Worship. In so much of the American Church, this means standing up, avoiding anyone else’s gaze, putting your hands on the pew in front of you, and singing. In some churches raising your hands in the air might be preferred. But how many Christians out there admit to participating in this because that’s just what…
Author: Rebecca Norvelle
Humbly sharing God's self-revelation, throughout the Bible and within my heart...
I have loved to write since I was a child - I still have my journals dating back through second grade! I never did much with this passion, though, besides edit my friends' papers. It is only in the last few years that I have discovered why God gave me this talent and yet nothing to write about. He was waiting for me. I have believed in God since I was a small child, but it wasn't until recently that I turned my belief into faith. And so, I am on a fascinating and joyous journey as a lifelong acquaintance of the Bible who now has the bright passion of a new believer.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.... For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
John 1:14-18
Walk Down This Mountain
Why is it so easy to go from feeling the presence of God beside you to living as if only what is visible exists? Have you ever tried to see the world the way one of the Bible heroes did? I try to imagine the fear and wonder that overcame Moses when he saw God…
What’s in a Name?
When I was young, I used to daydream about what I would name my future children. I loved the name Alexander, especially shortened to Xander. I wanted a feminine name for a daughter, perhaps Emma or Alina. These days, despite my lack of children, I still feel compelled to name things, which is how I’ve…
A Wound Reopened
Disclaimer: the following does not refer to any one person. I am posting mostly as a selfish sort of catharsis. I wrote this not to offend, but to work through some hard issues and perhaps show others that they are not alone. I see you smiling, laughing I see you hugging in the hallways I…
Body and Soul
Vulnerability. Just typing the word makes me tense up. Unless you’re talking about anger or happiness, I prefer my emotions to remain inside of me, where they belong. I have no idea when I started locking away most of my distressing emotions and I’m not sure why, either. In fact, I was clueless that I…
The Deeper Magic
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Have you ever asked of arguably the most well-known Bible verse, Why? Why God’s Son? Why was it necessary for God himself to step down to earth as a man? Surely,…
Lift Up Your Eyes
For anyone today who is feeling small or weak, insignificant or scared, take heart. I have just half of a Bible verse for you. Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, “I have made, and I will bear; I will carry, and will save.” -Isaiah 46:4 You are not alone, nor…
A Glorious Luminescence
The book of Hebrews defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”1 After all, believing in something one can see doesn’t require much commitment. Too often, though, this definition gets twisted and distorted so that faith becomes only something we can’t see. What is essential for Christians to…
Is It Just Me?
People were made to be known. Human beings possess a deep, innate desire to be known, which is intimately linked with our longing to be loved. I’ll confess, one of my greatest fears in life is to be alone. Not that I don’t have people around me who care about me – I do. But…
When Misery Is a Good Thing
My skin hurts. To be honest, my everything hurts. Still, I am thrilled to say I got my second Covid shot yesterday morning; being (relatively) young and (physically) healthy, I thought there was no way I’d be fully vaccinated before June. But, oh boy, I advise not strutting around telling everyone that there’s no way…
Before the Fire 