For this episode, I wanted to share a few bricks to help you build better communication skills, specifically when it comes to arguments or disagreements. I approached this topic through the lens of understanding the art and rule of debate.  Wikipedia defines debate as followed:  Debate is a process that involves formal discourse on a particular topic, often including a moderator and audience. In a debate, arguments are put forward for often opposing viewpoints. Debates have historically occurred in public meetings, academic institutions, debate halls, coffeehouses, competitions, and legislative assemblies. The debate has also been conducted for educational and recreational purposes, usually associated with educational establishments and debating societies. Today I invite you to examine and extract what can we learn from the debate and how can we apply this daily to build better communication brick by brick.  Resources referenced in this episode: How to Debate Ideas Productively at Work, How to Fight Fair and Have Healthy Debates with Your Partner, According to Relationship Experts, and Why Are We Yelling?  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/living-otr/message

Have you ever wondered what it really means to be a Christian? When referencing the Bible or hearing others claim this title or identity for themselves, what has been your experience with them? How does that shape how you think or feel about that person? In this episode, I will share an overview of a few of the foundational terms and scriptures to aid in your understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus, a disciple. I look forward to your listening and would love to hear your thoughts regarding this subject!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/living-otr/message

We all have dreams, goals, and ambitions that we focus on throughout our lives. As we pursue those things, we will have moments when we doubt ourselves. There will be times when it feels much harder than we could have ever imagined and we will wonder if it’s time to give up on our dream. How do we know if or when that time has come? What are some things we can focus on to help us make that decision?  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/living-otr/message

I received a listener question regarding how to manage relationships during the pandemic life. I know this is a question that has been relevant over the past couple of years and is currently being examined as we think through life after the pandemic now that we know restrictions are slowly being lifted as cases are on the decline. I thought it would be great to zoom out even further to ask the question of what is the impact of relationships on our physical and mental wellbeing? How can we grow and sustain our circles to ensure we have solid boundaries and support, while also knowing when it is time to let certain relationships go. I am excited to start this discussion and invite you to share your thoughts as well by sending in your voice messages or responding to the poll!  Links to resources within the podcast: Relationships in the 21st century: the forgotten foundation of mental health and wellbeing -> What is a toxic relationship? -> You Are The Average Of The Five People You Spend The Most Time With -> Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/living-otr/message

Life on Earth is hard and let's face it, amid our challenges, struggles, or hardships it can be easy to lose sight of God or even feel that He is not present with us in our valleys. Today's episode will be a discussion on what we can do to maintain a sense of peace, focus, and motivation while we are in the middle of difficult moments or even seasons. I will share a few verses of scripture and use the examples of David and Jesus as a model of faithfulness, courage, and transparency before God. Let's dig in!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/living-otr/message

John Maxwell said it best “Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.” I believe that we are all leaders of our lives and knowing that the question becomes how can we be better leaders in the day-to-day? In today’s episode, I will share 5 key traits to master in your everyday leadership! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/living-otr/message

Everything we do in our lives starts with our thinking. A.R Bernard said it best, “the quality of your thinking determines the quality of life." Make question for you is "What is your mindset?" Are you focused on how you can grow or are you fixated on the mistakes you have made causing you not to grow? Let's dive in!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/living-otr/message

Imagine your life as a home that you have the blueprint for and are ready to begin construction. Before we can go anywhere with the specificity of the design, everything begins with a solid foundation. In today's episode, I will share key insights from a parable told by Jesus that speaks directly to our life foundations. I hope you enjoy it!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/living-otr/message