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This week at ProBlogger, we’re diving deep into a topic close to every blogger’s heart: how to keep the momentum going, no matter what life throws your way. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, maintaining your blog’s momentum is key to its success. Last week, we ...more

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Maintaining Momentum in Blogging Series Blogging thrives on conversation. It’s not just about broadcasting your ideas; it’s about sparking dialogue and engaging with your community. One of the most vibrant places for these interactions is often overlooked—the comment section. As we continue “maintaining momentum” on your blog, let’s explore a ...more

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The post How to Revitalize Your Blog Content When You Feel You’ve Covered It All appeared first on ProBlogger.

Maintaining Momentum in Blogging Series Have you ever found yourself staring at your blog, wondering what on earth to write about next? You might think you’ve explored every angle of your topic, leaving no stone unturned. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many bloggers encounter this challenge, especially after ...more

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The post Mastering Blog Post Creation: 10 Essential Steps to Enhance Your Writing Process appeared first on ProBlogger.

It hits you like a TON of BRICKS! It’s an idea for that KILLER blog post that is just bound to bring you all the traffic that you’ve ever dreamed of. With the idea fresh in your mind you sit down at your keyboard and BANG it out – desperate ...more

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This post is by ProBlogger subject matter expert Ali Luke Over the past few years, I’ve conducted a lot of blog reviews for fellow writers. It’s always great fun to read other people’s posts … especially when they’re on topics that are totally new to me! Along the way, though, ...more

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The post 5 Ways I Use Habits to Stay Creative and Productive When Working From Home appeared first on ProBlogger.

Folks, you’ll know today’s guest contributor author Gretchen Rubin from her bestselling books on happiness, habits, and human nature, her inspiring talks, and her popular daily blog GretchenRubin.com. Gretchen also shares practical, manageable advice on her podcast Happier With Gretchen Rubin. We are thrilled to have Gretchen on ProBlogger today, giving us ...more

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The post 8 Steps to Become a More Confident Writer appeared first on ProBlogger.

Whatever you want to achieve by blogging – money, a fully-fledged business, recognition in your field, a creative outlet, or sharing your message with the world – you need to write. There’s no way around it. Blogging is writing. Your platform, your means of communication, involves putting words onto a ...more

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The post How to Approach Influencers in Your Niche: Twelve Crucial Tips appeared first on ProBlogger.

Do you want to connect with influencers in your niche? Most bloggers do. But many of them go about it the wrong way. Forming relationships with influencers is something you really want to get right. Done well, it’s one of the best ways to grow your audience and brand. And hopefully ...more

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The post Mastering Engaging Opening Lines: 11 Creative Strategies to Hook Your Readers appeared first on ProBlogger.

My wife’s first words to me were… ‘Hi Michael, it’s nice to meet you’ …which was both funny and memorable since my name is DARREN, not Michael!   Ever wondered how some posts keep you hooked while others don’t catch your eye? It’s all in the opener. The first words ...more

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In the first episode of a five-part Lenten series on despondency, we learn what despondency is (and what it isn't), and how it relates to our experience of time. Ultimately, despondency is a means of escaping the present moment we find ourselves in.

The present moment is a gift from God. But too often, we flee from this "gift of the now" through our mental ideations of the past and future. Today, we're calling that movement despondency and exploring the physical, emotional and spiritual paths by which we escape from the present.

Today we talk about various antidotes to the passion of despondency, which all have the effect of bringing us back to the present moment of heart.

Today we continue our discussion of how to regain God's gift of the present moment. We'll touch on humor, scripture recitation, and prayer.

In this final segment of our lenten series on Time and Despondency, we explore the substance of the present moment—the Holy Resurrection. Thoughts on how to re-present ourselves and our world this Pascha and beyond.

This episode revisits the question of time in heaven from two different vantage points: Hellenic Greek philosophy and the Old Testament. Greeks and Jews of late antiquity had pretty different beliefs when it came to time and eternity, and both paradigms have implications for how one views the Incarnation.

In the last episode of this miniseries, we talk about "ages" and the phrase "unto the ages of ages" as it is used to signify eternity in the New Testament. Along the way, we'll tackle interstellar space, two-dimensional cubes, and other perplexing boundaries of human knowledge. Moral of the story: keep wonder alive.​

Heaven is eternal—but does that mean it also without time? This question lies at the crux of our understanding not only of heaven but also of earthly existence. In the first part of this miniseries, Dr. Roccas talks about some personal experiences regarding this question and how Orthodox worship prepares us for heaven.

Continuing our Year in Time series, today we talk about the various ways the liturgical calendar helps us be present to God through liturgical memory.

oday, I'm talking with friend and author Angela Doll Carlson about living the liturgical year. From logistics and practicalities to marriage and community, there's a little something for everyone in this episode (yes, even men!).

About a year ago on this podcast, I started a five-part Lenten mini-series called Time and Despondency. I'm happy to announce that I've turned this series into a book to be published by Ancient Faith sometime in Fall 2017. As I finish up the manuscript, I reflect on the intersection between time and despondency. Interested in listening to the original series? Check out Part I (of 5) from last year.

Nicole reflects on how the askesis of Great Lent strengthens the tiny, barely perceptible muscles of faith more often than the big, flashy ones.

Today we're talking about apocalypticism. Whether we realize it or not, we all need an apocalyptic story to tell—regardless of our ideology or faith.

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening around here at Time Eternal: the relaunch, a giveaway, recording in the dark (aka laziness), and a whole minute of me mispronouncing the word "Akathist." Happy summer!

My friend Kerry was born in a conservative Mennonite community in rural Manitoba. As she grew up, that community gradually assimilated into the wider culture. But looking back, she says that the temporal rhythms and cycles she still held to during her youth provided a "secure sense of reality." In this episode of Time Eternal, we talk about her experience growing up Mennonite, her life today living in the largest city in Canada, and what she misses about the sense of time she experienced as a child. Make sure to check out the shownotes for quotes, links, and information about this episode, not to mention a photo of me and Kerry the night we recorded this episode!

Does the new year bring up feelings of shame and apathy? Do all those perky new year's resolutions people annoy you? Or are you frustrated by your failed attempts to do better this time around? In this brand-new season of Time Eternal, we talk about the connection between shame and despondency, particularly as it relates to the new (civil) year. Plus, Nicole announces the launch of her book, Time and Despondency, on January 15. Last but not least: Time Eternal just turned two! With that, we're moving to a two-season per year format (hear more about that in the episode). This episode marks Episode 1 of Season 5!

This Lent, I'm walking through my book, Time and Despondency, in tandem with the free Lenten study guide available through Ancient Faith Publishing. In weeks one and two, we're talking about finding God at the grocery store, conquering the protagonist syndrome, and learning to inhabit life without the defense mechanisms of pride and impatience . You can follow along with the book and the free study guide here: http://store.ancientfaith.com/time-and-despondency/ This episode contains the Prayer of St. Ephrem as well as the following music: Kai Engel: "Idea," "Irsen's Tale," and "Remedy for Melancholy" Podington Bear: "Across the River" Chris Zabriskie: "Prelude 10"

Nicole talks about one of the books she's reading this Lent, Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation, by James K. A. Smith. Among other things, she discusses the formative significance of liturgies—both in the Church and in the world—and her addiction to tea and sweets. This episode features the following songs, available by attribution license: "Had You Been" and "How it Fades" by Scott Gratton "Nocturne Op. 48 No. 1" by Podington Bear The intro and outros are "Idea" and "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel.

Nicole reflects on recent #TemporalTuesdays posts that revolve around the liturgical mystery of the first day of creation. Help me produce better Time Eternal content for the upcoming Church year by taking this free and anonymous survey. The intro and outro of Time Eternal are Kai Engel’s “Idea,” and “Remedy for Melancholy,” respectively. His songs “Aspirato” and “Mist and Clouds” are also used in this episode. http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kai_Engel/

Nicole reads something she wrote on Lazarus Saturday 2018, during a Lent that was NOT instagram-worthy, and reflects on it now a year later. Intro and outro music: "Idea" and "Remedy for Melancholy," by Kai Engel.

Nicole reflects on an interview she watched this week between comedian Stephen Colbert and journalist Anderson Cooper, in particular, the divergent ways grief affected their sense of time. (Watch the interview here. The intro and outro of this episode is "Idea" and "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel.

Time Eternal is back from the abyss! Nicole talks about three ways the pandemic altered her sense of time and how she is trying to re-engage in the sacredness of time. How did the pandemic shift your experience of time for better or worse? Join the conversation on Instagram or Twitter. The intro and outro of this podcast are the songs "Idea" and "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel, available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

In which we kick off the new mini-series “A Time for Sabbath.” Stick around to the end for a special giveaway in honor of the church new year that starts TODAY! Connect with Nicole on Instagram or Twitter (@NicoleRoccas). Mentioned in this episode: What Happened to You by Oprah (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250223210) My Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleroccas/ The 2022 Little Church Planner by Parousia Press: https://www.parousiapress.com/collections/all-planners/products/little-church-planner-ns The outro of this podcast is the song "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel, available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

In which we explore the ways our concept of rest has become flattened in a disenchanted cultural ethos, and how Sabbath might be the cure. Connect with Nicole on Instagram or Twitter (@NicoleRoccas). Mentioned in this episode: The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel The 2022 Little Church Planner by Parousia Press The outro of this podcast is the song "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel, available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

In which we explore what trauma and jet lag have in common. Send listener questions to Nicole via email (timeeternal@ancientfaith.com) or as private message on Instagram (@nicoleroccas), Twitter (@nicoleroccas), or Facebook (@Nicole M. Roccas). Mentioned in this episode: Episode schedule for the Time in Trauma series: instagram.com/p/CWYToBtLRTM The Body Keeps the Score (Book) by Bessel van der Kalk: penguinrandomhouse.com/books/313183/the-body-keeps-the-score-by-bessel-van-der-kolk-md Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection (Book) by Deb Dana: wwnorton.com/books/9780393713855 The outro of this podcast is the song "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel, available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

Some thoughts on how trauma affects us in the present moment of our lives. Send listener questions to Nicole via email (timeeternal@ancientfaith.com) or as private message on Instagram (@nicoleroccas), Twitter (@nicoleroccas), or Facebook (@Nicole M. Roccas). Mentioned in this episode: The quotes I read by Dietrich Bonhoeffer are from the Advent collection of his prison writings entitled God is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas. The outro of this podcast is the song "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel, available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

How the story of Zacchaeus reveals the hidden blessing of smallness in Christ. Learn more about Nicole’s trauma-informed coaching services (nicoleroccas.com/coaching). Connect with Nicole on Instagram or Twitter (@NicoleRoccas). Mentioned in this episode: Luke 19:1-10 “The Desire: The Sunday of Zacchaeus” in Fr. Alexander Schmemann, Great Lent (SVS Press, pp. 17-18) Zacchaeus Sunday: oca.org/saints/lives/2020/02/02/1-sunday-of-zacchaeus The intro and outro of this podcast are the songs "Idea" and "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel, available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

Bill presents his Effective Church model and celebrates the new strategic plan developed for the national Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA this past week at their SOBOR. In addition to Fr. Barnabas Powell he is joined in the last part of the show by Dr. Gayle Woloschak who chaired the strategic plan committee for the UOCUSA.

Bill and Fr. Barnabas talk about why the topic of Engaged Disciples is one of the most critical dimensions of our churches and why in its absence, or ineffectiveness, our churches struggle in many aspects of their existence and operations. They also explore 7 specific critical Engaged Disciple practices that parishes need to implement.

Bill focuses on 5 of the critical dimensions of effective Orthodox Christian Servant Leaders and some of the latest research and best practices materials on the subject, as well as the teachings from Holy Scripture and the Church Fathers on how to cultivate better leaders within our churches and ministries.

Almost every news cycle is dominated with stories of both leaders and ordinary people who lost their way. Bill Marianes is joined by special guests Steven Laduzinsky, Chris Mandaleris, and Fr. Barnabas Powell, to explore Trust and ITA from the legal, financial, accounting and spiritual perspectives.

So how can we create a culture of generosity and abundance in our lives and parishes? This is the key question Bill Marianes raises on this episode of Stewardship Calling. Stay tuned for a big announcement at the end of the show regarding expanded programming from Bill on AFR.

Bill Marianes talks live with guest Joe Kormos of the Orthodox Church in America. Their topic? Small Parish Challenges.

What kind of church and facilities would you have built if money were no object and you were committed to addressing all of your community’s needs? Now what did you actually build? The difference between your dreams and your reality could, among other things, be a measure of the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of your capital campaign and overall leadership program. Anthony Scott joins Bill Marianes to talk about Capital Campaigns and how to run them.

Leadership consultant SteveTibbs joins Bill Marianes to address six dimensions of servant leadership.

If our youth and emerging adults do not understand and practice true Christian stewardship, we have sealed the regrettable fate of many of our churches. And yet, we have a relative dearth of resources or information available to teach true Christian stewardship to this most critical group of parishioners/stakeholders.Bill Marianes talks with Y2AM Director Steve Christoforou.

Bill and noted servant leadership and change management expert Dr. Mitch Owen explore the critical dimensions of Orthodox servant leaders and how to effectively bring about change in our churches and institutions.

On the first episode of his multi-part series on "living your calling," host Bill Marianes interviews Matthew Namee and Joan Berg, two Orthodox attorneys who have evidenced a willingness to use their God-given skills and abilities to serve His Church.

The story of St. Nicholas Shrine is one of many challenges, roadblocks, and setbacks. At the same time, it is also a chronicle of triumph over adversity, and of generosity and hope. By the grace of God, and due to the extraordinary stewardship of countless faithful people and organizations throughout the journey, construction is beginning again, and by the 9-11-21 20th anniversary, we hope to open the doors to welcome all in Christ’s redeeming love at what will likely become the most visited church in America. Join our spiritual, financial, operational, and construction leaders, Fr. Alex Karloutsos, Dennis Mehiel, Michael Psaros, and Richard Browne as they share the story of this incredible journey.

Learn how to inspire the youth and emerging adults in your communities and families to find great meaning and purpose in serving others through their churches from inspirational millennials doing just that. Hear from the amazing Alyssa and Niko Kyritsis who are each doing great things to help bring people closer to Christ and each other.

Bill introduces you to the amazingly talented and gifted Sarah Kroger. Sarah is a Christian singer/songwriter who has been leading worship services at a wide range of local, national, and international events for the past nine years. Her stewardship calling is to create a safe and prayerful space through her music in which people can encounter the love of God.