Today, I’m simply writing a word of encouragement, and I’m writing it mainly because I need it. Today marks the first day of my first “real” job since becoming ill. I’m desperately afraid that I’ll say something stupid or my employer will find out what a mess I am. I read some Psalms this morning,…
Tag: faith
Our Finest Gifts We Bring
Unto us a child is born, unto us a king is given. Today we give thanks for the greatest gift ever conceived, the gift of everlasting life, held in the hand of a newborn child. Countless carols describe both the ripples of power emanating from Bethlehem that first Christmas night, as well as the world’s…
How Can I Keep from Singing?
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…
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…
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…
Before the Fire 