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This week, the BAT crew spends some time with Loni Beth Jones Watkins, the daughter of our mentor and friend Lonnie Jones. Loni Beth struggled all the way through elementary, middle, and high school with her academics due to a different way of learning. Her parents tried for years to get accommodations and were met with opposition. In her senior year she had an offer to play Division 1 volleyball at Troy University but she could not pass the math portion of the graduation exam. After years of struggles they finally were able to get her tested and the results proved what they had known all along: LB was struggling with learning disability and dyslexia. Join us as she speaks about this struggle and her volleyball career as a 4'10" female. Be sure to checkout Loni Beth's photography here: https://www.lonielizabethphotography.com/ Links mentioned in this episode: Get our free ebook "28 Days of Focused Living" here: http://www.benandtravis.com http://www.facebook.com/groups/benandtravis For extra content and mate

Ben, Travis and Will are joined by mentor Danny Morris once again. This time they discuss the importance of ministering to people through grief. Danny was the pulpit minister at the congregation that Tabitha Gean attended when she was killed in an automobile accident driving home after school. Tabitha was Ben's girlfriend at the time of her passing. This event changed both of their lives and also caused both to lift one another up. Danny speaks to the void that was left in his life. Everyone on the episode shares about how they handle grief as ministers. All mention that we struggle with some of life's questions regarding suffering and grief. Danny speaks to being there for the family. Travis discusses how ministers are not mind readers but want to serve you in the best possible way. They stress the importance of your presence during grief but the pressure to say something. Ben challenges us to see what is behind the tough words those who are hurting may say in their time of loss. Danny wraps up the episode w

Ben, Travis and Will are joined by long time minister and friend Danny Morris to discuss his road to Christianity and how that impacts the emotion of anger. Ben begins the episode by introducing Danny and how the relationship began. Danny tells us a regretful story of letting his anger get the best of him even though he ultimately made the right decision. He then shares his journey to Christ and how he made the decision to be "all in" on his commitment. Danny dishes on how he was able to make sure his actions matched up with his beliefs. He focused on how God promises vengeance and that is God's job to administer. Travis adds that he wouldn't wish God's vengeance on his worst enemy and that fuels his want for everyone to know Jesus Christ. Ben adds that the emotion of anger is not sinful but it is what we do with it that counts. Danny adds a fun story on the end featuring Travis' favorite song (not really) "Rocky Top". Links mentioned in this episode: Get our free ebook "28 Days of Focused Living" here: ht

Ben and Travis are joined by Scott Keiser as he and his wife Laura travel to Valdosta, Georgia after beginning to clean up their home in Louisiana (we ask for your patience on the sound quality). Scott shares the impact of Hurricane Ida on the state, local and his own home. He also shares the stages of the recovery from a hurricane and what his area looked like during his recent visit. Scott gives us some thoughts on what to expect when traveling to assist those who have been impacted. Scott also shares some do's and don't's along with biblical answers to some difficult questions that natural disasters bring up. Scott is a college friend of Ben and former roommate of Travis so he shares a fun story from their days in Farrow Hall at Freed-Hardeman University involving a vacuum cleaner. Links mentioned in this episode: Get our free ebook "28 Days of Focused Living" here: http://www.benandtravis.com http://www.facebook.com/groups/benandtravis DONATE to Hollywood Road Church of Christ in Houma, LA: https://venm

Ben and Travis come to you from McMinnville, Tennessee as they prep for the Central Church of Christ 2021 VBS. The guys share some of the Scriptures that have greatly influenced their lives. Ben and Travis both go with texts found in 2 Timothy to start off the show. Travis' mission for his ministry can be found in Paul's personal letter. Ben finds an impactful direction in Titus and Travis finds encouragement in an odd Scripture in the Gospels. We would appreciate you rating us 5 stars on your podcast platform and leave us a review with some of your most influential passages. Links mentioned in this episode: Get our free ebook "28 Days of Focused Living" here: http://www.benandtravis.com http://www.facebook.com/groups/benandtravis https://www.serenitycounselingshoals.org/renewed-spirits https://www.benandtravis.com/elizabethsmart An Evening with Elizabeth Smart tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-elizabeth-smart-tickets-159869759755 for more info call: 256-335-4062 https://www.m2yconferenc

Don Williams joins the guys once again from Maywood Christian Camp in Hamilton, Alabama (please forgive the background noise). In their time together they discuss practical tidbits that Don has picked up in his grief education. Ben discusses the fact that we will all deal with death at some point and it will effect our loved ones. Don began ministering through Hospice which began his desire to learn more. He started teaching a grief support program in the 1980's and then got his degree from Alabama studying the death, dying and grief process. Don speaks to the difficulties with mourning due to the pandemic. One of those being the lack of closure. Ben asks Don to share some wisdom for helping people move through grief. Don speaks of Job's experience in the Old Testament. Don also discusses the differences in grief and the things that people say and do that hurt people the most during these events in our lives. Don brings up the differences between Mary and Martha during the raising of Lazarus. The temptation t

This week, [someone], [someone else] and [another person] cover [topic]..... Topics discussed: Topic A Topic B Topic C Contact Don Williams: donwill55@yahoo.com or 256-366-3327 Links mentioned in this episode: Get our free ebook "28 Days of Focused Living" here: http://www.benandtravis.com http://www.facebook.com/groups/benandtravis Rep the show here: https://ben-and-travis.creator-spring.com/ https://rondonbooks.com/ https://alzfdn.org The Dementia Education and Training Program 1-800-457-5679 Dementia Friendly Alabama 334-240-4680 This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Rachel Engstrom joins Ben, Travis, and Will for “Wife, Widow, Now What: Part 2” on this week’s episode of the Helping Healing Humor Podcast. In part 2 Rachel shares several practical tips for those who are going through cancer in their family and for those who are attempting to serve those with chronic illnesses. Many of those practical helps are simple and inexpensive but help preserve the energy of those who are struggling. She shares about Caring Bridge and how it helps families relay the information to all those who are concerned. In addition, she also shares how she cared for herself during her husband’s illness and death. Rachel reveals the struggle of planning a funeral at such a young age and the all too common guilt of enjoying the good things of life after his lost. Rachel briefly gives insight in the podcast (and more detailed information in her book) about how to navigate the various issues that arise in the first few years. Part 2 closes with ideas of things people can do and especially things

This week, Rachel Engstrom, author of the book "Wife Widow: Now What?" join Ben, Travis, and Will to share part one of her journey through her husband's diagnosis of cancer, the treatment, the remission, and ultimately the grief of losing him to the affects of the treatment. She shares the ups and downs that so many families experience and shares how much it means to have family and friends at your side during those times. Links mentioned in this episode: Get our free ebook "28 Days of Focused Living" here: http://www.benandtravis.com http://www.facebook.com/groups/benandtravis Rep the show here: https://ben-and-travis.creator-spring.com/ Wife, Widow, Now What? by Rachel Engstrom: https://kit.co/BenandTravis/travis-recent-reading-list/wife-widow-now-wha www.instagram/wifewidownowwhat https://www.facebook.com/wife.widow.now.what/ This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Ben and Travis are joined by longtime friends Ray Reynolds and Travis Harmon on the campus of Heritage Christian University for the annual TITUS (Teens in Training for Useful Service) Camp. The fellows tackle the question of "What is the first thing you tell a new Christian?" Ray tells us how he helps new Christians who have just made a public declaration of war against the devil by giving their lives to King Jesus. Travis H. shares how the devil turns up the heat on those that have just given their lives to Jesus which culminates in the idea of "never quit." The church needs to fight for our people and especially our young people. We need to be prepared for a lifetime of temptation. Ray shares how difficult it might be for those who were not raised in the church to understand the things that we do in our worship and work. Travis C says this could be the case even for those who were raised in the faith. Churches should consider a new convert classes. Travis H encourages churches to create a culture of expe

Ben kicks off the episode with the question of how Pam serves people who are single now. She says that she is very sensitive to those who are sitting alone in public. Will brings up the temptation to compromise their beliefs to have a relationship that it hurts one's relationship with God. Pam brings up how important it is to pray for those people to have discernment in making sure they are at the center of God's will for their lives. She then encourages people to bring up their serious misgivings to the person with tact and care. Even if they are upset with you it is worth it to express your thoughts. She reiterates that God's timing is perfect but it's difficult to wait on his timing. Travis speaks about the victory in Jesus that we have is worth all the struggle. So much of the Bible is about God's timing! Pam brings up how our friendship might not have happened if she was not on the specific journey she has been on. Loving people for who they are and not what they do. The temptation to categorize people i

Ben, Travis, Will and Pam return for another episode recorded on location at Maywood Christian Camp. Will introduces the topic of singleness. Pam starts the conversation by giving details on her experience with being single at a Christian university. Pam leads the conversation to God's perfect timing. She also discusses some of the not so great things people say to you when you are single. She talks about the battle of feeling inadequate and how hard family holidays/moments were. Pam talks about how she filled her time serving young people and choosing to serve God in different ways. Ben says that he encourages people who are single to use those times to travel and serve God wherever they find themselves. Pam shares a story of a friend who ministered to the widows in her congregation and how that was her gift. She says it is important to fight the negative thoughts and get in the mix. Be present and involved with your church. She stresses that everyone has a place to serve in the Kingdom of God. Pam then shar

The guys kick off the episode discussing Maywood Christian Camp's impact on their lives and Pam Lenz' story of coming to attend Maywood. Pam shares an embarrassing story involving Travis inserting his foot straight into his mouth. The conversation transitions into Pam's favorite aspects of camp and how she loves discipling female campers to become teachers of the Word of God and being leaders. She shares her passion for teaching her campers and the way they encourage her. Travis brings up the Q&A portion of class time at camp and how challenging the female camper questions are. Ben brings up the glue and backbone of the church are the women who serve in so many capacities that often go unnoticed. Ben also talks about how much the adults benefit from a week at camp. Pam stresses the importance of her students being able to read God's Word and apply it in everyday life. Links mentioned in this episode: http://www.benandtravis.com http://www.facebook.com/groups/benandtravis Will's Maywood Lesson https://you

Ben and Travis once again come to you from a houseboat on Dale Hollow Lake in northeast Tennessee near the Kentucky border. Ben discusses the beauty of Celina, Tennessee area. Travis discusses the awesome congregations represented at the youth rally. Travis reminds everyone of the Golden Girls #SquadGoals mug. Ben is grateful for all the awesome things they get to do in service to the LORD. Travis talks about the BATify Freedom 5k and Fun Run this weekend (July 10, 2021). Travis opens up with his stay in Jamaica and follows it up with the one night stay in Singapore. Ben brings up that Singapore is one "fine city". Ben follows that up with his Scotland trip with Wess Howell and camping in a tent. On their return home they stayed in right next door to the Twin Towers. Travis speaks of his adventure on the sleeper car in India. Ben speaks to the beauty of the Himalayas. Ben and Travis wrap up the podcast speaking of some of their most visited and cherished places on the planet! Ben encourages you to join us at

Will returns to the podcast along with Ben and Travis. This brings out Travis' inner Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as he introduces Will. The guys talk about how they prefer their coffee or lack there of in Will's case. Ben gives us a little introduction into our discussion of anxiety. Ben encourages to determine the frequency and intensity of your anxiety. People with extreme anxiety need to see a counselor. He discusses the nature of anxiety. Travis mentions the importance of breathing properly, hand placement and being intentional about breathing. Travis laments that he didn't take Michael Rosenblum's idea to journal his journey in the hospital but has recently started in his blog posts. Ben also mentions how journaling helps you process the events, facts and how far you've come in the journey. It can also be valuable tool to your counselor and loved ones. Ben brings up being mindful and connection. Travis brings up coloring as a way to focus on what is in front of you. Ben says he draws and helps him enjoy t

Ben and Travis come to you from a houseboat or a boathouse on Dale Hollow Lake to talk a little "do's" and "don'ts" of conflict resolution! Ben and Travis joined the New Hope Church of Christ for their youth rally this past weekend and took some time from their awesome lodgings for the night to drop some tidbits about solving rifts that some times come up in this life. The guys are almost in Kentucky and Travis is drinking from a "Golden Girls" mug which might be the greatest mug of all time. Ben mentions our newest sponsor "TKM Inc." and the great hats they gave us to represent. Ben takes on the "do's" of conflict resolution and Travis delivers the "don'ts". Ben's first point should be the first point in all of life's circumstances that arise... PRAY! It is never going to be perfect but get started. Have the foundational conversation with God. Travis' first "don't" is "Don't throw feathers in the wind" and specifically on social media. Travis follows that up with a last ditch effort to keep from hearing gos

Ben, Travis and Will return to discuss the amazing journey of fatherhood. Ben has 5 kiddos, Travis has 2 and Will has 1 at home. Will discusses how awesome it is to experience being a girl dad and having his expectations change every day. Travis discusses how his understanding of mercy and his increasing prayer life has impacted his relationship with his children. Ben reminds us of the importance of being intentional. Travis talks about how mindful he is about how he spends his time and Ben mentions that we only get so many sunsets. The questions of "how much time do we have?" is such an important question ask. Will and Ben reminisce about some of the awesome things their dad did when they were growing up. Will mentions how he noticed his dad being intentional about being present and some good advice his dad gave him as Will started college. Ben brings up some advice his dad gave him that he used to instruct his kids. Travis tells a story involving Ben's dad and his southern hospitality. The show devolves int

Lonnie Jones returns to the podcast to answer your questions! As the name of the podcast reveals you can ask him anything. And we've got some great ones on this volume. Travis says he uses Lonnie's podcast to protect him when he is out running. Ben encourages everyone to check out Lonnie's podcast and compares him to a legendary radio voice. Travis discusses the ongoing 30 Day Challenge that you can join right here: www.facebook.com/groups.benandtravis. Travis kicks off with a question about Mount Everest and yeti poop. Ben follows that question up with asking Lonnie if he would ever climb Mt. Everest. Lonnie spills the beans about his inspiration to start his own podcast. He reveals an awesome podcast update coming on Father's Day. Lonnie proceeds to drop some dating advice after being asked about the best "pick-up" line. Lonnie gives the goods on his favorite restaurant and food that he would eat all the time. Links mentioned in this episode: http://www.benandtravis.com http://www.facebook.com/groups/benan

Lonnie Jones returns to the podcast to answer your questions! As the name of the podcast reveals you can ask him anything. And we've got some great ones on this volume. Ben and Travis discuss the "Keeping Up with Jones: Podcast Adventure" and how great it is. Lonnie discusses the day he was baptized into Christ and a great story that has followed throughout his ministry. Lonnie also reveals his current favorite topic to teach. Lonnie is asked an impossible question of favorite song so he names a few. Lonnie also answers the question about how his SWAT co-workers respond to his relationship with Christ. Of course all kinds of other things get talked about. You can get the lightly edited full interview in video format by subscribing at www.benandtravis.com before 7 PM CT on release day (6/1/21). Links mentioned in this episode: http://www.benandtravis.com http://www.facebook.com/groups/benandtravis https://www.benandtravis.com/friends https://ben-and-travis.creator-spring.com/ https://www.facebook.com/donate/1

Ben, Travis and Will begin the countdown to the June 2021 thirty day challenge. Travis reminds everyone of the Freedom 5k and Fun Run and reveals the event's new in-person location. Ben and Travis discuss how your business or organization can sponsor the event and all of the different levels. The guys then discuss the particulars of the 2nd edition of the Summer 30 Day Challenge. Ben discusses the importance of the "B.M.A.P." and Will reveals which book of the Bible will provide our daily readings this year. Join in at the links below and let us encourage you as you push a little harder into the Word, increase your physical and mental health. Links mentioned in this episode: http://www.benandtravis.com http://www.facebook.com/groups/benandtravis https://ben-and-travis.creator-spring.com/ https://www.facebook.com/donate/146233010630038/146233023963370/ (Ben) http://heroes.stjude.org/benandtravis83 (Travis) https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Heroes/SJMMW?px=5830504&pg=personal&fr_id=131089&fbcl