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Perspective Shifts: The One Thing Desired

Perspective Shifts: The One Thing Desired

By Cara Blondo

As we meditate upon the Word of God, we experience a transformation (a shift) in our perspective, in how we interpret what is going on around us, and in what is truly important in our day-to-day lives. This transformation leads to a clarity of vision, understanding, and purpose. It affects both the little moments of our days and the life-altering ones, the interactions we have both with our loved ones and those who are a challenge to love, and how we choose to conduct ourselves both in our public and private lives.

Will you join me in the quest to shift our perspective upward, towards Him?
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How Much More: Lessons From the Crucifixion, Part 1

Perspective Shifts: The One Thing DesiredApr 05, 2022

00:00
28:33
Preserving Peace In a Stress-Filled Season
Dec 05, 202321:32
Satisfied in the Savior
Nov 08, 202322:48
The Heart of a Psalmist
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Stepping Into Another's Story With Guest Jessica Ludwig
Sep 14, 202350:31
Living Seen - Overcoming the Lie That You're Overlooked: A Story-Filled Summer With Guest Whitney Akin

Living Seen - Overcoming the Lie That You're Overlooked: A Story-Filled Summer With Guest Whitney Akin

Whitney Akin is the author of Overlooked: Finding Your Worth When You Feel All Alone. Her heart is to see and celebrate the purpose and potential of the overlooked and invite them to live seen by the God who loves them. Whitney’s writing has been featured in (in)courage, Her View From Home, Proverbs 31 Ministries and more. You can find more of her writing and speaking on her website at www.whitneyakin.com and can connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouVersion for more encouragement.

In this episode, Whitney shares the lessons she learned through Genesis 16 and the life of Hagar. As her understanding grew and she came to believe she is seen by the One who sees her (El Roi), she began a journey that led to incredible transformation. She was finally free to truly love others and live fully for God.

If you long to grow in freedom, love, and service, this episode is for you!

This episode is part of A Story-Filled Summer: A Podcast Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write Your Story. Cara would love to connect with you on Instagram, Facebook, or her website.

For further encouragement on the topics discussed in this episode, you may be interested in checking out these earlier episodes: The Secret of True Strength (a message on meekness) and Getting Value or Giving Value: A Look at Worth, Identity, and Usefulness.

Aug 24, 202332:27
Walking By Faith Through Seasons of Suffering: A Story-Filled Summer With Guest Tara Borgonah

Walking By Faith Through Seasons of Suffering: A Story-Filled Summer With Guest Tara Borgonah

Aug 15, 202330:45
Learning How to Let Them Leave: A Story-Filled Summer With Guest Pamela Henkelman
Jul 26, 202330:44
How to Grow an Honest & Unhurried Heart: A Story-Filled Summer With Guest Jennifer Dukes Lee

How to Grow an Honest & Unhurried Heart: A Story-Filled Summer With Guest Jennifer Dukes Lee

Jennifer Dukes Lee is a bestselling author, thinker, and question-asker who lives on the fifth-generation Lee family farm in Iowa. She and her family raise crops, pigs, and two beautiful humans. As a journalist, she covered crime, politics, and natural disasters. She now uses her reporting skills to chase after the biggest story ever: the redemptive story of Christ. Her books include It's All Under Control, Growing Slow, Stuff I'd Only Tell God, and more.

In this episode, Jennifer discusses themes from her two recent books (Growing Slow and Stuff I'd Only Tell God). Using the analogy of her family's farm and the importance of adapting a growing slow mindset, she shares how to identify your season of life and why each season is significant. She also encourages making deeper connections with God by being deeply honest with God, explaining as we take everything to Him, we grow in intimacy with Him.

To connect with Jennifer, please visit her website or Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or TikTok pages.

This episode is part of A Story-Filled Summer: A Podcast Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write Your Story. Cara would love to connect with you on Instagram, Facebook, or her website.

Jul 19, 202332:53
Won't You Be Their Neighbor? How to Simplify Missional Living: A Story-Filled Summer With Guest Twyla Franz
Jul 13, 202334:54
Truth That Transforms: A Story-Filled Summer With Guest Jen Kosuda
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Why Small Is Still Significant: A Story-Filled Summer With Guest Rachael Adams
Jun 28, 202328:40
Inviting God Into Your Mess: A Story-Filled Summer With Guest Grace McCready

Inviting God Into Your Mess: A Story-Filled Summer With Guest Grace McCready

Grace McCready is passionate about sharing words of hope with those who are walking through seasons of darkness. Through her own eating disorder recovery, she learned the importance of having realistic expectations and seeing the value in her small, everyday choices. She discovered that even when she doubted God's presence or wondered why He wasn't working, He was with her all along.

Grace is the author of Real Recovery: What Eating Disorder Recovery Actually Looks Like and shares personal stories and Scripture to encourage young women on her blog, Tizzie’s Tidbits of Truth.

To hear Cara's testimony or access her other eating disorder resources, please click here. Cara would love to connect on Instagram (@the_one_thing_desired), Facebook (theonethingdesired), or online (www.theonethingdesired.com)

This episode is part of A Story-Filled Summer: A Podcast Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write Your Story.




Jun 21, 202329:11
Introduction to A Story-Filled Summer: A Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write YOUR Story

Introduction to A Story-Filled Summer: A Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write YOUR Story

This summer, through the sharing of our guests' stories and the lessons and subsequent messages birthed in their hearts because of them, we will be reminded of the goodness, faithfulness, and beauty of our God. It is my prayer that through their stories, we would be led to marvel at our God and encouraged to let Him write OUR stories.

Follow the show so you don't miss a single episode!

Let's connect on Instagram (@the_one_thing_desired), Facebook (@theonethingdesired), or online (www.theonethingdesired.com)!

Jun 19, 202304:36
Guarding Our Mouths to Guard Their Hearts: How Our Words Can Influence Our Friends

Guarding Our Mouths to Guard Their Hearts: How Our Words Can Influence Our Friends

Do you long to be a faithful friend, one who loves well and protects and guards the hearts of your friends? In this episode we look at the important role our words play in our friendships and how through guarding our mouths, we can guard our friends' hearts. We consider three specific areas to guard against: complaining, gossiping, and slandering. This episode will challenge us to deal with our own hearts and encourage us to see the influence of our words.


I would love to connect on IG (@the_one_thing_desired) or online (theonethingdesired.com) and look forward to hearing from you soon!

May 03, 202326:13
The Secret of True Strength

The Secret of True Strength

How would you describe a strong woman?  Is it found in her personality, physical ability, or determinedness?  In this episode, we travel to the days of the ancient Greek army and learn the secret of true strength and how we, like the Proverbs 31 woman, can be clothed with strength and dignity.  The secret may surprise you!

I would love to connect on IG (@the_one_thing_desired) or online (theonethingdesired.com) and look forward to hearing from you soon!  

Mar 16, 202325:10
When You Feel Too Ordinary

When You Feel Too Ordinary

Do you ever feel as though you're just too ordinary; that there's nothing particularly exceptional about your days, your talents, or your life?

If so, I can't wait for you to meet Tabitha, otherwise known as Dorcas, and to hear what the Bible says about her life.  She was an ordinary woman who served an extraordinary God.  If that sounds like you, be encouraged: Tabitha leaves a great lesson - and example - for us today.

I would love to connect on IG (@the_one_thing_desired) or online (theonethingdesired.com) and look forward to hearing from you soon!  

Mar 10, 202329:20
Eating Disorder Discussion with Dr. Jessica Peck
Mar 01, 202336:12
My Testimony: Finding Hope, Healing, and Harmony (Recovering from an Eating Disorder)
Feb 27, 202322:35
Finding Meaning in the Mundane

Finding Meaning in the Mundane

Do you long to know why the mundane matters and to be convinced there's purpose in the ordinary?  I do, and my guess is you do, too.  In this episode we discuss the importance of asking - and answering - two key questions to help us find this assurance and live intentionally every day. 

Feb 23, 202323:38
What Are You Waiting For? Learning How to Wait Well (With Guest Ashlyn Lanni)
Feb 01, 202335:46
What's Your STYLE? (Encouragement for Moms)

What's Your STYLE? (Encouragement for Moms)

As we continue our Proverbs 31 series, this episode considers the STYLE of our mothering as we glean Biblical principles applicable for mothers in all seasons.  

If you've ever wondered what's your "style" or wished you could mother more (or less) in one particular style or another, this will encourage you to know His "STYLE" and allow Him to fashion you accordingly.

Jan 26, 202340:40
The Building Blocks of Your Home

The Building Blocks of Your Home

Do you want to faithfully build your home (your family) like the wise woman of Proverbs 14:1 but feel overwhelmed by all the things you "ought" to do?  Do you wonder what such a woman might look like and if it's even possible for you to attain to such a status?  

In this episode we "travel" to the lumberyard, vineyard, olive grove, and more to learn of some key building blocks, and their applications, in order to answer these questions and find the encouragement we need regardless of our season of mothering.

Join me as we continue our Proverbs 31 series, "Finding a Woman of Worth: A Portrait of a Woman."


Jan 11, 202332:25
Living Out Loud: Purposeful Living Throughout December and Beyond

Living Out Loud: Purposeful Living Throughout December and Beyond

In the third part of the three-part series, "Numbering Our Days: Making Every Day Count in December", we continue to glean insight from the responses of Mary in the Christmas account as we look at the importance of being a hostess this Christmas season (and no, it doesn't involve cooking and cleaning!).

Dec 02, 202219:29
How to Make Every Day Count

How to Make Every Day Count

In the second part of the three-part series, "Numbering Our Days: Making Every Day Count in December", we consider the importance of receiving and responding to the greatest gift ever given - Christ Himself - and how our response to His gift will ultimately affect our responses to the interruptions, changes, and unknown details we are bound to encounter this Christmas season.

Dec 01, 202218:49
Numbering Our Days: What it Means to Make Every Day Count

Numbering Our Days: What it Means to Make Every Day Count

In part one of this three-part series, we briefly consider what it means to make every day count as we number, or prioritize, our days during what is typically the busiest month of the year, and we consider three important questions to set the tone for a purposeful Christmas season. 

Nov 30, 202211:49
Hope for Healthy Relationships with Your Teens: Interview with Jessica Peck

Hope for Healthy Relationships with Your Teens: Interview with Jessica Peck

In this episode we talk with Jessica Peck, otherwise known as "Dr. Nurse Mama" and author of Behind Closed Doors: A Guide to Help Parents and Teens Navigate Through Life's Toughest Issues.  Jessica holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and is a Baylor University professor.  She is married and the mother of four teens.  She is passionate about encouraging parents that a healthy relationship with their teen is possible and shares a glimpse of the tools and conversation starters found in her book.

You can connect with Jessica at drnursemama.com and on Instagram (dr.nurse.mama) or Facebook (dr.nursemama).  You can hear more from Jessica by listening to her podcast, the Dr. Nurse Mama podcast.

Oct 25, 202228:10
Wisdom for Wives: Subtle Shifts to Help Make Your Marriage a Priority

Wisdom for Wives: Subtle Shifts to Help Make Your Marriage a Priority

The Proverbs 31 woman was a woman who blessed her family and honored her God.  From a quick reading of the chapter, we can see that despite leading a busy and full life, she was above all a devoted wife.  In this 3rd episode of the Proverbs 31 series, "Finding a Woman of Worth: A Portrait of a Woman," we consider eight subtle, practical shifts that can help us prioritize our marriages in the midst of our own busy and full lives.

Sep 27, 202231:53
Getting Value or Giving Value: A Look at Worth, Identity, and Usefulness

Getting Value or Giving Value: A Look at Worth, Identity, and Usefulness

In the second episode of the Proverbs 31 series, "Finding a Woman of Worth: A Portrait of a Woman," we consider verse 10 which describes this woman's worth as far above rubies.  Does this mean that her worth is derived from being such an incredible wife, mother, or business woman, and if so, what does it mean for us?  This episode serves as a reminder of where our worth, value, and identity is truly found as we consider two key "perspective shifts."  

Aug 27, 202227:55
Planting Seeds of Truth: Interview with Katie J. Trent
Aug 16, 202233:32
A Woman of Virtue: Good News for Us All!

A Woman of Virtue: Good News for Us All!

In this first part of our series, "Finding a Woman of Worth: A Portrait of a Woman", based upon Proverbs 31, we aim to answer the questions: what does it mean to be a woman of virtue, can even I become this kind of woman, and why would I want to.  

Whether you have no interest in becoming a virtuous woman - or you think you can't possibly measure up to such a woman, this episode will challenge your thoughts as to what it means, what it looks like, and why it's a privilege to be such a woman.

Jul 01, 202224:34
What is Holy Leisure? (With Guest Cara Ray)

What is Holy Leisure? (With Guest Cara Ray)

In this episode we are joined by author, blogger, and YouVersion contributor, Cara Ray, as she discusses the concept of holy leisure.  Cara shares with us what holy leisure is and what it can mean for our lives.

To connect with Cara and to access her book and YouVersion plans, please visit:

www.cara-ray.com

https://www.facebook.com/pursuingotiumsanctum/

https://www.instagram.com/pursuingotiumsanctum/

Jun 17, 202222:59
When You Wonder if He Cares (The Good Shepherd)

When You Wonder if He Cares (The Good Shepherd)

Click here for this episode's show notes.

All it took was one look at a flock of sheep to know everything you needed to know about their shepherd - whether they were well cared for or whether they were neglected.  In fact, the hallmark of a shepherd was the attentive care given to his sheep.  It's no wonder that Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd!  Yet, just like it was for His disciples and even His friend, Martha, it is easy for us to forget - or question - if He truly cares for us, especially when faced with difficult situations or difficult (or perceived as difficult) people.  In this episode we consider the special ways in which our Shepherd takes care of us, His children, even when faced with difficulties of our own.

Jun 15, 202229:46
How to Find Rest For Your Soul

How to Find Rest For Your Soul

Click here for this episode's show notes.

Just as there are various by-products of physical rest, in this episode we look at the by-products of "soul rest" and how we can attain rest for our souls.  If ever our soul - our mind, will, and emotions - needed rest - it is now.  

Jun 13, 202227:56
Cultivating Joy

Cultivating Joy

Click here for this episode's show notes.

In this episode, we answer the questions: what is biblical joy, why does it matter, and how can we cultivate it?  Regardless of what you are experiencing right now, it is possible to rejoice - in Him.  This episode will not leave you feeling discouraged if you aren't currently "feeling" joy but rather will examine the conditions that allow joy - the fruit of the Spirit - to grow.

Jun 08, 202222:40
Eating Disorder Discussion: A Parent's Perspective
Jun 06, 202241:26
Moving From "Having Devotions" to "Living Devotedly" (Encouragement for those in busy, pressing seasons)
May 03, 202235:30
How Much More: Lessons From the Crucifixion, Part 2
Apr 26, 202228:05
Passion Week Reading: Resurrection Sunday

Passion Week Reading: Resurrection Sunday

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled, "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With Jesus."

Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan.

In this episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read from Matthew 28 and John 20-21.

Apr 17, 202218:30
Passion Week Reading: Good Friday

Passion Week Reading: Good Friday

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled, "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With Jesus."

Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan.

In this episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read from Luke 22:54-71 and Luke 23.

Apr 15, 202214:41
Passion Week Reading: Thursday

Passion Week Reading: Thursday

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled, "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With Jesus."

Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan.

In this episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read from Luke 22:7-30, John 13:1-30, John 14:1-31, John 15:1-11, John 16:7-15, John 17:1-26, and John 18:1-11.  

Apr 14, 202223:23
Passion Week Reading: Wednesday

Passion Week Reading: Wednesday

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled, "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With Jesus."

Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan.

In this episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read from Matthew 24, 25, and 26:1-16.

Apr 13, 202216:10
Passion Week Reading: Tuesday

Passion Week Reading: Tuesday

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled, "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With Jesus."

Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan.

In this episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read from Matthew 21:23-41, Matthew 22-23, and John 12:20-50.

Apr 12, 202220:25
Passion Week Reading: Monday

Passion Week Reading: Monday

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled, "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With Jesus."

Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan.

In this episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read from Mark 11:15-19 and Matthew 21:12-22.

Apr 11, 202204:57
Passion Week Reading: Palm Sunday

Passion Week Reading: Palm Sunday

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying with Jesus"

Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan 

In the first episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read Matthew 21:1-11 and Luke 19:29-48.

Apr 10, 202205:38
How Much More: Lessons From the Crucifixion, Part 1
Apr 05, 202228:33
Why 'God With Us' Matters, Part 2

Why 'God With Us' Matters, Part 2

Click here for Show Notes

Click here for The Power of His Presence 4 day YouVersion Reading Plan

"God with us."  What does it mean?  Why does it matter?  What difference would remembering this truth make in our daily lives?  In this episode, part two of a two part series, we aim to answer these questions by looking at select passages of Scripture.

Mar 15, 202225:49
Why 'God With Us' Matters

Why 'God With Us' Matters

Click here for Show Notes 

Click here for The Power of His Presence 4 day YouVersion Reading Plan

"God with us."  What does it mean?  Why does it matter?  What difference would remembering this truth make in our daily lives?  In this episode, part one of a two part series, we aim to answer these questions by looking at select Scripture passages as we also consider the first two implications for our lives: "God with us" - the source of our comfort and "God with us" - the reason for our confidence.

Mar 01, 202227:59
One Response & One Race to Run

One Response & One Race to Run

In the final episode of "The One Thing" series, we conclude the discussion of four specific occurrences of the phrase "one thing" as used in the Bible.  In each instance, we learn something about a priority or emphasis given in someone's life.  In this episode we take a look at our third and fourth "one thing," taken from John 9 and Philippians 3.  Through these lessons, we receive encouragement on how to view our past and what that means for our present.  

Feb 15, 202228:17
A Scripture Reading: Words for the Weary

A Scripture Reading: Words for the Weary

How can a child's question about a plastic cup lead to words of encouragement for the weary?

Listen to this special episode of Perspective Shifts for the reading of five Scripture passages as we are reminded to trade the burden of our cares for the truth of His care.

This is for any who are weary or heavy hearted.  Let the brief reading of God's Word offer you hope as together we lift our eyes unto Him, choosing to magnify Him rather than the burden or heartache.

Feb 01, 202214:03
One Requirement

One Requirement

In this series, we discuss four specific occurrences of the phrase "one thing" as used in the Bible.  In each instance, we learn something about a priority or emphasis given in someone's life.  In this episode we take a look at our second "one thing," which is "one requirement," as stated by Jesus to Martha in Luke 10.  Through the words of Jesus, we glean not only encouragement for when days are full and responsibilities are many, but we learn what Jesus deems as most important; the "one thing" that is before all others.   

Jan 18, 202217:59