I have always been moved by the four weeks of Advent. My church growing up had an Advent wreath with four candles and a different family would light one of the candles each week leading up to Christmas. I love the words that were the focus for each week - Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. ... Continue Reading →

I am thankful for these online/digital tools that allow me to consume scripture and spiritual inspiration in a variety of ways. From podcasts to apps that capture my notes and eBook highlights, I am indebted to these tools to help me stay connected to scripture, grounded in truth, and reminded of meaningful things.  I would... Continue Reading →

One of the goals of spiritual growth is to become the kind of persons that without effort are loving, joyful, and full of peace. To rely on our sheer effort to put on these characteristics works for a short time but falters whenever we are tired, angry, or lacking inspiration.  We can start being joyful,... Continue Reading →

I do a lot of my reading on a Kindle e-reader. Because I am cheap, I always get the version of the Kindle that includes Ads. When my Kindle is not being used the screen goes to sleep and an Ad appears in its place.  Even though I bought it like this, I still find... Continue Reading →

What do you want to be when you Grow Up? We ask this of children and expect the answer to be an astronaut, actor, veterinarian, etc. Rich Villodas, in his book, The Deeply Formed Life, says, “From a very early age, one of the first questions children are asked is, “What do you want to... Continue Reading →

For many years now I have organized and led a small group of professors centered around spiritual growth. I am drawn to this kind of community despite myself. As an introvert, I would rather not face the awkwardness and the exhausting social dynamics found in groups. I don’t do small talk well and despise superficiality... Continue Reading →

In a previous post, I wrote, “If we don’t have Jesus as our ultimate example then we are susceptible to any version of Christianity that fits our personal preferences and often requires very little of us.” I thought I would expand on this thought a bit. First, what do I mean about being susceptible to... Continue Reading →

I don’t love very well. My tendency is to close in on myself and keep my distance. Sometimes, I avoid the messiness that love brings. I fear that I will not know what to say or do in a situation that requires love, so to save me the uncertainty and stress, I just avoid it.... Continue Reading →

The most important thing you can do right now as a follower of Christ is to develop a plan for Growing Up. God transforms and sanctifies us but he chooses to do it in a way that requires our participation and intention. It is something that you have to commit to and plan for. What... Continue Reading →

Since 2015, I have been flattened to the ground by loss, been left zapped of all energy by the death of a loved one, and seen friends and co-workers who I talked to one week be dead a week later. I never knew this kind of grief before 2015. Sure, I had mourned the loss... Continue Reading →