Blog

There are seasons in life when survival feels like the only goal. When you’ve known homelessness, instability, and uncertainty, hope can feel distant. Yet God is never absent in those valleys. Scripture reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Even when doors seem closed and dreams feel buried, God is quietly preparing new beginnings. Stability is not just a roof or a routine — it is a testimony of God’s fai

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  — John 1:1-5 The following is a conversation as this writer imagines. It is based on Scripture but is only an artistic interpretation. THE FATHER: Son, I

Christmas caroling is a tradition that is all but lost. However, this sweet memory is a highlight of my middle school years. We would gather as a group and walk door to door, singing Christmas carols and return to school for cookies and hot chocolate. A chill was in the air, but our young hearts were warmed with new-found freedom and welcoming homes.  Our repertoire was a mix of all the old favorites, and we ended every stop with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” One of my fav

The book of Exodus chronicles how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their 40-year journey to the land that He had promised them in Canaan. It records the 10 plagues that ultimately led to Pharoah’s decision to let them go, the parting of the Red Sea that allowed their escape and the demise of their Egyptian pursuers, as well as the provisions that God made for them along the way. Exodus 15 shares a song that Moses and the people sang to the Lord to expres

Jesus told parables to illustrate truths about the Kingdom of God. These stories helped the original hearers — and us — to understand...

Medals, trophies and awards are reminders that we are seen. Our humanness revels in them. But our souls are yearning for more. James, the...

My family and I once had a Labrador retriever named Ellie. Headstrong and determined, she obeyed us only when it served her own...

Tap. Tap. Tap. The sound is so familiar in our house now. A female cardinal repeatedly knocks at our bathroom window every 20 or 30...

“Do you give the horse its strength Or clothe its neck with a flowing mane? Do you make it leap like a locust, striking terror with its...

Have you ever examined a car engine? It’s a complex piece of machinery with many parts, and working in unison they generate power. ...

Is your kitchen cabinet like mine? Every other cereal bowl has a chip in it, and a few are cracked. Yet I want to avoid the significant...

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus reiterates this Old Testament commandment in the Gospels. On one hand, it’s a picture of HOW to...

During the early days of Arize Together, when it was more of an idea than an organization, the three founders spent much time in prayer...

It’s the time of year when we revisit one of our favorite characters, Clark Griswold from  Christmas Vacation . Clark sets out on a...

It’s a cliche. But still a perfect picture. Is my cup half full or half empty? Do I fixate on what I don’t have, or am I grateful for...

On the fifth day, after God had created light and land, vegetation and the stars, the sun and moon, and fish and animals of all kinds, He...

What I have found through my journey is that as we walk through this life, it is  extremely important that we are also intentionally...

The Old Testament Book of Ruth reads like a romance about a Jewish kinsman redeemer and his bride. But it’s actually a love story for us,...

I’ve spent some time lately reflecting on forgiveness. As a Christ follower, my head knows I should forgive others. But my heart has...

The Gospel writer Matthew recorded these now familiar words of Jesus, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you...