There are some days when I miss home. I can't always tell what makes those feelings stir inside me, but they are pushy. They don't leave room for positive emotions. Excitement, happiness, and anticipation flee at the sight of homesickness. Melancholy, sadness, and even regret feel right at home when homesickness appears. They even linger, … Continue reading For those who are missing home.
Reflections on the Soul
The human soul was made to createTo nameTo keepTo cureTo careTo calculateTo cultivateTo inlay To buildTo rebuildTo patchTo paintTo tameTo feedTo tasteTo cookTo singTo danceTo codeTo writeTo see To beTo inviteTo challengeTo teachTo trainTo thinkTo planTo feelTo reactTo grieveTo hope What else?
Curiosity in Faith: Navigating Deconstruction
It wasn’t that long ago that the word “deconstruction” was almost never used. Then, almost out of nowhere, deconstruction was everywhere. It spread just as quickly as COVID. At the same time, I was coming to the realization that the Jesus I was reading about in the Bible was not the same Jesus I was … Continue reading Curiosity in Faith: Navigating Deconstruction
They Say Don’t Feed The Squirrels
They say don’t feed the squirrelsBut I did anyway Back and forthIn and outRoom to roomIt ran It was fastIts fur a blurThat’s when I knew I had a choice I made a trapA roasted walnut in my handI held on so tightAnd so did it Then, when I least expectedIt jumped Right into… The toilet … Continue reading They Say Don’t Feed The Squirrels
The Power of ‘One Day’: A Call to Courage
Life can become a chaotic cycle of obligations, leading to passive waiting for a "someday" that often breeds bitterness. Instead, embracing "one day" moments, like Jonathan’s faith-filled decision in the Bible, encourages active participation in God's unfolding story, transforming hope into action and inviting real change in our lives.
The Unexpected Now and the Unknown Next
I can only wonder what could have been different if I had stopped waiting for why, if I had stopped waiting for the next and focused on what God was doing in the now. It’s too easy to miss the now while we wait for the next. The next season, the next opportunity, the next answer, the next sign that things are finally changing. We fixate on an unknown future, often born out of our present discomfort, and in doing so, we become blind to the unexpected work God might be doing right in front of us.
Deposits of Grace
Life can get busy. And sometimes, we find ourselves feeling a bit distant from God and even those closest to us. But then, something happens. A quiet moment in nature, a kind word from a friend, a passage from the Bible that speaks directly to our heart. In those moments, it's like God is giving us a little nudge, a gentle reminder of His love and presence. A mentor of mine liked to call these moments "deposits of grace."
What does multiplication look like?
What does multiplication look like. That's a question that I have been asking myself recently. Not just in one area of life, but in multiple areas. What does it look like to see growth not just as a mathematical concept but as a principle of the Kingdom of Heaven? When I think about multiplication, I'm drawn to the life of Jesus. There always seemed to be more with Jesus. He always had more than enough. It wasn't just addition; it was an exponential increase.
3 Things you need when you’re discouraged.
The book of Ruth from the Bible offers hope and encouragement during difficult times. Naomi, facing immense loss and bitterness, finds solace in Ruth's unwavering loyalty. Ruth sacrifices her future to stay by Naomi's side, and they eventually find support and kindness from Boaz, leading to a renewed sense of hope and care. This narrative highlights the importance of honesty about one's feelings and the potential for unexpected acts of kindness to bring comfort and support during challenging times, reminding us of God's love even in our deepest pain.
Building the Church
The church relies on five vital roles - Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers - to create a healthy and flourishing faith community. Each role brings unique qualities and responsibilities, contributing to the community's spiritual journey. When these roles harmonize, they foster a supportive environment for collective spiritual development and growth.
Learning to Live 