Calvin W. Pennywell Jr.

It's Okay...to do what's best for your spiritual joy.

Life comes with its challenges. Some are easy, some...not so much. Regardless, they will stretch you. They will pull you out of your comfort zone. They will definitely change you.

What makes this process difficult...is experiencing it alone. Strive to include people in your life so that you can continue to build, move forward, grow, and evolve into that which God created you to be.

Yes, do the hard stuff, but don't do it alone.

"Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you."

-Genesis 22: 1-2

Such a tricky situation to be in, right? How many of us are willing to follow through with obedience, not knowing what's going to happen? On the other side of our obedience is God's promise which never fails, never faults. It's difficult to recall this in the moment of uncertainty, but we must practice on relying on His truth, not our logic.

I had to go back and improve a statement from the latest episode of TGOS (this is a spirit thing).

When it's time to pick, pick wisely. 

It's just me...catching up. 

Whether it's rocking...or not, God is present. He's aware of the storm. He's aware of its effects on you and those around you. He not only has the solution, He IS the solution. Trust in His presence, for if His words alone can cease the chaos, His presence is just as powerful.

You are not alone. You're already loved. You're already chosen. You know who you are because you know what He's spoken.

Sometimes, we get so caught up in our own capabilities that we assume things can get accomplished ONLY through us.

That is so far from the truth.

It is through Christ that all things are possible.

So, when you find yourself feeling helpless, remember that it's not up to you, but Him, for you can do all things through Him who strengthens you. 

Don't take Jesus being asleep in the boat as a bad thing. Look at it as something assuring, for if Jesus can sleep through your storm, surely He has things under control, for all He has to do is awake and say " Peace, be still." 

So I gave my 9th Grade Journalism students (6th period) the opportunity to answer a couple of questions about being a teenager...

My 9th grade journalism class (4th period) was given the opportunity to answer a few questions about being a teenager...

You may have ears to hear, but are you listening?

It's time we place ourselves in position of receiving that which we need from God because He's the same yesterday, today and forever more. He doesn't need to change. That's our responsibility. 

It's been awhile since I've posted an episode. Much has been going on internally. Despite the discomfort, God is still present. He's still God. He's the God of my mother, my father, and my wife. He will never change. He always fulfils. He always satisfies. 

If you had the opportunity to speak to the past, present and future version of yourself, what would you say?

I apologize if I've offended you in any way. 

I apologize if what I've said or done triggered a sharp emotion.

I apologize from the depths of my heart.

Your feelings should be acknowledged.

You matter like everyone else.

God never makes mistakes, specifically when we feel we do.

God uses everything we have done, do, and will do. 

He is strategic. He is intentional. He is graceful and merciful.

Everything (in His eyes) is salvageable, even the dirty stuff.

Most importantly, you are not a mistake, but a conduit for God to do what He wants to further His kingdom. 

Check out the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories with myself, Ms. Danielle Pelmore and Mrs. Adrianne Pennywell as we discuss expectations prior, during and after college!

Honor your Father and Mother.

Parents, do not provoke your children into anger based on how badly you treat them.

It's a two-way street, not one...and that's biblical!

Let's strive to honor and respect God...by respecting the family unit. 

Hello TGOS listeners!

I hope you're having a good day.

Make sure you repeat the title of this episode throughout your week. Remember that you're not a bad person for having boundaries. You're not a bad person for caring. You're not a bad person for getting upset. You're not a bad person for being human!

What are you convicted of daily of which you find difficult to let go?

What if your blessing was on the other side...of change?

It's time we explore that alternative because it just might make everything turn out for the best!

Will,

I pray you find the peace that surpasses all understanding, bro.

Much love and respect!

X-Men (Marvel Comics) consist of a society of individuals with special abilities due to genetic mutation. Some use their abilities for good...while others use it for bad. The commonality is the potential they all possess to help those in need and who, too, are oppressed by what others categorize as normacily. 

We as men are given gifts...and when used out of context can create great destruction. It is because of our selfishness that we become the "EX-Men" of failed relationships. It's time we set standards, leaving no room for toxicity created by the NEXT-Men. 

Genesis 3 illustrates "The Fall" of man where Adam and Eve chose to partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Though Satan confronted Eve specifically, it was Adam's responsibility to step up and claim God's truth. He didn't , thus, initiating our struggle with sin--the ultimate separation from God's immediate presence. 

Fast forward to 2022 and us men are still not stepping up for countless reasons. 

It's time we change that. 

What is good love? Is it what you want it to be...need to be...or what it should be? It depends on what we use to measure it. If we use our emotions, we will be misinformed. If we use our experience, we will be bias. If we use our spirit to seek that which never disappoints, never seeks to harm or destroy us, then we understand what love truly is and was designed to be.

Check out the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories titled "Good Love"!

There's a traditional saying that states "A good friend is hard to find."

I think it's also safe to say "a good friend is hard to lose."

Good roots run deep. That goes for friendships, too.

Check out the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories!

Don't waste your breath.

It's as simple as that. You need it to live, you need it to run, you need it to swim. Why not continue to use it for things that matter, like your vision, to maintain healthy relationships and stay in shape?

Most importantly, use your breath for what God intended it for...and that was to live out your purpose!

God for us. God with us. God in us.

Notice the progression towards a more intimate relationship? That's all He wants. He loves us that much. Listen to the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories titled "All of The Above" as I discuss God's undying love through the Old and New Testament. Let's not forget the reason for the season...and that is the birth of Jesus Christ (named Emmanuel, as in "God with us"). His birth was the re-beginning of something beautiful, benchmarking the most important aspect of the greatest love story ever told!

When it comes to ordering items online, we are aware of the shipping cost and time. It may vary from a couple of days to even weeks. Once we receive the confirmation email, it is verification that the package...is on its way. We're not certain when we'll see the UPS, USPS, or FedEx truck, but we are certain the package will arrive at some point. 

So, what is done in the meantime? We must live life as usual, remaining consistent until that which is promised arrives. It can be discouraging, considering your past online shopping experiences. The difference between the buyers market and God is that God ALWAYS delivers. 

Check out the latest episode of TGOS as I speak on Elijah's consistency and obedience during a drought while waiting for rain. 

When it comes to receiving information, one should follow three rules:

1. Listen
2. Discern
3. Reject

Satan is good at facts, but he's worse at telling the entire truth. Listen to the one who not only speaks truth, but lives it and embodies it. If Satan is bold enough to tempt The Son of God, he will definitely step to you at your weakest moment, hoping to diverge the path God has set for you to further His Kingdom. 

While doing so, no matter the challenge, remember...Satan...has already lost.  Always claim the victory in Jesus' name. 

Our callings come in many forms. It can be as subtle as a job opening across town or a request for your services in another part of the world. The question is will you answer it? If you believe in God, it'll be best to look for His face and not His hand, focusing on what He wants to do through you opposed to for you. We fail to realize that when we say no to ourselves, we're also saying no to everyone involved in our blessing. Much is counting on us simply saying yes to the unknown. How long will we avoid it? Tomorrow isn't promised and we can't hide forever. 

It's time to listen and receive the great commision, even if it scares us.  

Listen to the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories as I use Jonah's experience to express how God utilizes our circumstances to direct our paths. The stronger the resistance, the bigger the fish. 

We didn't choose our parents. We didn't choose how they would raise us as kids. We didn't choose how they would interact with us during life's most unexpected situations. What we can choose is how we value the relationship we have with them now. This can be done by setting healthy boundaries and reverencing God--the most important relationship of them all. Check out the latest episode as I speak from the perspective of God's truth concerning how we should interact with our parents while maintaining our overall wellness. If working to maintain the parent-child relationship trumps our livelihood, it is time to reconsider our priorities. 

We live in a society where we compare lives and experiences, wanting what the other has and assuming it's better than the life we're living. We all have the potential to be great individuals. The question is what are we doing with what we have? Are we making the best of it? Our quality of effort determines whether or not the pressure we endure and the changes we undergo have a positive effect on who we were created to be. 

When thinking of the disciples in the boat with Jesus in Matthew 14:22-33, one recalls Jesus speaking to the waves and wind, saying "Peace, be still!" This is after Jesus is awoken due to the disciples' fear of the weather. We are reminded that though Jesus was sleep, He was present. We as people have a tendency to want things how we want them...when we've had it the way it should be the entire time. Listen to this latest episode as I speak on the difference between the peace we want and the peace we need. 

Younger generations don't need us to speak for them. They can do that themselves...if we take the time to listen. All we have to do is ask questions and let them answer if we want to know where they've been , where they are, and where they plan to go. Check out the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories as I speak to Alya, a 10th grader speaking from her perspective as a member of the latest generation!

So, what is your Manna and Quail (Exodus 16:1-8)? Where you are or may be isn't where you will be forever. You are not where you use to be, yet not located where you plan to go. Be content with the transition, for what you have now is just enough to get you where you're destined to be!

We all live by a certain narrative. Many of us assume we are always the hero, the villain, or someone in constant need of saving. We may feel we have much to offer and no one wants it...or someone desires something from us we're not fit to give. It's time to start telling a story worth believing not for the sake of others, but ourselves.

Dr. Dana Thomas is a dentist whose objective is to maintain, if not better her patients' ability to smile. Her experience as a young girl inspired her to provide the same treatment to others who not only need it as patients, but everyday people. 

Who knew that what I desired as a kid was to be liked? We all want that to some degree, but for me, I thought I simply wanted to make more friends. I thought I was looking for laughs when in actually, I was hungry for likes. Good thing social media didn't exist back then because if it did, I would have probably been humiliated by my peers. It's funny how much you learn about yourself as you get older. Check out this latest episode as I speak about my experience as a kid wanting more than just laughs, but not being able to express it. 

"To All The Girls I Never Loved", I apologize for being a jerk. I apologize for hurting you. I apologize for not stepping up. I also have to give myself grace for being young and learning more about myself and others. 

Check out the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories where I discuss how my past courting relationships led me to finally meeting my wife, Adrianne Marcia Pennywell!

We all possess the ability to tap into that which we were born with, specifically our talents. Imagine being a Marvel character with the ability to defend, destroy, or both. It all depends on your motives, what drives you. This can be applied to characters such as Wolverine, Captain America, Magneto, and Black Panther. Listen in on the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories as I explain the differences and similarities associated with their connections with metal. Ask yourself, what is my metal and how am I using it?

Check out the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories, titled "Never Again", where I speak on the worst relationship I've ever experienced with hopes of never repeating!

Check out the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories with my guest, Tasha Barber! Listen in as she discusses parenthood and self-appreciation in life after 2020.

Things are what they are because of how things have been. What if we can change that around? If stereotypes and assumptions are going to minimize, if not disappear, we must set the example. We must represent the change we wish to see. Check out the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories where I discuss the importance and process of "Changing The Narrative".

The definition of harness as a verb is to control and make use of (natural resources), especially to produce energy. How are you making great use of your gift? What are you feeding it? Most importantly, do you know the source of your gift? Check out the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories where I speak on using that which God blessed you with to fulfil your purpose!

How often do you take the time to assess the situation, come to terms it's bigger than you, give it to someone who is bigger than your situation before moving forward, trusting all will work out for the best? It's easier said than done, but with practice, we all can do that which we are called to, despite fear and intense concern. There is a blessing on the other side our prayers. We just have to get there. 

They will adjust. Simple as that. Stop asking for permission to be who God called you be. If anything, ask for forgiveness, for many will be offended by your light. Keep doing you, keep being you. 

This has to be one of the best conversations I've had in a long time. We talked about being a man in 2021 while still growing, still learning. Check out the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories with myself and Javaris Jones!

How often do you reflect on the moments things could have gone left...or right? We are either thankful things didn't go bad or regretful they did. The key, which isn't easy to accept, but possible to grasp, is to look at them as life-changing and progressive. Think of them as steps closer to where you want to be. I recall two events on this latest episode where I became content with self-destruction, only to find out it wasn't what God wanted for me. 

I texted my mom the other day, God has granted me an immense amount of peace over the last month. There's no other way to express it. I'm certain it has a lot to do with giving Him full control because if I try to carry it, everything else breaks from the bottom. Having God as the foundation solidifies my standing, even when I fall. Listen in as I tell you about my experience with gaining inner peace unlike anytime before. 

So you're running a video production service while simultaneously working for Marvel Studios. How does that happen? Let Danielle Pelmore tell you for herself. Tune in to the latest episode of The Glory in Our Stories as Danielle shares her journey from a college student to a videographer and editor in one of the biggest cities in the United States. Danielle runs a video and film service called Mind2Reel Productions where she uses the concept of storytelling to help small businesses illustrate their ideas.

100 Episodes! What a ride! What a journey! I couldn't do this particular episode without going back to where it all started. I caught up with Aleceia Hatcher Freeman (guest from TGOS-Episode 1) recently and it was as if we first spoke the day before...when it's actually been nearly three years! We talk about life, therapy, dealing with COVID, and Cobra Kai (yes, the show is fire!). Tune in to this latest interview in celebration of sharing many stories, expecting to share many more in the future!