Knave, Nave, Know, Now

Knave, Nave, Know, Now: English is hard. Communication is harder. So much of our communication is non-verbal: pitch, volume, intonation, emphasis, inflection, facial tics, posture, gestures, eye contact, eye movement, ... We do all of these things subconsciously when we speak, yet none of this is communicated when we write. We've tried to adapt to the digital age by capitalizing, emojis, acronyms, bold, italics, underline, ... However, you cannot completely emulate human behavior, hence, communication, by words alone. If it's important, make time to have a face to face conversation. It will mean more to the hearer, whether it's good news or bad.

Sunday’s Blessing – 03/24/2024

May you fully grasp the importance of acknowledging the Kingship of Christ.

He was born a King from royal linage.

Kingship was bestowed upon Him by the Maker Himself.

He conquered all other kingdoms to become the One True King.

May you fully understand that you co-reign with Christ in His Kingdom.

You have been made a king and a priest of the Most High God.

You have access to the treasure of the Kingdom.

It is all yours through grace, and grace alone.

May you fully walk in the benefits of the Kingdom.

To know He IS our peace.

To know the Holy Spirit is always present to empower, guide, teach, and comfort.

To know this Kingdom is unshakable.

Peak, Peek, Pique

Peak, peek, pique: English is hard. Communication is harder. One of Steven Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” states: Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

This takes constant effort. We are prone to be preparing our next barb or witty comeback instead of actually listening to the content of the conversation. Especially when the topic is one which invokes passion. Actually consider the words spoken by others. It will lead to a much more cordial conversation, and you may learn something in the process.

This is so needful among Christians. We have a proof text for everything. As soon as we hear the "trigger word or phrase" we run through our rolodex for the perfect way to refute or reprimand the speaker with "the truth" and never actually hear what is in their heart. Take the time. Be patient. Every person deserves the respect to be heard. 

Sunday’s Blessing – 03/17/2024

May you realize your significance in the eyes of God

To know you are a priceless treasure

To know God gave everything to redeem you

To know He loves you without cause and without limits

May you realize your significance in your world

To know you are the only one of you

To know your purpose to impact those around you

To know greatness is not the goal, but faithfulness is

May you realize your significance in your own eyes

To love yourself so you can love your neighbor

To believe you are enough because of Christ

To pursue your passion with abandon

English Is Hard - New, Knew, Gnu

New, knew, gnu: English is hard. Communication is harder. Context is often difficult to ascertain in terse phrases, like texting. That's why it's important to have actual conversations when the topic is important. Even in long email, nonverbals are lost in translation and your meaning can get sidetracked by the internal frame of reference of the reader. This is also the primary reason why AI, in my opinion, will never replace a real person.

Be human. Talk to other humans. It can make all the difference.

Sunday’s Blessing – 03/10/2024

May you fully understand grace: the desire and ability to do God’s will

Because He loved us before we even knew there was Him

Because His Holy Spirit was drawing us when we didn’t even know we were lost

Because He has plans, purposes, and pursuits for each of us

May you understand this grace is unmerited favor

Because if it was earned it wouldn’t be grace

Because if it could be earned, we are not capable

Because a gift is not a result of obligation

May you grow in your knowledge of our Gracious God

Because knowing Him will bring understanding of His grace

Because trust grows out of knowledge of His character

Because ignorance is a hindrance to receiving grace

May you experience an immersion in grace

Because He overwhelms us with His favor and blessing

Because we are baptized (to whelm) into Christ

Because He wants us to be in Him, hidden with Christ

May your thoughts become slaves to grace

Because your dreams will grow when grace is present

Because your path is part of God’s provision

Because He has promised to make you complete

A Day in the Life of My Brain

A life is constructed of fragments which accumulate over the years

Beginning with a single cell formed by two DNA strands

Each human begins to take form as attributes are set in place

Eye color, skin tone, gender, hair texture, height: every part of you

As you become aware of the world around you through the senses

Each sight, sound, smell, taste, touch shapes your understanding

The pleasure or pain you experience influences your mental state

Each success or failure hones your personality

Then each person with whom you interact

Leaves a fragment of themselves with you, and you with them

Some influences for good, others for bad, others are indifferent

Constantly evolving with the addition and removal of encounter residue

Sometimes these fragments remain dormant in you

Until one day something causes them to erupt, spring forth, shine

Bringing personal illumination, or

Inspiring effect on your world

You are the keeper of this treasure-trove of influence

Each memory neatly organized in your mind

Waiting to be matched with the key

Which unlocks the potential

Maybe today will be a touchpoint for something amazing

It’s inside you

All it takes is a look, a sound, a feeling, a fragrance, a taste

Then an avalanche of potential is released

A single moment can change your entire existence

Yes, bad things can happen

But, just like the good things, your response makes all the difference

Because the future is determined by you