A year ago, my family gathered for a quiet graveside service to remember the life of my grandpa. The wind was strong, the harmonicas were beautiful, the memories were precious, and the time together was all of that and then some. It was too early for flowers to poke up in the earth, too cold … Continue reading The Greatest Grief
Writings
Bittersweet: God is Working in Our Pain for Our Benefit
Over the span of four days, I slowly read the story of Jesus and Lazarus in John 11. This story is heavy on emotion and relationship and life in and after death. But the thing that really got my attention this week was Jesus’ statement to his disciples: “Lazarus has died, and for your sake … Continue reading Bittersweet: God is Working in Our Pain for Our Benefit
Bittersweet: Write to Live
Bittersweet. Over three years ago, I wrote a post with that title. At that time, I was in the middle of a transition like nothing else I had ever experienced before. New job, new church, new ministry opportunities, new home (actually, I had to move in with my dad for two months, as I was … Continue reading Bittersweet: Write to Live
A Broken Song
A few years ago, a beautiful song was written that has been the music of my soul ever since. This incredible creation is by Rend Collective, simply called “Simplicity”. It is all of slow, contemplative, sorrowful, deep, and yet joyful. It is honest, heartfelt, and vulnerable. There is a tension between what should be and … Continue reading A Broken Song
Found in Him
As the days and weeks continue to flow by like a steady stream, I am realizing two things. All of life goes on. And Jesus’ love for me is not based on who I am or what I do. The past few months, my classmates and I have been studying the book of Philippians. That … Continue reading Found in Him
Obedience is Better than Sacrifice
This is something I wrote on December 29, 2016, in response to God's very clear call to me the morning before. Sometimes obedience is following a known path. But sometimes it simply means going, when you have no idea where you are even going. I believe God can and does use both of these journeys … Continue reading Obedience is Better than Sacrifice
Listen to Your Tears
This summer I started reading a most wonderful book by Emily Freeman titled A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live. In this book, Emily calls her readers to realize we are all image-bearers and artists. We were born to create and be a “living poem”. While helping people discover the … Continue reading Listen to Your Tears
Fall Semester: A Reflection
With just one Greek final separating me from the fall semester and Christmas break, my heart feels like simply reflecting on the past four months. These months of college have been rigorous, emotional, and all-consuming. But they were also the best classes I have ever taken, with a fine group of students and incredible instructors. … Continue reading Fall Semester: A Reflection
In, With, and Because of Jesus
Tonight, as I am working on some theology lessons, I am listening to Hillsong Worship’s newest album, and this one song in particular has completely captured my heart and soul. “As it Is (In Heaven)”—my goodness, this song holds such beautiful, solid promises! In Jesus, the darkness can’t find me Sometimes, the darkness of life … Continue reading In, With, and Because of Jesus
The Deepest Depths
Tonight I’m listening to “Depths” by Hillsong Worship, and it reminds me of listening to it over and over and over again just two, short years ago. That song was one of a handful that saw me through the roughest 1+ years of my life. I know I’ve eluded to that year in a few … Continue reading The Deepest Depths
Down Here Looking Up 