God
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empty tombs, pt. 1

I’ve recently begun to reread the various gospel accounts of the resurrection, which just so happens to be around the time of Easter. Despite the familiarity of this story and all the cringeworthy “Christianese” cliches, often overdone Easter bunny and Easter egg decorations, and sometimes cheesy church services that accompany it, there has suddenly entered Continue reading
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nearness
“How can a man remain what he was when he has gotten near God?” the nearness of God… “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good…” We’ve probably all heard the phrase, “Getting” or “becoming closer to God,” as if we bring ourselves near(er) to God through our own efforts, obedience, faith, Continue reading
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the quest for rest: part 2
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 “The Word Itself calleth thee to return: and there is the place of rest imperturbable, where love is not forsaken, if itself forsaketh not.” – St. Augustine I stood still in the forest of Potter Continue reading
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the quest for rest
“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.” – Isaiah 26:3 If you’re at all like me, sometimes it may be difficult to learn how to rest and enter into peace. At times, I’m constantly thinking of what I “should” and “could” be doing with my (“free”) time, of Continue reading
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entering in…as chosen ones
In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be…” No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to Continue reading
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Coming of Age
From Sinner, to Saint, to Failure, to Called Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not Continue reading
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Nepal
In Nepal, there was the expected and the unexpected. I got more than I bargained for. There were more beautiful places and friendly faces – this I mostly expected. But there was tragedy when the deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit on April 25, killing over 8,000 people and injuring thousands of others – this was most Continue reading
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Moving On
This is my last week as an English teacher in Phayao. It’s somewhat strange and surreal when I sit down and think about all I’ve been through while here. I taught 27 and 24 classes a week, and stuck out the term. I learned so many things about myself. I’ve learned that I’m both weaker Continue reading
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Awareness
The best way for me to shed light on my current journey in this season is to allow it to be seen in fragments. Often, any clarity on my thoughts, struggles, growth, and weaknesses come to me in such a way – fragmented. I become aware of my heart in stages, and as pieces they Continue reading
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Commitment
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Thailand! This week has been a breath of fresh air, as there are midterm exams at school and there has been little to do, with early days all week. Many days as of late (before this week), I have found myself weary, tired and exhausted. Speaking over the noise with Continue reading