The Fig Tree with Melani Shock Melani Shock
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- Religion & Spirituality
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In Biblical times, the fig tree was the meditation center of the ancients. The big leaves and drooping branches afforded solitude for one or a few to sit in quiet contemplation undetected and it became known as the “thinking tree.” Join Melani Shock and friends under The Fig Tree as they ponder thoughts which reveal a layer here and there of a deeper meaning, a sharper focus, and a brighter hope as we ponder concepts and stories and search for clearer truths through the realities of our lives.
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The Fig Tree #13: Ted Maldonado
Ted Maldonado is a cognitive neuroscientist with a PhD in psychology from Texas A&M. On this episode, he addresses the way the brain influences behavior, gives insight into the impact the mind and body have on one another, overviews negativity bias, and discusses the impact of meditation and mindfulness on anxiety. Ted and his wife, Hilary, have one daughter, and they currently live in Indiana, where Ted teaches at Indiana State University.
Resources:
God & Me Journal: https://kq-ministries-inc.myshopify.com/products/god-me-90-day-journal -
The Fig Tree #14: Deanna Lemke
Listen in as Deanna Lemke and Melani discuss the art of leadership, including common mistakes, navigating change and conflict, and identifying blind spots. Deanna has a degree in leadership and is a Birkman-certifie consultant. She and her husband, Phil, live and pastor in British Columbia.
0:00 Introduction
4:35 What is Leadership?
7:10 Insecurity & Servanthood
15:40 Self-Leadership
21:35 Choosing a Leader
23:40 Leadership Mistakes
33:30 Leading through Change
44:57 Leading in Conflict
54:35 Blindspots
Resources:
· Crucial Accountability by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler, and Maxfield: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Accountability-Resolving-Expectations-Commitments/dp/0071829318
· God & Me Journal: https://kq-ministries-inc.myshopify.com/products/god-me-90-day-journal
· Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges: https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Like-Jesus-Revisited-Blanchard/dp/0718077253/
· True North by Bill George: https://www.amazon.com/True-North-Authentically-Workplace-Emerging/dp/1119886104/
· Managing Transition by William Bridges: https://www.amazon.com/Managing-Transitions-25th-anniversary-Making/dp/0738219657/
· Books by William Bridges
· Books by Daniel Goleman
· The Fig Tree Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YnncZyXG9XUtcVWegVOXx?si=-TrZTyM3T0WE5mBHN7vFlQ&nd=1 -
The Fig Tree #12: Terry Shock
Our lives can be compared to trees, whether we are strong enough to weather the storms of life or easily fall with a gust of wind. As we examine our lives in the context of a tree’s roots, trunk, branches, and leaves/fruit, we find parallels that help us continue to remain healthy and fruit-bearing despite adverse conditions. In this episode, Terry and Melani offer highlights from The Tree, and, for each of the four areas, they share some insights they have gained through their years of teaching this topic.
Resources:
kqministries.net
Personal Roadmap (free): courses.kqministries.net
God-Connection Podcast Episode: Listen to The Fig Tree Episode #11
0:00—Introduction
2:08—How The Tree Began
6:00—Overview
8:00—Roots
14:10—Trunk
20:52—Branches
39:44—Leaves & Fruit
53:57—Ending -
The Fig Tree #11: Terry Shock
Listen in as Terry and Melani Shock discuss the concept of God-Connection. From sharing how understanding this concept has changed their lives, to offering practical applications for those in various stages of life, to suggesting tools to help implement this practice, they take a deep dive into what God-Connection is and how to flow it out in your life.
Resources:
KQ Products are available through kqministries.net.
· Eat This Book: https://kq-ministries-inc.myshopify.com/products/eat-this-book-teacher-self-study-edition
· Eat This Book Online: https://courses.kqministries.net/courses/eat-this-book
· Print Journal to Accompany ETB Online: https://kq-ministries-inc.myshopify.com/collections/eat-this-book-bible-study/products/eat-this-book-god-me
· God & Me 90-Day Journal: https://kq-ministries-inc.myshopify.com/products/god-me-90-day-journal
· Journaling Bible: https://www.amazon.com/Journal-Bonded-Leather-Letter-Comfort/dp/0785218319/ -
The Fig Tree #10: "Eric"
In this audio-only episode, "Eric" talks about his faith journey, which started after a meth lab explosion rendered him blind. For security reasons, his name has been changed and his image withheld.
For more information, please visit www.kqministries.net -
The Fig Tree #9: Kim Johnson
Designer Kimberly Johnson shares her knowledge of decorating in this episode. From insights into her own style, to how to work with people who have different styles, she gives helpful tips for making a space warm and inviting. She also addresses common mistakes, quick and inexpensive fixes for troublesome areas, and first impressions. Get inspired by her creativity and passion for making every space welcoming. Kim and her husband, Todd, pastor Revival Church in Modesto, California, and recently became first-time grandparents.
Resources
Pinterest—pinterest.com
Canva—canva.com (for building inspiration boards/collages)
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
For inspiration: Studio McGee (studio-mcgee.com), Chris Loves Julia (chrislovesjulia.com), Arrows & Bow (arrowsandbow.com), Hartman Haus (hartmanhaus.com)
If you have questions for Kim, you can email details.by.kimberly@gmail.com