Talking with Intention

The Practice of Loving: Building a Habit of Kindness

M.W. Collins — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 13:47:00 -0400

Mikell Collins and Walter Somerville delve into actionable love, emphasizing the importance of using time and resources to serve others. Inspired by Mike and Suzanne's selfless giving, they explore the joy found in helping others, the discipline needed to cultivate a giving attitude, and tapping into God's love for sustainable support. The episode highlights practical ways to bless others through gratitude, stewardship of resources, and spiritual gifts. Challenges of managing expectations related to finances and time are discussed, including personal anecdotes and strategies for aligning with God's plans. The conversation encourages finding a 'niche' in impacting others, illustrating the importance of progressive efforts in making meaningful community contributions.

00:00 Introduction to Actionable Love

00:36 Impressions from Friends' Acts of Kindness

01:40 The Challenge of Self-Sacrifice

03:00 Generosity in Older Generations

03:30 The Joy of Helping Others

04:40 Balancing Self-Care and Helping Others

07:47 Staying Connected to the Source of Love

11:08 Gratitude and Anxiety

13:06 Stewardship and Open-Handedness

15:33 Finding Joy in Helping Others

16:12 The Gift of Hospitality

17:12 Overcoming Personal Barriers

18:49 Strategies for Financial and Time Management

20:39 The Power of Prayer and Letting Go

22:26 Managing Expectations

25:27 Seeing People as People

27:19 Growing Through Discipline

28:43 Discovering Your Niche in Helping Others

29:37 The Importance of Helping Others

Living in Community

M.W. Collins — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:36:00 -0400

Community is an essential part of human life. How can we be better at forming communities? What makes a community go bad? This episode dives deep into the nature of community and some of the common problems that arise from living closely with other people.

Practical Patience.

M.W. Collins — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 10:03:00 -0400

Patience is often mistaken for apathy. In a society where time is money and the most successful people move the fastest, what are the benefits of patience? Can it really Help us in our daily lives?

Thanks for listening to Talking With Intention.

mwcollins.org

email: mikel.w.collins@gmail.com

The Transforming Power of the Gospel (Ed Somerville)

M.W. Collins — Fri, 20 May 2022 20:51:00 -0400

Ed’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/When-Granddaddy-Was-Little-Eddie/dp/B08KPVPP5J/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ZU1J5LLWPEPZ&keywords=when+granddaddy+was+little+eddie&qid=1653078838&sprefix=when+grand+daddy+was+%2Cspecialty-aps%2C208&sr=8-1

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More of Mikel’s work: www.mwcollins.org

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Stoicism

M.W. Collins — Fri, 06 May 2022 17:48:09 -0400

Stoicism has become very popular online. What is it exactly? People can have very different ideas about stoicism and how to implement it in our everyday lives. Walt and Mike talk about Stoicism and emotional maturity in this episode of Talking with Intention.

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Prayer

M.W. Collins — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 11:42:58 -0400

What is Prayer? Why is it important? How should we pray? Walt and Mike discuss prayer and all the different ways people pray. We hope you enjoy this episode. Don't forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

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The Forge: www.theforgefire.com

Fire Starters for Jesus: www.firestartersforjesus.com

The Responsibility of Sin pt.2

M.W. Collins — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Our schedule's have been crazy for the past few weeks so unfortunately we did not find time to record a new episode. But we still wanted to post something so Mikel sat down to try and clarify some of his thoughts from the previous episode on Dostoevsky's quote from the Brothers Karamazov.

“There is only one way to salvation, and that is to make yourself responsible for all men's sins. As soon as you make yourself responsible in all sincerity for everything and for everyone, you will see at once that this is really so, and that you are in fact to blame for everyone and for all things.”

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The Responsibility of Sin

M.W. Collins — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Mikel and Walt try and understand Fyodor Dostoevsky's quote from The Brothers Karamazov:

They discuss original sin, responsibility, salvation, and more.

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The Three Parts of Morality - Mere Christianity Chapter 11

M.W. Collins — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

In book 3 Chapter 1 of "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis, Lewis writes about why we need morality. He answers questions like: Why does God give us so many rules? And; Why are some things still bad if they don't seem to hurt anyone? Walter and Mike talk about their favorite parts of this chapter and explore some of the ideas Lewis lays out.

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The Desire for Adventure

M.W. Collins — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 15:00:07 -0400

Why do people desire Adventure? What exactly makes an experience qualify as an Adventure? What can we learn about Adventure from the stories we find in novels and movies? In this episode, Walt and Mike try and nail down what makes an adventure and how it benefits us.

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The Forge: www.theforgefire.com

Fire Starters for Jesus: www.firestartersforjesus.com

Objective Vs. Subjective Morality and the Bible.

M.W. Collins — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Walt and Mike talk about whether Morality is Objective or Subjective, Immanuel Kant's famous thought experiment, the utility of Old Testament Law, and if the Bible supports Subjective Morality.

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So you're a Christian, now what? - Mere Christianity Chapter 10

M.W. Collins — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 15:31:00 -0400

We have reached the last chapter of the second book of Mere Christianity be C.S. Lewis. In this chapter Lewis writes about how we grow closer to Christ and develop our relationship with him. He also addresses some of the common objections to Christianity Atheists often have. Join us as we discuss what Lewis meant and how it applies to our lives. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TWIpod Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingwithintention/ Email us: Contact@mwcollins.org More of Mikel’s work: www.mwcollins.org Support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mwcollins

Rules for Life

M.W. Collins — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 15:10:33 -0400

You have probably heard about Jordan Petersons 12 rules for life. Well in this episode Walt and Mike go over their own rules for life that they wrote almost two years ago and forgot about until now. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TWIpod Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingwithintention/ Email us: Contact@mwcollins.org More of Mikel’s work: www.mwcollins.org Support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mwcollins

Becoming a Mature Christian

M.W. Collins — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 19:35:59 -0400

What does it mean to be a Mature Christian? What are the signs of spiritual maturity? What does the Bible say about Maturity? Walt and Mike discuss what it means to "grow up" when it comes to our walk with God. And some of the ways they looked at maturity as they grew up. The Forge: www.theforgefire.com Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TWIpod Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingwithintention/ Email us: Contact@mwcollins.org More of Mikel’s work: www.mwcollins.org Support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mwcollins

What happens when we repent? - Mere Christianity chapter 9

M.W. Collins — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Walt and Mike go through chapter 9 of Mere Christianity. Although they thought they were in chapter 8 so don't get confused if they call it chapter 8. The chapter is titled "the Perfect Penitent". In this Chapter C.S. Lewis goes into why is doesn't matter if you understand how Jesus took away our sins; why we must repent; what it means to repent; and much more. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TWIpod Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingwithintention/ Email us: Contact@mwcollins.org More of Mikel’s work: www.mwcollins.org Support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mwcollins

Gratitude amidst Suffering

M.W. Collins — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0400

There's no denying the evil in the world. Suffering is all around us and yet every year we gather together on the last Thursday of November to be thankful for what we have. How can we be grateful in spite of our suffering? Why should we even bother trying? Walter and Mikel have a great discussion about how and why we should be grateful at thanksgiving this year.

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Living with Intention

M.W. Collins — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 12:50:01 -0400

We revisit our most popular topic: How to live intentionally. Join us as we try to figure out the best way to go through life and why the things that seem the least important are usually the most important. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TWIpod Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingwithintention/ Email us: Contact@mwcollins.org More of Mikel’s work: mwcollins.org

The best way for Christians to reach Agnostics.

M.W. Collins — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Christians have all sorts of different ministry tactics. Some of them are more effective than others, and some might even cause more harm than good. How can we effectively reach those who are unsure of God? We are joined by Taylor Whiteside, a former agnostic turned Christian, to discuss all of these topics and more. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TWIpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingwithintention/ Email us: Contact@mwcollins.org More of Mikel’s work: mwcollins.org

Mere Christianity - 8

M.W. Collins — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Chapter 8 of Mere Christianity is here! We have finally reached the famous Trilemma argument where Lewis says Jesus must be either Lunatic, Liar, or Lord. Is this argument as good as some people think it is? Also, how can God be all good, all knowing, and all powerful if evil exists in the world? We talk about all of this and more!

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The difference between Identity & Personality

M.W. Collins — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Is there a difference between identity and personality? Are personality tests actually helpful? Can a person change their identity?

Walter and Mikel discuss personality tests, gender identity, personal growth and more in this weeks episode of Talking with Intention.

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Email us: Contact@mwcollins.org

More of Mikel’s work: mwcollins.org

Expectations for Teenagers - with Teen Christian View

M.W. Collins — Thu, 13 May 2021 13:37:19 -0400

We got together with Noah and Kessler from TCV (Teen Christian View) to talk about societies expectations for teens and how/why they decided to start a podcast. We ended up giving a lot of behind the scenes information about how we got the podcast going and what our future goals are. It is a little different than most episodes but I hope you like it.

This episode also marks the end of season 1. We will return very soon with season 2 and the audio quality should be a lot better. Thanks for listening!

Go check out TCV here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lAIMXo7yRLQrGrSBHpBeT?si=RPUjfOeTQ_2FEhpenhMyVQ

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Checking in with Daniel on the Appalachian Trail

M.W. Collins — Mon, 10 May 2021 11:56:04 -0400

If you listened to our "Do Something Difficult" epsode you should already be familiar with our friend Daniel. Well Daniel has been hiking for over a month now, so Walter went out to join him for a few days and record an interview so you can find out how he is doing.

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The Discipline of Recreation

M.W. Collins — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 21:38:30 -0400

How much can we rest before we become lazy? What is the difference between resting and recreation? This week we sit down to talk about burnout and how it can sometimes be difficult to take time off.

Website: mwcollins.org

Twitter: @talkwithintent

Mere Christianity - 7

M.W. Collins — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 13:37:22 -0400

Join us as we discuss chapter seven of Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis!

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Twitter: @talkwithintent

M.W. Collins — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 19:00:00 -0400

Should you get married? How do you know when it's time? Walt and I are each newly married and this week we sit down to talk about why we decided marriage was a good idea. email: mikel.w.collins@gmail.com twitter: @talkwithintent website: mwcolling.org

Mere Christianity - 3

M.W. Collins — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 14:00:00 -0400

We discuss chapter 3 of Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Pick up your own copy and follow along with us!

Email: mikel.w.collins@gmail.com

Twitter:@talkwithintent

Website: mwcollins.org

Personalize your faith

M.W. Collins — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 14:00:00 -0400

What does it mean to take ownership of your faith? This week Walter and I sit down to talk about how we personalize our own faith and why it is so important to have the right perspective when it comes to your own relationship with Christ. Email: mikel.w.collins@gmail.com Twitter : @talkwithintent website: mwcollins.org

Mere Christianity - 2

M.W. Collins — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 13:16:41 -0400

We finally got a chance to sit down and talk about chapter 2 of Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis! Pick up your own copy of Mere Christianity here: https://amzn.to/2HeNWKT

email: mikel.w.collins@gmail.com

Twitter: @talkwithintent

Eudaemonia / Living a fulfilled life

M.W. Collins — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 17:40:48 -0400

Is the purpose of life to be happy or fulfilled? Whats the difference? As we talk about the Greek idea of Eudaemonia, we share some of the ways that we find fulfillment in our lives and why we believe fulfillment is more important than happiness. Email: mikel.w.collins@gmail.com Twitter: @talkwithintent Website: mwcollins.org

Pride

M.W. Collins — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 18:52:01 -0400

What exactly is pride? Is it wrong to be proud? Does pride always lead to sin? This week on Talking with Intention we sit down and try to determine exactly when pride has gone to far. For more content check out my website: mwcollins.org find us on Twitter: @talkwithintent Send me an email: mikel.w.collins@gmail.org

Mere Christianity - 1

M.W. Collins — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 12:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the first episode of our new series! Each week, we will be talking about one chapter of 'Mere Christianity' by C.S. Lewis. We hope you enjoy the show, and if you would like to read along with us, you can buy a copy of 'Mere Christianity here: https://amzn.to/38c62bN

If you would like to contact us, you can email me at mikel.w.collins@gmail.org

Find us on Twitter: @talkwithintent

Division in the church / the search for truth

M.W. Collins — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:00:00 -0400

This week Walter and I sit down to talk about why the church can feel so divided at times, and how we are all trying our best to grow closer to God. If you would like to contact us you can email me here : mikel.w.collins@gmail.org Or find us on Twitter: @talkwithintent If you would like to check out "the fool and the heretic" you can find it here: https://amzn.to/3lBPn4w Also, check out my website: mwcollins.org

Art & Poetry

M.W. Collins — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 13:00:00 -0400

What exactly makes something art? Who is qualified to judge art? Why do some people appreciate poetry and some don't? In this episode we talk about all these questions and more. If you have anything to say on the subject, please send me an email at mikel.w.collins@gmail.org or find us on Twitter @talkwithintent. We hope you enjoy this episode. To listen to episodes ad-free and before they are officially released visit my website mwcollins.org.

Is college worth it?

M.W. Collins — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 12:31:16 -0400

most college student graduate with $30,000 of debt. Is college really worth all that money? In this episode Walter and I talk about the pro and cons of college and why we think it is difficult for so many people. If you have any questions or comments please send me and email (mikel.w.collins@gmail.org) or tweet us @talkingwithintent Also check out my website mwcollins.org for more cool stuff.

Living Intentionally

M.W. Collins — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 15:02:37 -0400

In this episode, Walter and I talk about what we think it means to live intentionally. The discussion ranges from why you should follow the speed limit, to cancel culture and the racism of Abraham Lincoln. We hope you like it. If you have any comments please send me an email at mikel.w.collins@gmail.org. If you liked this episode, check out our newer episode titled "living with Intention"

Why is it important to create?

M.W. Collins — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:42:54 -0400

In our very first episode we sit down and talk a little about why we wanted to start a podcast, and why we believe it is so important to be creative. If you have any comments or suggestions please email me at mikel.w.collins@gmail.com