Smoke Between the Trees
On the 28th of February, an unusually warm day for that time of year, I drove past countless rows of pines in search for my old camping spot. Some years ago, I had decided that to understand my path forward, I must venture out into the wilderness and get alone. So, I began taking solo camping trips each year to clear my head. I would read a book, walk through nature, sit by the fire, think, and even pray. In the morning I would sit by a lake or someplace peaceful and write out everything I had accomplished in [...]
The Christian Life Should Be Full of Copying, Full of Imitation
When you hear the word “copy,” it probably doesn’t illicit happy thoughts, but rather makes you think of cheap knock offs and unoriginality. In fact, here are some famous imitations that we have all probably noticed: ANY soda that tries to copy Dr. Pepper’s taste or likeness (come on, he has his PhD in being the best tasting soda, stop trying to copy him). “Ice, Ice, Baby“ shamelessly ripped the bassline from Queen and David Bowie’s masterpiece. It’s cool, Vanilla Ice paid for it monetarily and in public shame. Parks and Rec looks eerily similar to The Office with [...]
Quit Trying to Change Into a Christian
As the new realities of our world begin to dawn on us, change seems more difficult than ever before. But of all people, Christians should be leading the world in change. The Apostle Paul knew this would be difficult for us. He wrote in Romans 12:2, “Be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” For Paul it was not enough to say that you knew Christ. The Christian life was to be marked by transformation, by change. But sometimes it seems that Christians are the most opposed to change. Yet all living things change or they die. God’s goal for [...]
Caring for the Quarantined Caregiver
Understandably, the Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down for everyone. However, it has taken a particularly hard toll on special needs caregivers. Many who have relied on outside help for so long, have now transitioned into the role of primary caregiver. Help from schools, therapists, doctors and home health aren’t as available as they once were, leaving parents to fill all of those needs. I know first-hand that this task is something that special needs parents willingly accept, but nonetheless it has proven to be challenging. When flying, parents are instructed to place the oxygen masks on [...]
Embracing Those Moments Given from God
How are you doing on your New Year’s Resolutions? Are you challenging yourself to live according to the goals you set? Months ago, I was challenged by a friend to pick a word for 2020. I've seen many of you have, as well. After reading through 1000 alphabetically listed words, I finally landed on the word Embrace. According to Vines, the Biblical definition means to clasp or take one in the arms. Wow! What a picture! Think about being wrapped in your dad’s arms. Can you remember a time of him holding you and caring for your needs, emotions, [...]
Toward A Place Where Roots Are Deepening
I’m thankful for all the seasons, but spring is hard to beat. From the Red Bud Trees (Cercis Canadensis for those of you keeping score at home) that blossom in the median of Kingwood Drive, to the Oak and Ash that seem to burst with lush verdancy almost overnight, spring reminds me of the life we have in Christ more than any other season. And since we reside in the “Livable Forest,” it’s hard to miss the spiritual parallels between what The Gardener does in and around the soil of a tree, and how He tends to the soil [...]