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Is the Church Really Where Dreams go to Die?
I’ve always had a conviction that the Catholic Church in the West isn’t relegated to the malaise it is experiencing today. I’ve always held that our tomorrows could be much better than our present if we just live out the hope that our faith inherently allows us to freely do. We are followers of Jesus,…
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How God Used My Dentist to Save My Soul
I was hurt by the Church years ago. I had no idea how to handle or work through it at the time, so I reciprocated in kind and left. I left the faith behind and spent the next few years living a spectacularly-sinful life that could give the original prodigal son a run for his…
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The Christian Music Industry: The Scam I used to Shipwreck my Faith
I’ve been a songwriter and composer for most of my life, and I’m remarkably blessed because of the gift of music that God gave me. I say that because music comes naturally to me, and I had very little in terms of formal training. To take it a step further, I’ve also felt obligated to…
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Is Following a Calendar the Best Way to Encounter God?
The intent of a liturgical calendar is designed to draw us into a richer, fuller walk with God and promote a sense of unity within the broader Christian universe. Yet, I often wonder if we’re selling ourselves short by focusing on a timetable instead of letting the Holy Spirit do what it wants to do…
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How Teaching Science Draws Me Closer to God
I’ve always been fascinated with science- especially natural science. Looking at the stars at night, clouds in the day, or how nature does its thing constantly reminds me that God is present and active everywhere. Yet, I frequently encounter Christians who get nervous, don’t know quite what to say, or immediately bring up controversial issues…
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The Dream Maker: Dedicated to Those who Persevere
Sometimes it takes a long time for God to make himself known to us. Sometimes we must suffer in order to enjoy the rainbows. Sometimes our tears borne from seasons of emptiness are necessary to appreciate the fullness of grace that God lavishes on us. To those of you who are in the wilderness, going…
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Remember Christmas- With an Easter Egg at the End, so Don’t Blink
Christmas is my favorite holiday, and I don’t believe for a second that it’s “just for kids”. Christmas is a celebration of the greatest gift that has been given to ALL of us, and the holiday season is the perfect time to pause and reflect on how that gift unfolds in our lives every single…
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Putting one Foot in Front of the Other: Walking with Jesus Made Simple
Being a disciple of Jesus has its good days and bad days. Sometimes walking with him is smooth like butter while other days involve resisting the urge to pull our hair out and scream in frustration. There are times when we question our faith and times we doubt it altogether. The highs, lows, ebbs and…
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Advent Week 4: Following God’s Promises Leads Us to Incredible Places
Mary must have had a lot on her mind during her long and uncomfortable journey to visit Elizabeth and Zechariah. She was a pregnant teen who encountered an angel that made grandiose promises about her future. Elizabeth was a pregnant, older woman, who had an encounter with an angel too. Surely they had a lot…
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Be a Christmas Miracle by Preparing the Way of the Lord in the Heart
God used John the Baptist to prepare hearts for the arrival of Jesus, and he did it in ways that made sense to people. He didn’t tell folks to offer sacrifices, follow formulas or recite endless prayers for their sins. He didn’t tell people to fast, mourn or mortify themselves in order to make amends…
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Advent is the Season of Faith, Hope and Love for the Tenderhearted
John the Baptist came to tenderize hearts and break them open for Jesus. His ministry was brief, but it was also powerful, effective and necessary. Sometimes I wonder about what he taught, or what people discussed or experienced when they gathered together. Sure, we all know the message was to repent and be baptized, but…
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Let Your Light Shine This Advent
Jesus loves us more than we can possibly imagine. Sometimes it’s hard to appreciate God’s love because we live in a broken world, and that brokenness inhibits us from dwelling in that love all of the time. Yet, that doesn’t diminish God’s love for all of us- Remember, God is pure, uninhibited love. Jesus came…