122 - Following God with Alex Pauls

We all know we're supposed to forgive. It should be simple, it should be straightforward. But the truth is it's not only complicated, but extremely difficult.

Often we don't even realize when we're failing to forgive.

Historians often say that those who do not study the past are doomed to repeat it. I would add that those who do not forgive past hurts are doomed to repeat them.

Join me in this episode as I walk through both the metaphysics of forgiveness and some practical ways to really strive towards a deeper forgiveness of others. If we do not forgive, we hurt ourselves - badly. Our Lord's words could not be more clear on this. 

It is one of the most powerful things you can do to transform your future - for you, your family, and your community.

Most of us already feel overwhelmed, like we cannot get everything done we need to. The thought of slowing down to do something else feels impossible. When God suggests a path that isn't already on our list - it's hard.

Yet often, when we surrender the first fruits of our time to God, He gives us far more in return.

Join me in this episode as Brandon Davis shares how God transformed his life. At the age of 18, Brandon put everything on hold to go into mission for 2 years. Although many things went wrong, more things went very right. God has blessed his life greatly though this obedience.

You can find out more about Brandon from his podcast Get Over Yourself. 

You can also find out more about his AI receptionist business at https://www.inter-val.ai/

Whether you're married or not, it's a safe assumption to say you've been confused by how women think. All men are, at least sometimes. But what if there were at least some guidelines to help you better understand her?

Join me in this episode as I offer you 10 different perspectives on specific ways that women think differently from men. I also offer you some specific tips and tricks to help you better understand and connect with a woman.

Both men and women are created in the image of God, with equal dignity. Sometimes, though, a better perspective offers better understanding of this truth.

We love the stories of the heroes, the underdogs, and the winners. We revel in the touchdown throw that wins the superbowl. We sometimes even cry as the hero in the movie sacrifices everything.

Yet we so often fail to live our potential in our own lives.

What if "taking radical responsibility," "extreme ownership," and "radical accountability" are actually very Catholic ideas, consistent with the teachings of the church?

Join me in this episode as I explore the idea that not only is taking responsibility (when done properly) a source of humility, it is even the source of our greatest fulfillment as men. God gave us talents that all too often we allow to stay buried. He's going to demand an accounting of them all one day! Taking responsibility is a powerful step to answering God's call.

It's always been hard to be a parent of a large family. It's even harder these days.

The entire culture often seems aligned against us. Even our own church members often seem upset with large families during mass. It's often lonely, isolating, and so frustrating.

But you're not alone.

Join me in this episode as Nancy Bandzuch talks about the new show put out by the Augustine Institute called "The Catholic Parent." It will help you feel like you're not alone and also help you to be a better parent at the same time. 

You can find this series on Formed. Most likely, your parish has already purchased access for you. If not, you can get a free trial at this link:

Surrender is a funny concept.

Sometimes we need to fight for what's right.

Sometimes we just need to surrender and accept what is.

Always, we are in a struggle to balance the two.

Join me in this episode as Daryl Dittmer and I discuss how to build a life that is fulfilling and purposeful. We all come from broken beginnings - some more broken than others. What we do what that makes the difference for where our lives go. When we surrender, stop fighting, and accept what actually works, our lives can get much better.

You can read more about Daryl on his website:

https://www.daryldittmer.com/

You can find his book here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJWW8LDP

Are frustrated and unsure about how to really reach your teenage (or even 20's) son? 

Have you tried a lot, but they just don't seem interested?

Maybe your son isn't yet a teenager, but you're worried because other dads you know have shared some unsettling stories?

Join me in this episode as Ahmard Vital shares both his story, as well as practical lessons from his work with young men. It's hard to be a male of any age in our world right now, but particularly hard on the youth. Our only hope - at any age - is a strong connection with the Lord. But how do we fathers encourage our sons in this direction? Listen to find out more!

You can find out more about Ahmard on his website:

https://ahmardvital.com/

So many men are slowly dying inside as they choose comfort or convenience over the greater calling that God has placed within their lives.

Mostly because that battle is scary! It will cost you greatly.

The cost to inaction, however, is actually greater.

Join me in this episode as I talk about how it takes a balance of both humility and magnanimity to counter pride. It takes a willingness to embrace discomfort as part of the pursuit of adventure that God has planned for your life.

You were made for greatness. You were made for battle. You were not made to simply exist.

Choose life!

There's a number of times in life we come to a potential crossroads in our life. We can either stumble along on our own, or we can bring God into the process.

One of those works a whole lot better than others

Join me in this episode as I discuss how you can include God in your discernment process and make a decision that you will respect. To stand strong as a man and lead your marriage and family, you must be able to make a strong decision, aligned with God's will, and stand in confidence of that.

I'll help you do that.

It's not common for an event to take over your life. In that list is frozen main water supply during winter. That's the story that starts this podcast episode.

It's funny how God takes away anything we choose over Him. While often extremely painful, it is effective at pointing out our entitlements.

Join me in this episode as I share how a really horrible week allowed me to improve my gratitude and humility. God's plans are sometimes painful, but to trust in Him is always the invitation.

Plus this is a pretty funny story.