free audio downloads of   “Sex, Lies, and Good News” …and more.

Dallas Willard is not in a rush.  In fact, spending an hour in conversation with him, it  becomes apparent that he moves to the rhythm of an altogether different drumbeat–an other-worldly drumbeat.   A rhythm which emanates from somewhere deep inside.

As we are introduced I immediately begin to wonder,“Where have I heard this voice before?” Suddenly I realize that this noted scholar’s voice is one part  William F. Buckley and one part Thurston Howell, III.   I try not to act too distracted.

What does one expect  when talking with an intellectual and spiritual giant?  Hubris?  Condescenion?  Distraction?  None of these are present though during our time together.   All said, Dallas is one of the most present, humble men I’ve ever met.

When the interview is over I thank him once more and we shake hands.  I release my hand shake at the socially appropriate moment.   But Dallas holds on.  I’m in a rush to move along, though I have nowhere in particular to be.  I’m caught off guard  by the power of his being.

After an uncomfortably long time he releases my hand.  He blesses me.   I feel unsettled–but in a good way.

I wonder to myself, “Could this be holiness I’ve just encountered?”

I think so.

To listen or download an audio interview with Dallas click here

Question:  What stood out to you in this conversation?

This is a 22 minute interview between Michael Cusick and Dave Stephens, M.D., the CEO of CMA.  Recorded in November 2008 for the “Christian Doctor’s Digest.”

To download this audio file, right click this link (option-click on mac) and save it to your computer’s hard drive.

Exclusive offer for readers of Michael Hyatt’s blog:

free downloads of podcast interviews with Dallas Willard , Peter Scazzero, and more.

Michael’s personal story of healing from sexual abuse, addiction to pornography and sex.  A message given at Lookout Mountain Community Church, May 2005.

To download this audio file, right click this link (option-click on mac) and save it to your computer’s hard drive.

This is Julianne’s  personal story of heartbreak and healing.  A raw, gutsy, and hope-filled message for men and women who have betrayed or been the betrayer.

To download this audio file, right click this link (control-click on mac) and save it to your computer’s hard drive.

Among other things during the sabbatical, he and  his wife had time at the beach, time at a monastery in Snowmass, Colorado, and  time at a conference in Chicago where the emminent German theologian Jurgen Moltmann was speaking.

As it happened one morning, Aram was having breakfast where he was staying at the Holiday Inn.   Lo and behold, there was Jurgen Moltmann, apparently eating the food of mere mortals, and apparently lodging at this same fine establishment.

Not only did Aram get to have breakfast with Moltmann (the theo-paparrazi report Jurgen ate trans-fat free bratwurst, german potato salad, german chocolate cake, and Starbuck’s Sumatra with cream) but they had a stimulating conversation and still had time for this photo op (above).

Overall Aram reports that the sabbatical was an amazing and profitable time that combined rest and renewal, play, and a fair amount of intellectual and spiritual growth leading to some much needed re-alignment.

Question: Have you ever had a sabbatical?     How did that experience affect your spiritually and professionally?     Do you wish you could have a sabbatical?     What stands in the way?

A simple, yet profound message by Brian Gray, Pastor at The Next Level Church (TNL), Denver, Colorado.  A must listen to mesage for everyone serving in full-time ministry.