Speak to me inside of her. That was the word the Lord whispered into my heart the day I hit my knees in prayer for a friend.I had struggled in our relationship. We were in a Bible study together and it seemed that no matter how I tried to encourage her in her walk with the Lord, my words were ... read more
Do You Know Who You Really Are?
I don’t remember every word they said; I just remember the way I felt.I was a young teen. I’m not even sure how old. Maybe fifteen? We were at a church function, perhaps just a Sunday service. I was alone in the bathroom and when I stepped out I heard two voices talking. For a long time I ... read more
How to Find Soul-Deep Security from the Source that Never Runs Dry
"Look at all those green leaves!" someone says.We all stand around, arms crossed, shaking our heads. A beautiful, healthy tree has crashed to the earth with no warning. Or, seemingly healthy, that is. Deep roots, strong trunk, sprawling branches, bright green leaves; it's all there. "Was there ... read more
Bearing Fruit In Season
I am an architect, but I'm not.I am a missionary, but I'm not.Sound confusing? Maybe the confusion subsides when we embrace a view of vocation as separate from that of career -- as something that far surpasses nine to five work hours, salaries and benefits, something that begins to describe ... read more
skip the identity crisis & choose freedom
If I could write a letter to myself ten years younger, I wouldn't write wistfully: you have zero gray hair! you aren't yet jaded by burnout! you have so much enthusiasm! I know now how much joy will come wrapped up in the painful lessons of life and I will almost pity the shallow happiness of my ... read more
what it (really) means to put your identity in Jesus
It was another college party. I was the odd man out, the one who didn't actually go to college at all, the one who didn't know the songs playing from the iPod in the corner. I was the one sitting on the back of the couch, wondering what to do with my hands. I looked at other people, dancing and ... read more
The Failed Personality Test {for when the lines that define you are fuzzy}
Have you ever cried after taking a personality test?I sobbed the last time I took one. I can laugh about it now, but at the time I was devastated. I'd spent several hours over-analyzing questions and doubtfully filling in blanks only to have the computer spit out a result that I knew, deep down, ... read more
