Sunday’s Blessing – 03/31/2024

As you walk through this Easter Sunday, among all the beauty of God’s creation

May you never cease to be amazed at the wonder around you

If you cannot see the wonder, I pray you will slow down a moment

So you can find the beautiful expression of God’s creativity

In the budding trees and plants, in the joyous laughter of children

As you greet your family or your neighbor

Or simply realize you are still breathing

May the reality of The Resurrection give you renewed hope

And awareness of God’s grace and mercy

To know that no tomb, real or imagined, can contain the life God has placed in you

And to experience the stone-moving power of God to release you

From any and all feelings of captivity

To allow the God-life in you to flourish

And affect your world for the Kingdom

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