myth of Christian Nationalism is creeping across America in this Independence season. The ideology weds fundamentalist faith and regressive politics to undermine our democracy. We should stand against this bad theology, bad political history, and bigotry. Explore with me the timely topic “The Myth of Christian Nationalism.”Resources cited include: Andrew L. Whitehead and Samuel L. Perry. Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States, Oxford University Press, 2020Gerardo Marti, American Blindspot. Rowman and Littlefield, 2020“Christian Nationalism and the January 6, 2021 Insurrection.” https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/jan6reportThe Baptist Joint Committee, a non-sectarian group promoting religious liberty, has many resources on this topic. https://www.bjconline.org“Christians Against Christian Nationalism.” https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org.Photos from pixabay.com, unsplash.com, and T.Merkler on Flickr.comMusic by Z. Valaha on pixabay.comFIND MORE RESOURCES AT WWW.TRACKSFORTHEJOURNEY.COMSupport the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! Most of us pray. What we think about our essential worth, the future, and God can help us thrive, or hinder, our prayer and our well-being. In this episode of Tracks for the Journey I explore exciting truths about relating to God, the openness of the future, and the vital need for positive self-worth. I share insights from Process Theology and Open Theism to challenge the toxic messages some receive about essential worth.Segments include:To pray is to believe God is awareSelf-worth is essential for prayer and well-beingPrayer creates the future with GodCITEDThomas Jay Oord, Pluriform Love: An open and relational theology of well-being. SacraSage Press, 2022Matthew McKay and Patrick Fanning, Self-Esteem, 4th ed. New Harbinger Publications, Inc, 2016.Bruce Epperly, Praying with Process Theology. River Lane Press, 2017.Mark G. Karris, Divine Echoes: Reconciling prayer with the uncontrolling love of God. Quoir Press, 2018.Support the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Text me your thoughts! The headlines of abuse by religious leaders have shocked the world. It's time to lift the silence and uncover teachings that have made it worse, including patriarchy, erotophobia, and xenophobia. The good news is that victims can surmount spiritual abuse. Speak the truth today.Segments include:Patriarchy promotes misogonyErotophobia sabotages healthy esteem and relationshipsXenophobia polarizes communitiesSurmount abuse by owning the distortions and building a network for healthCITEDCarolyn Radofsky, “Ministry that once nourished Duggar’s family faith falls from grace.” www.nbcnews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ministry-nourished-duggar-familys-faith-falls-grace-rcna14024Clyde Haberman, “How an abstinence pledge in the ‘90’s shamed a generation of evangelicals.” https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/us/abstinence-pledge-evangelicals.html?smid=tw-shareMarlene Winell, Leaving the Fold. The Apocryphile Press, 2007.Support the Show.Subscribe to the TRACKS EXPRESS newsletter and find more resources for well-being at https://www.tracksforthejourney.comEnjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77