https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bumc-pathway--5171967enChristianityCopyright Broadway UMChttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/875fa3839fa23c1ff7efeea0d3165c43.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bumc-pathway--5171967Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:39:20 +0000Broadway UMCBroadway UMCmdruen@broadwayunited.orgPathway is Broadway UMC’s safe place to find hope and healing for human hurts through Jesus’ love, which comes alive in authentic sharing and mutual support. If you’ve been bruised and wounded by toxic relationships, addiction, loss, chronic pain or...cleanepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/back-to-basics--50854974https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50854974Sun, 24 Jul 2022 18:54:00 +0000Broadway UMC1694cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/wayfinding-sharing--50423016https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50423016Thu, 30 Jun 2022 18:32:22 +0000Broadway UMCTelling God's story through our story.1773cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/wagon-or-wheelbarrow--50422982
But what if we trade in our wagon for a wheelbarrow?” Think about it. We now arrive on the scene pushing all our stuff out in front. Nothing to hide, protect or explain. There it all is in plain view where we can just give it away to help others. No more need to acquire.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50422982Thu, 30 Jun 2022 18:30:18 +0000Broadway UMCThose little red wagons we had as kids; it’s like we drag them around piling in anything that might enhance our career, our reputation, our net worth as well as our ability to sway others. The wagon looks impressive, but gradually gets harder to pull...
But what if we trade in our wagon for a wheelbarrow?” Think about it. We now arrive on the scene pushing all our stuff out in front. Nothing to hide, protect or explain. There it all is in plain view where we can just give it away to help others. No more need to acquire.]]>1100cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/room-elephants--50422906
How do we do community in a healthy way given toxicity in our midst? There are essential elements for group harmony: respect, honesty, open minds, patience, generosity, compassion. These are hard to find in our first paragraph. Do we kick the bums out? Shun them? Electroshock therapy? Listen to this week's Pathway podcast for a few suggestions.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50422906Thu, 30 Jun 2022 18:27:35 +0000Broadway UMCWhat is it with elephants in the room? The bully who uses sarcasm to get their way. A chronic liar, desperate for approval. A conversation monopolizer who disrespects everybody else in the room. The manipulator who hones passive aggression to a...
How do we do community in a healthy way given toxicity in our midst? There are essential elements for group harmony: respect, honesty, open minds, patience, generosity, compassion. These are hard to find in our first paragraph. Do we kick the bums out? Shun them? Electroshock therapy? Listen to this week's Pathway podcast for a few suggestions.]]>1465cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/i-m-gonna-win-her-over--50422527
From the cradle to the grave, Jesus left us no doubt. He wants close human companionship. He’s relentless trying to gain our trust. He’s gonna win us over!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50422527Thu, 30 Jun 2022 17:49:11 +0000Broadway UMCWe grow into adulthood with messed up opinions of God. Like Molly, the idea that he wants to be best friends can find no footing in us. Some say it’s because we’re sinners. And yet, even when our sins have “officially” been forgiven, it feels more...
From the cradle to the grave, Jesus left us no doubt. He wants close human companionship. He’s relentless trying to gain our trust. He’s gonna win us over!]]>1402cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ham-sandwich--49643124
Sharing our stories creates and empowers community. The room becomes fully engaged. I find myself in you. You find yourself in me. We link arms, not over shared beliefs or ethics, but mutual hurt and happiness. Your story may not fix me. It does give me hope. It won't answer all my questions. It does let me know I'm not the only one asking. Walls come down when we share stories.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49643124Tue, 03 May 2022 15:58:42 +0000Broadway UMCI spent years laser-focused on the straight and narrow … you know, believing and behaving just the right way. Back in those days when I gathered with others, especially at church, it was about outperforming everybody else in the room. At the end of...
Sharing our stories creates and empowers community. The room becomes fully engaged. I find myself in you. You find yourself in me. We link arms, not over shared beliefs or ethics, but mutual hurt and happiness. Your story may not fix me. It does give me hope. It won't answer all my questions. It does let me know I'm not the only one asking. Walls come down when we share stories.]]>975cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cross--49423856https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49423856Wed, 13 Apr 2022 14:37:22 +0000Broadway UMCJesus didn't die to cool the red-hot wrath of an angry God. No, this was God laying down his divine power to allow us to discover where we go when we think we have power. But even after absorbing our most grievous blow, his love, the greatest power in...1531cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/emotions--49167419https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49167419Wed, 23 Mar 2022 12:50:00 +0000Broadway UMCThere is no such thing as a true stoic. We all feel. Emotions are neither good nor bad. They just are. But to be human means we also think, do, desire, decide and relate to others. A healthy life is a balance of all these. If your emotions remain the...1517cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-music--49069724Without thinking about it, when I preset my dial to God's ability, there's a good chance I will miss his availability. In my darkest hour, I don't need a God who can flex. I need one with arms wide open for a hug.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49069724Tue, 15 Mar 2022 15:56:21 +0000Broadway UMCJesus lived and died love. He left his posse one command. Love each other. His love was extreme; leaving the 99, touching the unclean, cuddling babies, enlisting tax collectors, seeing the invisible, washing feet, forgiving freely and spontaneously,...Without thinking about it, when I preset my dial to God's ability, there's a good chance I will miss his availability. In my darkest hour, I don't need a God who can flex. I need one with arms wide open for a hug.]]>1533cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/forgiveness--49032002https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49032002Sun, 06 Mar 2022 18:16:00 +0000Broadway UMCSpeaking forgiveness out loud is key. It doesn’t make us forget the infraction. But saying “I forgive you” will remove its poison. And … it puts the universe on notice. Love wins. Light triumphs. Grace always finds a way.1409cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-on-a-backhoe--49032001Still, most of us want to lean into our skills with a screwdriver. We brandish them like swords. “Give me some time. I can work this out.” We stay so busy at it we fail to hear God breaking through on his backhoe right above us. The shafts of light streaming down to us go unseen by eyes clinched in determination.
At some point we eventually give up. Bent screwdriver hanging loosely in scraped and blistered hands, we stop trying to free ourselves. That’s when we look up into the light where we see God sitting on his backhoe, smile on his face, reaching down to give us a hand up.
If this thing between me and God is going to work, it has way more to do with God on a backhoe than it does my prowess with a screwdriver. Watch and listen.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49032001Sun, 27 Feb 2022 18:15:00 +0000Broadway UMCRead the big story in scripture. God has always done the heavy lifting, the grunt work, a bulldozer operator from the get-go. This applies to you and me as well. He wants our freedom more than we want it. He is doing all he can to open up all the good...Still, most of us want to lean into our skills with a screwdriver. We brandish them like swords. “Give me some time. I can work this out.” We stay so busy at it we fail to hear God breaking through on his backhoe right above us. The shafts of light streaming down to us go unseen by eyes clinched in determination.
At some point we eventually give up. Bent screwdriver hanging loosely in scraped and blistered hands, we stop trying to free ourselves. That’s when we look up into the light where we see God sitting on his backhoe, smile on his face, reaching down to give us a hand up.
If this thing between me and God is going to work, it has way more to do with God on a backhoe than it does my prowess with a screwdriver. Watch and listen.]]>1208cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradigm-shift--49032000If this is to change, God’s love is where we begin. I will be stuck un-loving me and not trusting you until I feel the touch of God’ love. God designed us to live loved by him. Until we experience this, nothing else will fall into place.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49032000Sun, 20 Feb 2022 18:15:00 +0000Broadway UMCLast week we talked about the impossible 18 inches between our head and our heart. My head wants to grasp the concept that God loves me. My heart feels unlovable. My head says it would be prudent to trust others. My heart is afraid. I want to love...If this is to change, God’s love is where we begin. I will be stuck un-loving me and not trusting you until I feel the touch of God’ love. God designed us to live loved by him. Until we experience this, nothing else will fall into place.]]>1610cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/little-things-make-a-legacy--49032004What about casual encounters? Table server at a restaurant? Guy who roofs our house? Lady at the Quick Sack? Person standing in front of me in line? All these 10 second encounters … what difference does my choice make here? First, I can send a message that the other person is seen and heard. They matter to me. Second, it reminds me again that I want to be a respectful, considerate person.
Let’s conclude this with a key component. I have two options: It’s only 10 seconds. What’s it matter? -OR- I only have 10 seconds with this person. I need to make the best of it. The option I choose says who I want to be today. But more, it solidifies the legacy I leave behind for my kids and grandkids.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49032004Sun, 06 Feb 2022 18:19:00 +0000Broadway UMCLife is one small choice after another, whether it’s our purchases, conversations, diets, handling of crises, leisure activities, donations, celebrations, attitudes, relationships etc. In the case of long-term relationships like marriage, neighbors,...What about casual encounters? Table server at a restaurant? Guy who roofs our house? Lady at the Quick Sack? Person standing in front of me in line? All these 10 second encounters … what difference does my choice make here? First, I can send a message that the other person is seen and heard. They matter to me. Second, it reminds me again that I want to be a respectful, considerate person.
Let’s conclude this with a key component. I have two options: It’s only 10 seconds. What’s it matter? -OR- I only have 10 seconds with this person. I need to make the best of it. The option I choose says who I want to be today. But more, it solidifies the legacy I leave behind for my kids and grandkids.]]>1460cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sharing-your-story--49032003At Pathway it’s taken years to become a safe place to share our stories. We are the most laid-back bunch you’ll find. But we’re hard-core when it comes to two things: Be real. Be loved. This happens every time a story is shared.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49032003Sun, 30 Jan 2022 18:20:00 +0000Broadway UMCThere is power in sharing our stories. We all have monsters from our past (voices in our heads) that threaten us. Talking about these monsters brings them out in the open. We see them for who they are. Fear and dread lose their bite. At Pathway it’s...At Pathway it’s taken years to become a safe place to share our stories. We are the most laid-back bunch you’ll find. But we’re hard-core when it comes to two things: Be real. Be loved. This happens every time a story is shared.]]>1482cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/scales-and-improvisation--49032005We’re talking about life. You have to study the manual before you can get out on the road and drive. I read the recipe book prior to baking my first cake. We learn to crawl … then walk … then run … then compete in sports. Mastering simple spelling and grammar comes in handy before writing one’s first novel.
I’m starting to wonder if this is the way it works with our walk with God. Do we need some sort of theology before we can experience the actual presence of God? Can we know him personally (in our heart) if we don’t first conceptually (in our head) believe he exists and wants to be known by us?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49032005Sun, 16 Jan 2022 18:22:00 +0000Broadway UMCThe Senior pastor at our church taught me something a few months back. We can’t improvise musically until we first learn the scales. One is mechanical, calculated and disciplined. The other is spontaneous …next door to heavenly. We’re talking about...We’re talking about life. You have to study the manual before you can get out on the road and drive. I read the recipe book prior to baking my first cake. We learn to crawl … then walk … then run … then compete in sports. Mastering simple spelling and grammar comes in handy before writing one’s first novel.
I’m starting to wonder if this is the way it works with our walk with God. Do we need some sort of theology before we can experience the actual presence of God? Can we know him personally (in our heart) if we don’t first conceptually (in our head) believe he exists and wants to be known by us?]]>1301cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-i-know-i-am-loved--47721797https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47721797Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:34:18 +0000Broadway UMCLife has become nuanced instead of black and white. How you and I relate to each other and God, defies being graded, controlled or monitored by a standard. It is spontaneous and organic, less about precision and more about beauty and heart's intent....1482cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-bible--47392829
As we explore the stories and people of scripture, we can find ourselves in their struggle, their confusion and their victory. These were not saints with special powers. They were ancient versions of you and me. God loved to a better place, as many as were willing. He will do the same for us if we let him.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47392829Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:56:47 +0000Broadway UMCIn the big story of scripture, people are always God’s priority, over rules, systems and institutions. It makes sense that the people who wrote scripture should be at least as crucial to us as the points we say they are making. As we explore the...
As we explore the stories and people of scripture, we can find ourselves in their struggle, their confusion and their victory. These were not saints with special powers. They were ancient versions of you and me. God loved to a better place, as many as were willing. He will do the same for us if we let him.]]>1570cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/prayer--47294410I no longer believe in the power of prayer … well, at least not my part in the conversation. My part is to be aware, to watch and listen, to stay engaged. And the question is not will God give me what I want. The question is, do I trust God to be who he says he is? And do I trust him when he says he loves me?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47294410Wed, 03 Nov 2021 16:25:41 +0000Broadway UMCWhen it comes to this God-human thing, He is the initiator. He does all the heavy lifting. We aren’t asked to have the faith of a mountain to move a mustard seed. It’s the reverse. What we bring to the table is very small. Just being aware of this...I no longer believe in the power of prayer … well, at least not my part in the conversation. My part is to be aware, to watch and listen, to stay engaged. And the question is not will God give me what I want. The question is, do I trust God to be who he says he is? And do I trust him when he says he loves me?]]>1585cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/triangulation--47088230

A victim of triangulation feels betrayed and disrespected, rather like a pawn in a game being played by others. This leaves an indelible mark when a child is the one who gets caught in the middle. They either become expert triangulators or create their own victim’s hideout.

We press into truth because truth sets us free.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47088230Thu, 21 Oct 2021 22:15:34 +0000Broadway UMCTriangulation takes many forms. Our first question might be, “Am I the one doing the triangulating or am I the one stuck in the middle?” It’s likely we’ve all played both roles at one time or another. None of it is healthy. A victim of triangulation...

A victim of triangulation feels betrayed and disrespected, rather like a pawn in a game being played by others. This leaves an indelible mark when a child is the one who gets caught in the middle. They either become expert triangulators or create their own victim’s hideout.

We press into truth because truth sets us free.]]>1395cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/passive-aggression--46979541In Pathway we have two core values: be real and be loved. Instead of running around sweeping up after the messes caused by passive aggression, we’re intentionally building a community where it’s okay to express our true feelings and know we will be loved for it. It’s working.
Jesus made it simple: “Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.”]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46979541Thu, 14 Oct 2021 20:51:13 +0000Broadway UMCPassive aggression is little more than a carefully crafted lie. I make sure you get the point while deceiving you about my true feelings. Intentionally or not, I’m assuming I’m smart enough to run the con and you’re dumb enough to buy it. In Pathway...In Pathway we have two core values: be real and be loved. Instead of running around sweeping up after the messes caused by passive aggression, we’re intentionally building a community where it’s okay to express our true feelings and know we will be loved for it. It’s working.
Jesus made it simple: “Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.”]]>1429cleanfull