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June 18, 2024BruceDayne

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June 18, 2024BruceDayne

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Jen Wilkin Answers FAQs about Revelation

June 18, 2024BruceDayne

Jen Wilkin’s Revelation Bible study releases on July 1! If you’re leading a group through this study, we want to equip you to answer some questions that might come your way. We asked Jen to speak to some frequently asked questions about this study and this often intimidating book of the Bible. Click here to download a pdf of these FAQs.

What is your personal position on the End Times? What perspective is used to teach the study?

As I do with all secondary issues, I do not disclose my personal position. Nor do I attempt to recruit to a particular position. The four major interpretive views are presented in an appendix, and I encourage students to explore the ones with which they are not familiar.

Like my other studies, Revelation takes a Bible literacy approach to the book, using simple tools to help us attempt to hear the book the way it was heard by its original audience (more on this below!). I hope and believe this approach will help any Bible student, no matter her particular position on the End Times. We will focus attention on John’s Spirit-inspired practice of recapitulation—the skillful repetition of ideas from the Old Testament, as well as the skillful repetition of ideas within the book of Revelation itself.

Can I lead a group through Revelation if I’ve never understood the book myself?

Yes! The study is designed to allow leaders to be co-learners and facilitators, not teachers. The teaching element is covered in the videos. If you’re able to lead a guided discussion through the workbook questions highlighted in the leader guide at the end of each week’s homework, you can do this! The group discussion time is intended to take place before the teachings are watched. This means your group will not always arrive at satisfying answers to their questions before they watch the videos. That’s not only OK; it’s intentional. Dissonance is the first sign that learning is taking place. Group discussion is an excellent place to explore and stretch our thinking versus land on the right answer. As the leader, you don’t have to be an expert, just a good conversationalist. The video teachings should resolve most, if not all, of the questions that the homework raises.

What encouragement can I give to women who are intimidated or hesitant to study this book?

You’re certainly not alone! I was intimidated and hesitant myself. Revelation felt like a book that only an expert could understand. Not only that, but its message also felt terrifying and strange. I don’t feel that way about it anymore. More importantly, I don’t think the churches who heard Revelation read aloud to them two thousand years ago felt scared or confused. I think they understood its message and took encouragement from it. You can, too!

How should I describe the Bible study method used in this book to help others understand the approach we will take?

As with all my studies, Revelation follows a Bible literacy approach. Following the genre rules for apocalyptic writing, it pursues a symbolic reading that takes us back to the Old Testament to ask what the original audience heard and understood. We consider the historical, cultural, and textual context to help put us in the seats of the seven churches who heard Revelation read aloud. One of the main goals of the study will be to give students a working knowledge of what the book says. To that end, the study traces a structure of memorable seven “sevens” found in the book. The first teaching video describes in detail the approach we will take. You might watch it before your group does to help you prepare for their questions.

People have often read books about Revelation. You wrote a study. What is the difference between a book and a Bible study on Revelation? How should I describe the Bible study method used in this book to help others understand the approach we will take?

A Bible study invites us to be active learners versus passive consumers of the ideas of others. It doesn’t just tell, it asks. It allows learners to feel the dissonance of what they don’t yet understand before helping them arrive at answers. Not only that, a good Bible study gives the learner tools that are useful for interpreting and applying. It’s also ideal for use in group discussions in a way a book may not be. As with my other studies, this one focuses on movement through three stages of learning: comprehension, interpretation, and application. Because of the nature of apocalyptic literature, we spend a good amount of time on comprehension—understanding what the text says. Learners may not finish the study with complete clarity on Revelation’s interpretation (that would be a tall order!), but they should have a working knowledge of the book and a good sense of where its images and stories originated, as well as a good set of tools for future reading. In terms of understanding the Big Story of the Bible, that’s no small accomplishment. They’ll also find great assurance in the book’s message, assurance that yields real-life application for our daily lives.

One of my group members believes strongly in a specific interpretation of a passage in Revelation and is asking me about it/taking over group time. How should I answer her/respond?

No doubt, most of your group members will come into this study with at least a handful of strong interpretive beliefs. It’s a good practice to set a clear expectation up front about how such views fit into the group discussion time. At your first meeting, give the group some discussion guidelines: We will honor the group by not dominating the discussion. We are allowed to disagree on non-essential views, but we can do so charitably. And so on. Encourage those with strong views to explore them further outside of group time! What countering views could they learn more about to strengthen or challenge their current view? The first video will help you set expectations like these, but it would be good to reiterate them in person to your group, as well.

Our group discussion is becoming focused on confusing symbolism in what we’re reading. How do I best address those questions?

The earlier you are in the study, the more likely this is to be the case. As we move deeper into the book, the symbolism gets easier to interpret because we can connect it to previous passages. We don’t typically view confusion as part of learning, but it absolutely is. We don’t like the dissonance we feel when we don’t understand something, and we are accustomed to googling an answer to make that feeling go away. This study will challenge you to take a different approach, one with a long-term yield versus a short-term one. If your group is mired in confusion, encourage them to “trust the process” across the length of the study. Reading apocalyptic writing is a skill we improve upon as we practice. I can’t promise that the whole book will be crystal clear to us at the end, but I can promise we will have made good strides, and that the main point of the book will be firmly in our grasp.

Do you recommend a structure for groups that want to spend more than 10 weeks on this study?

The study can be used in an eleven-week format by utilizing the wrap-up questions included in the workbook. Though there is not a video teaching to accompany them, they are a good means for putting a bow on the study. If you want to move at a slower pace in general, you could alternate weeks of gathering to discuss the homework and gathering to watch and discuss the teachings. In other words, utilize one week’s content across two weeks. Following this approach, you could stretch the study length to twenty weeks, or to twenty-one weeks if you include the wrap-up questions.

Should I or my group do any kind of pre-study or prep work before our study starts up?

There is no required pre-work, but if you want to get a head start, begin reading Revelation repetitively. Listen to it on a Bible app. Read it in various translations. Don’t try to draw conclusions or arrive at interpretations—just let the words begin to sink in. Let yourself begin to inhabit the landscape of Revelation. You might use a Scripture journal as your primary tool for reading, marking anything that piques your curiosity or catches your attention. Repetitive reading will be a part of the study method, and it’s the easiest first step in growing in Bible literacy.

Visit lifeway.com/revelation to watch leader training videos from Jen.

Download the PDF

Shop the Study

The post Jen Wilkin Answers FAQs about Revelation appeared first on Lifeway Women.

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The Difference Between Nearly Identical Sneakers That Cost $50 And $150

June 18, 2024BruceDayne

A lot goes into why we choose our sneakers when there are so many identical ones on the market. If you like an expensive pair of shoes — such as these VEJA Esplar sneakers, which cost $150 — and you want to find a cheaper option, another brand likely sells a nearly identical pair for less — such as these MIA Italia sneakers, which are priced around $50.

But what, exactly, is the difference between a more expensive sneaker and a cheaper one? We spoke with a marketing expert, a shoe brand founder, and a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to determine what the difference actually is between a $50 and a $150 pair of sneakers.

A higher-priced sneaker tends to use more premium materials.

“For the most part, higher-priced sneakers do tend to use more premium materials and advanced construction techniques, which, in turn, can extend the life of the sneaker,” explained Jill Topol, a celebrity fashion stylist and professor at FIT. “But [comfort] is a totally different animal.”

Topol shares that since she has wide feet, certain higher-priced sneaker styles that are extremely well made and stylish may feel uncomfortable on her, but comfortable on someone with a narrower foot. “There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sneakers. It’s always a good idea to read the online reviews from previous customers first before purchasing.”

“More expensive sneakers will usually have an outsole made from higher-quality materials like rubber, which offer better cushioning properties for longer, as they’re a bit firmer and heavier due to an increased rubber percentage, which is better for long-term comfort and general shoe longevity,” explained Anna Baird, a podiatrist-turned-entrepreneur and founder of Bared Footwear.

To the eye, the $150 VEJA sneakers and the almost-$50 MIA pair are basically identical. “For a second, I thought they were the same brand until I realized the V was upside-down on the cheaper MIAs,” Topol said. “If you’re not fashion-savvy, chances are you’re going to be fooled by this and think you’re getting a great bargain on a luxury sneaker, but that’s about where the similarities end.”

While the $150 VEJAs are made of leather sourced from Uruguay and Brazil with a recycled polyester lining, the $50 MIAs have a synthetic upper and lining. “Leather typically molds better to your feet and tends to be more comfortable,” Topol explained. She said it’s evident that the MIA sneakers aren’t made from leather based on the low-star reviews they’ve received.

“The main complaint is that they hurt your feet. No surprise there. But what might surprise you is that the expensive VEJAs didn’t get great reviews either,” Topol pointed out. “Customers complained that they ran big. Another reason to always read those customer reviews before hitting the ‘add to bag’ button!”

Baird agrees that more expensive sneakers will generally be made of higher-quality materials like leather and created with better construction methods — meaning they’ll likely offer you more longevity.

“Leather or canvas are great choices for the upper materials because they are breathable and long-lasting,” Baird said. “Strong stitching and reinforced seams are also important for overall construction.”

She explained that a lot of cheaper sneakers will have an outsole made from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foams. While this material is lighter and helps a shoe be more comfortable initially, it tends to compress and harden easily, which reduces comfort and support over time.

If you look at the material of a sneaker, you may notice that a cheaper sneaker will use synthetics that mimic leather but lacks breathability and comfort. “While they are more affordable, they often wear out faster, provide less comfort and support for your feet,” Baird explained. “Not only that, but the midsole of an inexpensive sneaker is usually quite flexible to [the] point of being flimsy. Whereas more expensive sneakers tend to focus on using superior, premium materials such as genuine leather.”

The brands marketing the shoes can make a huge difference.

Sometimes a brand may do such an impeccable job of marketing its shoe that people overlook the price. But a high price may also cause customers to seek a cheaper option.

“Marketing anything is always contingent on the brand itself. However, generally speaking, if a shoe is more expensive, it’s likely because the cost to produce it is higher,” said Samantha Ribakove, a PR and digital marketing consultant and founder of Solutions by Sam. “When marketing a more expensive shoe, marketers will typically highlight its points of differentiation to justify to the consumers why the price point is what it is. In other words, if the material is driving up the overall cost of the shoe, strong marketing would speak to what this material offers and why it was chosen.”

The features a brand focuses on in its marketing campaigns play a huge role in who buys the sneakers. “Brands and marketers focus on longevity and quality. That being said, it’s clear that it takes a lot more to convince the consumer to purchase when it’s a higher price point,” Ribakove said.

“Consumers are smarter than ever because they have a wealth of knowledge and products in the palm of their hands these days,” she added. “It’s important that the marketing you’re putting out showcases the quality and longevity for them to consider when purchasing, especially at a higher price point.”

Your own style preferences are also important to consider.

When deciding between two shoe styles that look almost exactly the same, your personal style is a big factor.

“The overall look of a sneaker really depends on the eye of the beholder. Price isn’t always a factor here. We gravitate to what we personally like,” Topol said. “Maybe you’re a nonconformist and like sneakers that are a little out of the ordinary. Or maybe you’re more conservative and prefer a simpler design with clean lines. Who’s to say one is better than the other?”

Need a new pair of sneakers? Personal trainers say these are the best options for working out.

HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Under Armour Charged sneakers

Personal trainer Phil Nicolaou also encourages shoppers to find a general supportive shoe to wear during different workouts. "I like Under Armour workout shoes which are usually called 'Charged,'" Nicolaou told HuffPost. "I've never worn different shoes for cardio versus weight days, just make sure they offer support and are comfortable."

Hoka Kawana sneaker

Personal trainer and plus-size model Sarah Taylor put us on to Hoka's Kawana hybrid shoe for something you can wear for in both strength building and cardio. It has less cushioning than some of Hoka's running shoes, giving you a little more flatness for weight training. If you want cushion, Taylor loves and recommends the Clifton 9 sneakers and Parker recommends the brand in general for running and gym shoes.

Reebok Nano sneakers

Gary Samson, head coach and owner of Philly Personal Fitness, recommends the Reebok Nano for "general fitness, lifting, cross-training, HIIT-style workouts, heavy lifts, short distance running and everything in between."

Nobull Outwork sneaker

Katie M. Feeley, coach at Power Plant Gym and board member of the Body Positive Fitness Alliance and Decolonizing Fitness founder Ilya Parker both recommend sneakers from Nobull, with Parker specifying they like the Outwork style. "It as a low sole and offers lots of stability," Parker told HuffPost "It provides solid traction for multidirectional movements and it is super durable."

Feeley agrees saying Nobull kicks are "Sturdy enough for lifting and are also suitable for plyometric movements ([also know as] jumpy stuff) and shorter runs."

Xero "barefoot" shoes

If you're looking for a good "barefoot" sneaker, online fitness instructor Bianca Russo recommended seeking "brands that explicitly say their designs include a spacious toe box, so that your toes have the space to move and leverage their innate dexterity." Russo's favorite brand of barefoot-feeling shoes for working out and daily wear are from Xero.

Feeley notes, "If someone isn't used to 'barefoot'-style shoes, they should ease their way into walking or running in them because the transition can be tough at first (sore calves and feet, tight ankles, cramping, etc.)"

Altra shoes

Feeley and Russo also both like Altra shoes, with Feeley noting, "A shoe could be considered 'barefoot style' (due to the minimal drop) and still have a big squishy sole... Altra has this option." (FYI, the “drop” is the difference in height from your heel to your forefoot in a shoe.)

Brooks Ghost sneaker

"If you plan on running longer distances more than a couple of miles, it’s best to get a shoe with more cushion and support. I use the Brooks Ghost for distances like The Broad Street Run 10 Miler," Samson told HuffPost.

Parker also likes Brooks. "The primary things I need from a good running shoe is cushion and support. The shoe must also be lightweight," he said.

Brooks just released a new version of the Ghost made with a nitrogen-infused sole that's designed to be extra-light on the feet. The style is a longtime favorite with HuffPost readers.

Converse All Stars

Feeley, Nicolaou and Olivia Cadence Luxe, founder of the Ground Up Barbell Club, all recommended Converse All Stars for weight training and powerlifting. Feeley added: "For weight training, you want something that's flat and with a hard, stable sole. This helps maintain stability while lifting and facilitates power transfer (hard surfaces will allow for greater power transfer than squishy ones)."

Nike Metcon sneakers

Feeley and Taylor both like Nike Metcons for weight training. "For strength training, you usually want something with a little more stability and firmness so that you have a good planting while lifting," Taylor says. "I usually recommend a Nike Metcon."

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We’re On The Move

June 17, 2024BruceDayne

If you subscribe to my blog posts by email then you might notice something slightly different about the next one, arriving tomorrow: it is being sent by a new provider. There’s absolutely nothing to worry about because – for you – there is no other change.

Oh, apart from – and this is a massive bonus, depending on whether you actually enjoy my posts or not – the fact that you’ll be seeing my emails more often and more consistently from now on. Once a week, and always on a Tuesday.

Obviously if you cannot stand receiving my posts by email then this news will devastate you and it is an absolute necessity that you find the unsubscribe button on this post right now and then click on it. For everyone else, this should all come as brilliant and exciting news. Because it is brilliant and exciting: we’re returning to an era of regular blog posts. We’re going back to the days (and the title) of A Model Recommends – unbiased reviews and slightly unhinged takes on the world from your favourite erstwhile mannequin. Best beauty buys and book recommendations and travel stuff and all sorts of useful bits and pieces, interspersed with some of the more ridiculous life updates and observations that burst forth from my fertile mind.

It’ll feel like 2013, all over again. Except that it’ll be coming from a slightly different place.

Before you begin to panic about the olden days and feeling as though everything is being uprooted; this website isn’t going anywhere. You’ll still be able to drop in for a pootle about in the archives and many of the new things I publish will be here, too; but the majority of my writing will now be on Substack.

Why? Well, we have to move with the times, baby! There’s a whole post about this – the first post in our new home, actually, and it will be arriving in your inbox soon – but in essence, if you make content in this day and age then you really need a platform to post it on. So that people see it. Unless you’re a dedicated beauty blog, or you post recipes, or things that the general public are likely to Google and hunt out, it’s very difficult to get new eyes on your content. I mean, how many people will really be Googling “what does a merman’s penis look like?” (The speculative answer to that particular question is within this post.)

I feel utterly fortunate to have such a huge readership here, but a lot of my writing isn’t the sort of stuff that is necessarily very searchable online. It’s there for enjoyment first and foremost. And it would be lovely if more people could enjoy it.

I have been looking into a platform for my writing for a while and have chosen Substack. It just seems like a really lovely place to be, where it’s easy to comment and reply to comments, easy to reshare other people’s work and to build up great communities. You can also leave voicenotes, written notes and video content for your followers and hold live video streams: it’s as though someone has delved inside my brain and designed the exact platform that I’ve always wanted to create and use.

And there’s definitely a pull, for me, in that I don’t have to build or maintain any of that platform – just log on and spend 100% of my time writing things, rather than spending half of my online life updating website plugins or trying to work out why the hell comments can only be WRITTEN IN CAPITAL LETTERS.

You’ll see (or you might not, I haven’t fully worked out the settings yet!) that there are various ways to use Substack. Some people charge for their content, some people charge for all of it on there, others have their newsletters available completely free of charge. My new weekly post is completely free. If you are receiving this post by email then you are automatically subscribed – I have simply moved my existing subscriber list over to the new provider. You don’t need to do anything at all – well done, congratulations, be excited for the years ahead!

If you do not wish to receive my future ramblings then please unsubscribe by clicking on the link on this email – it’s right at the bottom. If you ever change your mind, or you hear people whispering about that brilliant A Model Recommends on Substack – “it’s like listening to Lady Whistledown!” – then just search me out and re-subscribe. There will also be a huge banner at the top of my website with a link to take you to my posts, in case you get really, really lost.

If you’re not currently subscribed to receive my posts by email (bloody hell, this is getting complicated!) then you can sign up to the new weekly posts here.

Right. This isn’t goodbye, it’s a huge hello again. Hello again to regular posts, to more writing, to a little return to how things were before shortform content took over the internet and we all developed the attention span of a gnat. See you next week. A huge, genuine heartfelt thank you to those who have followed for so many years and have seen me through so many different blog eras and iterations. This is going to be the best one yet and I couldn’t think of better people to bring along for the ride.

You’ll get your first email from the new home at around 10am BST tomorrow – if you don’t see it then have a look in your spam filter, and if it is in spam then make sure you mark it as “not”. Until then, my loyal friends!

The post We’re On The Move appeared first on Ruth Crilly.

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MARKED | Encountering God Session 2: Study

June 17, 2024BruceDayne

Welcome to Session Two of our summer Bible study on the MARKED Podcast! We’re studying Encountering God, and we’re so excited to join Kelly Minter as she unpacks the biblical foundation for sacred habits along with approachable ways to practice disciplines like prayer, study, worship, rest, simplicity, generosity, celebration, and many more. Each week, we’ll release the next teaching session, and we’ll leave the audio up for all seven sessions through August 5.

Kelly focuses her teaching in Session Two on the discipline of Bible study. She digs into 2 Timothy 3 to show how the inspired Word of God is useful to teach, rebuke, correct, and train us so that we will be equipped to carry out the purposes of God.

LINKS
Encountering God Bible Study
Ruth Bible Study
Finding God Faithful Bible Study
Lifeway Women Live
Lifeway Women’s Leadership Forum

RECOMMENDED
Listen here to hear from Kelly Minter and April Dace, the video producer for Encountering God, about how we can “take away the fear of learning spiritual disciplines to get a taste for a relationship with the living God.”

MARKED is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Elizabeth Hyndman.

ABOUT KELLY MINTER
Kelly Minter is an author, speaker, songwriter, and singer. She is passionate about women discovering Jesus Christ through the pages of Scripture. Whether through song, study, or spoken word, Kelly desires to authentically express Christ to the women in a culture where so many are hurting and broken. She is driven to share the healing and strength of Christ through the Bible’s truth.

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women and Kelly Minter on Instagram.

Learn more about the Ephesians Bible study at lifeway.com/ephesiansstudy.

To learn more about Feast with Kristi McLelland, visit lifeway.com/feast.

Take our fun MARKED Podcast Survey to enter for a chance to win a Lifeway Women backpack filled with Bible studies and great resources at lifewaywomen.com/podcast.

The post MARKED | Encountering God Session 2: Study appeared first on Lifeway Women.

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Jen Wilkin Answers FAQs about Revelation

What is your personal position on the End Times? What perspective is used to teach the study?

Can I lead a group through Revelation if I’ve never understood the book myself?

What encouragement can I give to women who are intimidated or hesitant to study this book?

How should I describe the Bible study method used in this book to help others understand the approach we will take?

People have often read books about Revelation. You wrote a study. What is the difference between a book and a Bible study on Revelation? How should I describe the Bible study method used in this book to help others understand the approach we will take?

One of my group members believes strongly in a specific interpretation of a passage in Revelation and is asking me about it/taking over group time. How should I answer her/respond?

Our group discussion is becoming focused on confusing symbolism in what we’re reading. How do I best address those questions?

Do you recommend a structure for groups that want to spend more than 10 weeks on this study?

Should I or my group do any kind of pre-study or prep work before our study starts up?

Download the PDF

Shop the Study

The Difference Between Nearly Identical Sneakers That Cost $50 And $150

A higher-priced sneaker tends to use more premium materials.

The brands marketing the shoes can make a huge difference.

Your own style preferences are also important to consider.

We’re On The Move

MARKED | Encountering God Session 2: Study

About us

The Life-Changing Magic of DMT Beauty Spot

Whether it's by trying a new hairstyle or undergoing a major overhaul, there's nothing like tweaking one's appearance to open new horizons.

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What is your personal position on the End Times? What perspective is used to teach the study?

Can I lead a group through Revelation if I’ve never understood the book myself?

What encouragement can I give to women who are intimidated or hesitant to study this book?

How should I describe the Bible study method used in this book to help others understand the approach we will take?

People have often read books about Revelation. You wrote a study. What is the difference between a book and a Bible study on Revelation? How should I describe the Bible study method used in this book to help others understand the approach we will take?

One of my group members believes strongly in a specific interpretation of a passage in Revelation and is asking me about it/taking over group time. How should I answer her/respond?

Our group discussion is becoming focused on confusing symbolism in what we’re reading. How do I best address those questions?

Do you recommend a structure for groups that want to spend more than 10 weeks on this study?

Should I or my group do any kind of pre-study or prep work before our study starts up?

A higher-priced sneaker tends to use more premium materials.

The brands marketing the shoes can make a huge difference.

Your own style preferences are also important to consider.

About us

The Life-Changing Magic of DMT Beauty Spot

Whether it's by trying a new hairstyle or undergoing a major overhaul, there's nothing like tweaking one's appearance to open new horizons.

Subscribe and Follow

Viral Posts

Instrumental

Popular Posts

DMT BarberShop

YouTube Channel

Contact Form

Can I lead a group through Revelation if I’ve never understood the book myself?

What encouragement can I give to women who are intimidated or hesitant to study this book?

How should I describe the Bible study method used in this book to help others understand the approach we will take?

One of my group members believes strongly in a specific interpretation of a passage in Revelation and is asking me about it/taking over group time. How should I answer her/respond?

Our group discussion is becoming focused on confusing symbolism in what we’re reading. How do I best address those questions?

Should I or my group do any kind of pre-study or prep work before our study starts up?