This is one post you just have to open and read. It’s all about God!

You know those people that think they’re hot stuff and super important? They talk about themselves and you think, “Hmm? Not so sure about what you’re saying about yourself.” or “There are 8 billion people in this world but please tell me again how important you are.” It’s like they expect us to bow down to them. I’m being a little snarky, but someone’s name just popped into your head that fits that description.

God doesn’t need us to communicate with Him, He knows everything about us, He even knows more about us than we do. He loves talking with you and as you might long for the day of seeing and talking with Him face to face, so does He long for that day of seeing and talking with you face to face.

“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.”

He is a faithful God, present and active in the lives of His children. He is faithful in and to everything He is involved in, His children and His creation.

It may be a verse that is often used too much, but I hope it doesn’t lose its meaning today or any day. Imagine God telling you in whatever situation you’re facing, “Be strong and courageous.” I feel chills down my spine just thinking of God saying that to me and thinking I could conquer the world. But the point is not to conquer the world, the point is that God is on your side, and with God you will always accomplish and complete His purposes.

Sometimes we need a storm to unveil how we are going to glorify God in our lives. Yes, there is a general glorifying God in our thoughts, speech, actions, and choices, but then God in His grace gives you a reason to specifically glorify Him.

In my storm, I longed to be in Heaven. At the time I wasn’t sure how many years were left. I was initially given a five year prognosis, then later on an undefined one. Heaven was a win-win, the pains of this world were over, I got to be with Christ, and am finally home. There is purpose and meaning in our homes on earth and great grace from God in our homes with Him.

The night I found out about the brain tumor, which would later be diagnosed brain cancer, my pastor gave me Psalm 91. It is a cherished passage I carry with me and am so grateful for. Certainly an excellent passage to read at any time in life, but especially as we approach the storms of life. It is one I read often as a reminder of God’s present and active love towards those who are His.

I remember praying during my storm that I so wanted to live this moment, just God and I, for the rest of life.

The overarching question in my history courses is, “How’d we get here?” A question designed to help students connect the past to the present, it’s a question that makes you pause, reflect, and consider. I sit here pausing, reflecting, and considering my own, “How’d I get here?” to July 23, 2024.

Home is such a permanent word in this world, and yet the reality of it truly is that it is a transitory word. We think it’s permanent and stable. We think home will always be home, that it won’t change that it will always be ours, our sanctuary.

2024 holds a unique place in my life as I will celebrate 10 years* cancer free. I have said over the last 10 years that while the cancer is gone, the shadow of cancer never left. It’s not a shadow of anxiety or worry that it may come back, but more of a present reminder of what I’ve been through, what I’ve learned, how I’ve matured in my faith, a reminder of my mortality, and the great grace the Lord has given me in keeping me here on this earth for this time. It’s a humbling reminder of how blessed I’ve been these past 10 years. I look at 2024 with a smile in my soul for all God has done and an eagerness for what God has ahead. …

Power of Presence

Henry’s story of the precious cup is just that, a story, though as I wrote it I thought it fit nicely into the time of a Dickens' novel and I could hear and see every part of it before my eyes. There is, however, a truer than true story before you.

The snow flurries started as the sun began to set over 18th Century Londontown. Horses and carts clattered across the cobblestones as holiday shoppers moved from store to store to finish up their Christmas shopping before the night closed in.