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Episode 27 - The Surprise of Easter: A Story of Grace, Grit & Dirty Dishes

On this Easter Monday—one filled with both hope and grief following the passing of Pope Francis—we reflect on a story that reminds us what resurrection really looks like: surprise, grace, and the tender solidarity of “I’ve been there. You’ll be okay.”

In this episode, Terry Nelson-Johnson shares a story of a young mother overwhelmed by life, a black trash bag full of burned pans, and a mysterious act of kindness that transforms failure into grace.

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⏱️ Chapter Markers

0:00 – Easter Monday Reflection
1:44 – What Easter Is Really About
2:48 – Meet the Young Mother
4:45 – A Box, A Note, A Miracle
6:35 – Resurrection After Brunch
7:05 – Outro & Call to Action

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Episode Overview:

In this stirring episode, Joshua Minden and guest Terry Nelson-Johnson guide you through a reflective journey into the mystery of the cross during Holy Week. With stories drawn from real-world hardships—from the early days of the Ukraine conflict to the heartbreak of lost landmarks in Los Angeles—this episode challenges you to rediscover Jesus in every broken and painful moment.

Chapter Markers:

[00:02] Introduction
[01:30] Episode Title & Branding
[01:40] Personal Testimony & The Unpolished Cross
[03:24] Story of Suffering & Loss
[04:27] A Father’s Story in Crisis
[05:04] Jesus in the Ashes
[07:19] Unpacking the Mystery of the Cross
[08:44] Call to Reflection & Community Engagement

Call to Action:

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Interactive Elements & Engagement Suggestions:

Poll: “Which image from today’s story resonated with you the most?”

Question: “How do you find hope during your own moments of suffering? Share your story below!”

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Welcome to Episode 25: A Profound Lenten Reflection

Dive deep into this reflective episode where Terry imagines a personal encounter with Jesus on the way of the cross, blending Ignatian spirituality with the art of loving-kindness meditation.

Chapters:

00:02 – Introduction: Joshua welcomes you to the episode.

00:57 – Spiritual Storytelling: Terry introduces the concept of engaging with Jesus on His journey to Golgotha.

02:02 – Exploring Buddhist Influences: Terry recounts a transformative loving-kindness meditation workshop.

04:00 – Crafting a Meditation: Hear the creation of a deeply personal meditation inspired by both Christian and Buddhist traditions.

05:49 – Reflection & Recitation: Terry delivers his moving meditation for contemplation and connection.

07:26 – Final Blessings: A heartfelt send-off and invitation to join the community.

07:46 – Community Call-to-Action: Joshua invites listeners to share, support, and join the conversation.

Call-to-Action (CTAs):

• Subscribe & Hit the Bell: Don’t miss out on our weekly episodes.

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• Engage with Us: Share your personal reflections in the comments or via email at connect@otherthingsholy.com.

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Interactive Elements:

• Poll: “Which part of today’s meditation resonated with you the most?”

• Q&A Prompt: “What would you say to Jesus if given the chance? Share your thoughts below!”

• Related Content: Check out our previous episodes for more spiritual reflections.

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Welcome to Episode 24 of Stories & Other Things Holy. In this episode, host Joshua Minden and storyteller Terry Nelson-Johnson share a deeply moving story about saying goodbye—a layered farewell that invites us to release what no longer serves us. Through reflective dialogue and heartfelt narrative, this episode challenges us to ask: What must I let go of to welcome new life?

Chapters:

00:12 – Introduction: The Sacred Storytelling Journey

01:55 – Terry’s Reflection on the Spiritual Weight of Goodbye

03:15 – A Transformative Farewell: Letting Go of the Past

06:05 – Embracing Change & New Beginnings

08:55 – Community Reflections & Call-to-Action

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Welcome to Episode 23 of Stories & Other Things Holy – the fourth installment in our Lenten series. In today’s episode, Joshua Minden and Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson explore the transformative power of letting go. They share personal stories about leaving behind old identities, the courage to risk vulnerability, and how embracing the in-between can lead to a more authentic self.

Chapters:

[00:01] – Introduction: Entering the space between past and future
[01:41] – Dr. Terry’s reflection on letting go and embracing the unknown
[02:47] – Exploring the role of vulnerability in transformation
[04:29] – How risk and uncertainty pave the way for renewal
[08:26] – Closing thoughts and a call to trust in the journey

What to Expect:

• Inspiring insights on self-discovery and transformation
• Thought-provoking reflections on the risks of change and letting go
• Practical encouragement to embrace vulnerability and step into your new self

Calls-to-Action:

• Subscribe to our channel for weekly spiritual reflections
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• Leave a comment: What is one thing you’re ready to let go of to grow into your new self?
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Keywords:
vulnerability, transformation, letting go, self-discovery, spiritual growth, Lenten reflection, personal transition, risk-taking, inspirational stories, authentic self

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Join us for Episode 22 of Stories and Other Things Holy with Terry Nelson-Johnson. In this candid conversation, Terry recounts a funeral visit that took an unexpected turn when he accidentally signed the “Book of the Dead.” Far from a grim tale, this lighthearted moment leads to profound insights on the Lenten season, our mortality, and how embracing both can ignite hope.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• Terry’s near-death experience and how it reshaped his outlook
• The comedic yet meaningful mishap of signing the “Book of the Dead”
• How Lent invites us to “preregister” our own mortality
• The balance between remembering death and celebrating life
• The spiritual practice of facing our human limitations with hope

Key Takeaways:

• Engaging with our own mortality can deepen our appreciation for life
• Humor often arises in unexpected places, even at a funeral
• Lent as a season of reflection, humility, and spiritual preparation
• Remembering death isn’t morbid—it’s a call to live more fully

Join us on this journey of healing, grace, and renewal. If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, share your thoughts in the comments, and consider joining our email newsletter for more reflections and grace-ercises.

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Welcome to Episode 21 of “Stories & Other Things Holy.”
In this episode, Joshua Minden introduces a powerful reflection drawn from the Gospel of Luke—the story of Jesus’s temptation in the desert—inviting us to question the labels we’ve internalized from our past. Terry Nelson-Johnson then shares an intimate story about a conversation with his mother—a moment when makeup, memories, and vulnerability converge to remind us that even when familiar parts of our identity seem lost, we remain held by an unwavering source of love.

Join us as we explore:
• How moments of struggle can trigger a renewal of self
• The interplay between vulnerability, love, and self-worth
• The spiritual invitation to “remember who you are” even amid chaos

[0:00] – Opening: Connecting the Gospel & Personal Story
[1:56] – The Paradox of Beauty & Vulnerability
[3:09] – A Tender Conversation with Mom
[4:16] – Reclaiming Precious Identity
[5:20] – Healing Through Love: A Night of Care
[7:46] – Closing & Community Invitation

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Welcome to Episode 20 of Stories & Other Things Holy – a heartfelt Lenten reflection that invites you to explore the transformative power of letting go. In this episode, host Joshua Minden and principal storyteller Terry Nelson-Johnson share a personal and unexpected journey: while visiting Star Rock in central Illinois, Terry experiences a life-changing massage that not only eased his physical tension but also became a metaphor for releasing the familiar pains we carry.

Through candid storytelling and gentle humor, Terry reveals how a former steel mill worker turned massage therapist encouraged him to “breathe into” his pain and surrender it, leaving him transformed. This reflection ties in timeless gospel themes of healing and renewal, challenging us to face our discomforts so that we may experience liberation and spiritual growth.

[00:00] Introduction & Lenten Reflection Overview
[00:15] Theme: Embracing Vulnerability & Letting Go
[01:32] Terry’s Introduction: The Massage Experience
[02:35] Memory & Connection: Star Rock & Childhood
[03:41] Meeting John: An Unexpected Encounter
[04:29] The Turning Point: Choosing to Embrace Change
[05:36] Facing the Pain: A Transformative Massage
[07:06] Release & Renewal: Breathe Into the Pain
[08:37] Call to Action: Embrace Nature & Healing
[09:03] Closing & Invitation

If you’re on a quest for healing and renewal this Lent, join us on this journey of vulnerability and transformation.

• Sign up for our weekly reflections, prayer prompts, and grace exercises at: StoriesandOtherThingsHoly.com
• Please like, subscribe, and share this video to help spread the invitation to heal and transform.
• Leave a comment below sharing how you let go of your pain.
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