The Evolution of Our Faith | Freedom to Explore

This blogpost is about the "Three Cs": Curious and Courageous, then Change, and the personal freedom they all produce.

When I was a child, I acted as a child. I was curious and open to all possibilities. Actually we ALL were, because that's how we learn and grow. I gleefully maxed out my insane amount of kinetic energy and mirrored, then outran, my exhausted parents. All the while exploring anything and everything around me.

Then crashed into bed. 

It was a time of wonder and awe. We were all so innocent, or so that was how I pleaded my case to my parents after my curiosity got me and my boy buddies into deep trouble. But wishful alibis aside, it was my fruitful imagination and my unspoiled enthusiasm, with the mysteries of my expanding world that turned me into a mini-explorer. But back to awe and wonder: I was practicing “beginner's mind.” 

And I didn't realize it so, so young ago.

Beginner's mind is an idea shared with other faiths, and it refers to a practice of approaching situations with an open, eager, and unburdened attitude, free from preconceptions, just as a beginner would. It's exploring the world through childlike eyes. 

Jesus understood childhood innocence and our spiritual formation, and famously told the disciples: "Unless you change your inner self - your old way of thinking, live changed lives and become like trusting, humble, and forgiving children, you won't find the kingdom of heaven."

For us all, exploration of the soul requires humility.

Author Richard Rohr puts it this way: "Beginner's mind is a non-grasping, patient and compassionate holding of truth, with the readiness for God and life to reveal even more of that truth - and the meaning of the truth as your life goes on. Beginner’s mind is always a humble mind, always knowing that it does not yet fully know". Or as the Apostle Paul humbly admits: "We see through the glass dimly". 

And it takes courage.

Let's face it: Trying a haunted house for the first time pales in comparison to successfully navigating real love, hard suffering, and other essential matters of the heart. And if we are honest, both strike the fear of change into us. The older we get, the harder it is to make adjustments. Our open heart and mind tends to close down. What seemed like great fun when we were young, now is a struggle.

But really, change is always coming, coming, coming, like the light inside the tunnel. We don't get to decide whether it comes, but rather if it's negative - or works for our collective good. 

And that's where freedom comes in.

When I was young, I used my adventuring to try and exercise my personal freedom. But too often it turned out to be an exercise in futility. I couldn't escape my personal pain (my escape clause). I was searching for deep answers to deep questions. And eventually I had to change my search from outside to in. 

What I discovered was that freedom couldn't come from the searching, but from the waiting itself ... for the good answer. When I was ready, my Lord brought it to me. But I had to do the soul work first. Now, I haven't yet arrived at the station, but I do better to embrace the necessary change - even welcome it. 

It all makes the outside journey more fun and fulfilling, as Colby and I get to visit other places and meet fellow soul travelers. It's always a mixture of hard work, embracing the unknown, and practicing generous assumptions. 

I am back to the beginning, as it were - and it's so sweet!

Joshua 1:9
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Who is Our Rock? | God Rocks!

God is our rock!

What a big, bold and beautiful symbol that is. We've heard it repeatedly over the years. Jesus referenced it with his house-on-the-rock comparison and it's certainly something for us to hold on to when things get shaky. Yes God is a rock.

But our lives are rocky.

He built the cosmos, so large and complex that even our math equations can't translate it from mere ideas to what we can perhaps begin to fathom. God is big, and his ways, even bigger. But the seemingly endless void of space and our earthly world can be violent. As we've recently seen, concrete isn't a sure thing in a hurricane. At times like this the comfort of rock-solid hope can break down.

God certainly does save us from harm. But there are times when he doesn't, right? And in that suffering, the drama of our collective humanity plays out. Our biggest fears are exposed, and the suffering will test us. We are forced to choose between hope and despair. Then what we hope for now shifts to whom.

His promise is to always show up.

A few weeks ago Colby and I were in Zion National Park, a place with the most beautiful pastel sandstone cliffs and slot canyons in the world. We were descending into a steep and deep canyon, then hiking up many miles through a stream to an iconic spot - The Subway. Unfortunately we miscalculated the distance and effort needed, and ended up hiking the last two miles back downstream in the dark - exhausted, out of water and with only one working headlamp.

It was one of the hardest days I can remember.

The darkness had now removed all our precious landmarks on the canyon rim above, and we were not sure exactly where the trail was, up and out of our canyon. I was worried and needed to calm down, so we sat down by the stream. I told her there was a chance we would have to spend the night down here, and wait for help in the morning. Her pretty face held a quiet resolve and she wasn't ready to give up. But we needed help.

Side note: Colby has collected big and small heart-shaped rocks for years. Earlier in the day I found a large one, about the size of a basketball. I took a picture of it and we moved on. Now after our rest stop, as we were sloshing across the creek to the other side, hoping to catch our trail out of the canyon, she suddenly squealed.

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Living in Our Moments | Loving in the Moment

Living in a world that is ruled by time, appointments and deadlines, it is difficult but so very necessary to pause and notice a single moment. While God orchestrates beautiful testimonies over our lifetime, he also is faithful to meet us in fleeting or prolonged moments. Join us in practicing the pause and tuning into the here and now, as we pay attention to how God moves moment to moment.

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We've all heard the catchphrase "live in the moment," right? It's currently an over used pop culture reference and at times, it seems a bit cliche. Typically it refers to seeking adventure and therefore "living your best life". 

But I'm convinced that our very best life is simply learning to love well, and be loved well! That means the essential and relational triad of ourselves, our Creator and those around us. 

Time is a constant, ticking metronome - unchanging and sometimes unforgiving. It measures our work schedules and our days and nights. It reveals our wrinkles and aching bodies. We are "on the clock" in near constant motion, with the stress of trying to keep our heads above water in our frantically busy routines. Mostly, time seems like an adversary.

We're busy bees trying to learn what to be. 

Moments, on the other hand, are different and so very fascinating. They are carried by time, but are not bound by it, for they can begin and end at will. They occupy our "soft" side and when we are truly being present, or focused on them, they become a great friend and teacher. A well-realized moment is a God-given gift of focused consciousness, which can encourage stronger self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life. 

A real catalyst of dynamic change.

A good thing to remember: Our past can unfortunately carry our guilt, and the future can bring us anxiety of the unknown. The past is history and the future brings few guarantees. Neither deserves our main focus. 

The only thing that remains is this unique moment in time, positive or challenging, right here in front of us. Moments are not just what we do with our time, but they are how we choose to live in time. But God help us, we need to master our moments!

First up: the Quick Pause. 

Sometimes we have to adjust on the fly because things are happening fast - a kind of “contemplation on wheels”. I try to focus on this moment now in front of me, especially if it seems significant in the positive or negative. Then I put things on pause long enough to consider my emotions about it and how my body is reacting. 

Does something seem wrong? I want to open up to the Holy Spirit about it. It's tapping into our on-board sensitivity while things are happening in the moment and not detached from it. When we allow ourselves to feel something, identify stressors, and learn some truth about the negativity, then we can be informed about ourselves and others, and start to heal.

Or does the situation catch my attention as positive? On the right track? I want to thank the Lord for it with gratitude and give myself and anyone else involved some credit too! Maybe both sides of this practice is what the Apostle Paul meant by "pray without ceasing." It’s simply relating to our Heavenly Father and Teacher in real time!

I am discovering that this check in does wonders. And if I am too busy, or in fight or flight mode and can't seem to deal with the emotional fallout of something (or I don't want to hurt someone more), I will at least acknowledge it and set it aside. Then the Lord will bring it back around later for me to give it more attention - in a more purposeful and quiet moment. 

Other times, it's the Big Stop!

Usually brought on by an emotional crash of some kind, either solitary feelings of sadness or grief, or a "forced stop" - after an argument or clash with someone in my relational circle. It can also be a voluntary time of contemplation, alone with my thoughts and feelings. 

In Richard Rohr’s book: “The Naked Now”, he writes that "... we tend to be nervous about slowing down and giving ourselves permission to peer into ourselves, and what we might possibly discover. Being present can be a threat to our own personal status-quo". (I highly recommend this book)!

But we are assured that our Holy Spirit is a dove, not a hawk. He will take great care with us, as we talk and listen, without any condemnation. And positive results will follow.

Whatever leads to it, times of stoppage and contemplation are essential, and a personal priority of self-care. And in terms of our to-do list efficiency, a healthy inner life greatly calms and benefits our outer life, which improves our productivity. It's a win/win!

A great lesson from scripture on pausing or stopping is when Mary and Martha are entertaining Jesus in their home. Martha is serving the others and getting irritated, then she's self-righteous towards Mary, who is sitting intently at Jesus' feet. Mary is realizing the moment, and Jesus compliments her on it! 

Lastly, we need not be rigid about how we stop and smell the roses. We can use other catalysts for contemplation that suit us, like the glory of nature or grand babies, or coffee with a trusted friend. Whatever calms us and leads us to tune in to our senses, our bodies, and our emotions...then on to quality time with our Abba, the only one who truly understands all our complex issues.

Let's discover the gift of love in our moments and throw all of our enthusiasm and creativity into them! 

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Inspiration & Revelation | God in Nature

The inspiration of the Holy Spirit and revelations of the nature and will of God and the depths of His love are all around us. In nature, in art, in music, in the person sitting next to you. He is always talking to us.

Join the blog team over the next couple of months as they share with you stories of their own experiences of meeting God in the natural and creative spaces of their lives.

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For those who don't know me well, this topic is not only near and dear to my heart, but at times in my life, it reaches a (mostly healthy) obsession level. I'm talking about wanderlust, that drive to discover and be in beautiful, wild spaces. For me the progression goes something like this: 

1. I manage an ever-expanding bucket list and dream of where to go next.

2. I go there and don't want to leave.

3. No matter how tired a trip makes me, upon return I quickly yearn to be out again.

I've been like this since a very young age, when I was wishing so bad that I was old enough to climb mountains with my Dad, like he did in the Rockies of Colorado, and then here in the Cascades of Oregon. And as a sensitive young man, I was found to be chasing waterfalls and crying at the spectacular hues of yellow-orange-purple sunsets.

Sounds a bit crazy, right? There's more.

I also developed a (mostly unhealthy) adrenalin rush habit. My poor parents and friends, and then my wife were forced to wince and look the other way as I tried my latest stunt, like backflipping off rocks into bubbly creeks, or peering down over towering cliffs just to see how far down that really was. I know, I know.

By God's grace I'm still here to live another day, but beyond my thrills there has always been a deep and abiding sense of not just looking at nature, but being an integral part of it, if that makes sense. I guess I could say that his creation is part of a kind of personal emotional trinity - God, nature and me.

Nature's beauty and grandeur is highlighted in the mind-bending size and complexity of our ever-expanding universe. It's home to the very origins of matter, forces beyond our understanding, as well as the creation and development of humanity itself, with our consciousness and ability to love. In this glorious creation we know and have experienced much. And yet we see through the glass so dimly and sometimes it seems we know so little.

God's everlasting love is every bit as vast! 

For the last few years, I've taken up star photography. Even though it's technical and difficult, especially on crispy cold nights, it has been so good for me. Some say they feel small and alone staring at the starry heavens. I feel the opposite - so inspired and aligned with God, and the expanse feels like a billion possibilities. Endless opportunity in my life, just like the stars. 

The love of nature is a sensory gift, and also a great teacher. It inspires art and aesthetics, motivates us to seek necessary change, and orients our minds and hearts towards something and someone bigger than ourselves. It directly echoes and reflects the ways of God - his creativity, his spirit of adventure, and hints at his grand plan for all of us.

In my wanderings these days - around here or out there, the God of our creation keeps showing up. He is slowly and thoughtfully becoming brighter to me, as he opens me up - sharing his knowledge and wisdom as I develop. Instead of my rough edges being harder to understand, these days they are becoming easier. Of course I still need to do the work, but I can't adequately express how great this feels. 

Let's all get out and tune into the beauty around us. Let's soak up the science and marvel in the mysterious. And let's dream as we all anticipate our ultimate big adventure!

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Like a Child | Through a Child's Eyes

I was gazing at our one-year-old first grandson the other day, and I just couldn't avert my eyes. Why should I? His deep baby-blues are just like his lovely mother Michaela's. Later I took an international poll and he was voted the world's cutest baby. Okay, I exaggerate. Just a little. 

He's a brand-new human, fresh and lively, and there is something so captivating about a child's innocent face and his constant discoveries. I have to say that noticing a subtle resemblance to my son and me is a transcendent feeling.

As any new baby, he's outfitted with an open heart and mind. In between circling back to the security and warmth of his mother's embrace, he charges ahead - eyes, mouth and hands-first, exploring anything and everything. He looks at me with the same curiosity, and I am able to coax a toothy smile as he remembers my face and remembers that he trusts me. 

I am so humbled by this.

With our own kids, fatherhood was of course all new and frankly, terrifying. How could Colby and I not feel the weight of this great responsibility? Our babies came without an instruction manual or even a warranty. Over time we adapted and learned, but in the process, we certainly made our share of mistakes. 

People always say that grandparenting is all fun with none of the work. Yes, this is mostly true and I've never been a big dirty diaper fan, but there is more. As with any new season in our life, it's teaching time. As Beckham explores, I am doing the same. His first year in my life has been splendid and euphoric, but also deeply spiritual. 

Maybe even a bit of do-over?

Don't get me wrong, I loved being a Dad, and I still do. But over the years the pressures of life took a toll, and I paid it. Thankfully grace abounds in our family, and if we humbly circle around and hang in there, Abba Father will continue His good work. With our grandson, in this heart of mine, it suddenly seems fresh and new. 

Now I've found another little boy again, and it's me.

I watch my son Taylor as he works so patiently with Beckham, with a simple joy while staying deep in their moment. They both are trusting, tender, kind and funny - just like our own Heavenly Father. I am amazed and so pleased. And I'm taking notes.

How strange, it seems like role-reversal. They both are modeling fruits of the spirit in their new relationship, and it's affecting me in such a good way. Jesus was so right about letting the little children come to Him.

Mathew 19:14, 15
“Let the children alone", he said. "Don’t prevent them from coming to me. God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.”

Who knew a one-year old boy could teach this old guy so much?

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Who Does God Say I Am? | I am Loved and Wanted

Most of us remember our first crush, right? So innocent and fresh, the exciting possibility that someone likes us - you know, in that way! In the busy hallways of our middle school, our bestie and top informant reports to us that indeed, the object of our infatuation just mentioned us. Yippie!

There is something so fulfilling with even just the idea of it, that someone we admire returns that value to us. It produces a big rush of confidence and self-worth. But alas, young love, however thrilling, was usually not sustainable - with the inevitable crash and burn.

Why such a classic epic failure amidst our young life drama? Well of course, we were too young and lacked the emotional know-how to navigate something so new, so complex, and so grown up! Love needs to be mature and measured over time to be successful, and mastering life and love comes with a long learning curve. Those infatuations were just the beginning - play-acting for what was to come.

Mature love is centered in our identity.

We all crave to be "discovered" and admired, esteemed and loved in an authentic way. That continues throughout our lives and certainly extends way past any romantic infatuation. And because of love's essential link to our identity - who we are, the proposition of trading affection and value is frightening. With any close relationship that deepens over time, there remains the threat of looking for an exit when it gets too intense, or just plain hard.

A spiritual comparison - connecting with our Heavenly Father.

Likely our lives after middle school just continue to be a love practice session. It's more of a full time job now, but we certainly aren't experts yet (okay, at least I am not). From those simple beginnings into adulthood, we're hoping to reach our full love-potential. It's the biblical commandment from Jesus to love God, ourselves, and others, and achieve the fruits of the spirit in the process. Love certainly permeates our DNA - physically and more importantly, spiritually. 

So let's circle back around to that middle school crush. Our God really does like us. A lot! So cool! Yes I'm having fun with the comparison here - please join me in this! He is our ultimate admirer. He desperately wants to be in relationship with us. He doesn't want to just date us, he deeply desires a long and healthy relationship.

So not what, but WHO does God say we are (remember identity)? Here's a list from the scriptures. I invite you to read each one - slowly. Let them sink in and consider how each one applies to you. And certainly refer back to them when loving anyone, including yourself, seems so hard. Love is so rewarding!

We Are:

Wonderfully made, Psalm 139:14
Blessed, Ephesians 1:3
Complete, Colossians 2:10
Accepted, Ephesians 1:6
Loved, Jeremiah 31:3
Delightful, Zephaniah 3:17
Forgiven, Ephesians 1:7
Victorious, Philippians 4:13
Beautiful, Psalm 45:11
More than a conqueror, Romans 8:37
Chosen, Colossians 3:12
Holy, Colossians 3:12
Dearly loved, Colossians 3:12
God's handiwork, Ephesians 2:10
Worth fighting for, Exodus 14:14
Set free, Galatians 5:1 and Romans 8:12
Healed, Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24
Worth it, Romans 5:6-8
A new creation, 2 Corinthians 5:17
Royalty, 1 Peter 2:9

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

In the Midst of Chaos | Peace in Chaos

“Everything's in chaos”. It’s a phrase I seem to be hearing more lately. In my lifetime I’ve witnessed a lot of social change, disasters large and small, and frightening events in our country and across the world. But these events seem to come and go. Is that social change now coming harder and faster, and are we witnessing more extreme loss and misery these days? Or maybe we’re just hyper-sensitive.

Perhaps the question is beside the point.

Our scriptures tell us that we will experience trouble, but Jesus has come to help us overcome (the negative effects of it). For me right now, that overcoming has to do with understanding the collateral damage of horrible events in other places. I say that with the risk of sounding shallow, because it’s not ME it’s happening to. But our God asks us to care for others. And I feel, at the same time, deeply saddened by what is happening and incapable of really helping.

And that is frustrating!

Maybe there is something to be said for not letting ourselves be sucked into a worldview of last days pessimism and despair - something that would rob us of a promised personal peace. Chaos is a very powerful word, and let’s not hide our eyes from misery around us and feel something - then at least pray! Can we set aside the news hyperbole and achieve an authentic empathy?

Peace seems to be the opposite of chaos, and I was once told of a great definition for it. Our natural minds envision peace as an absence of turbulence, like a slow moving and meandering stream. But instead, swap that image for a tiny and beautiful bush firmly attached to a rock - in the middle of raging whitewater. 

Strength in the midst of danger.

So today, how do our tender hearts not only survive, but thrive? I’m wondering if compartmentalizing our worries and fears can be a good thing. I absolutely don’t believe we are to be detached and isolated in our fantasies. But maybe part of taking care of our emotional health involves really focusing on our own challenging moments. 

What am I feeling right now in my own conflict? What might the Lord be trying to communicate to me? How am I to respond best to others in this situation right now? It may be hard to do, but there are delicious fruits of the spirit to follow!

We cannot be positive agents of change if we let ourselves go down with the ship. Pessimism is certainly a part of that, but so is fear, insecurity and anger. Our Lord is the perfect physician of our troubled hearts. 

Let’s try to:

• Focus on what we can control and do

• Stay in our essential moments

• Take special care of ourselves

• Practice kindness with others

Peace to you all!

John 16:33 MSG
(Jesus answered them,) “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it - saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

In the Midst of Chaos...Love Your Enemies | Generous Assumptions

This blog was originally posted in February of 2021. It was a part of our “Love Your Enemies” series. In light of the fact that “Loving Your Enemies” is our current sermon series and loving them in the Midst of Chaos seems like something God would have us do, we are reposting this blog for another read. Besides we can always use a reminder to practice Generous Assumptions!

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Lately I've been fascinated by our modern cultural definition of “enemies.” In perhaps more raw and uncivilized times in our history, an enemy literally meant a physical threat or actual harm. Certainly people do still experience terror and violence from others, but now it seems in our Western culture, more often than not our enemies are “only” people we disagree with (on social media), and from a distance - someone we don't even know!

A root word keeps reappearing in my thinking as I walk forward - assumptions. I want to learn more, I want God to teach me more about how we think. How our thoughts affect our ideas, our speech and ultimately our actions towards others. It appears our objective conclusions aren’t so, well, objective...

Remember the ancient fable of the three blind men and the elephant? Having never encountered one before, each of them touches one specific part of the huge beast. All three quarrel with the other because each thinks he knows what it is based entirely on his own limited experience. And all three are wrong.

In our own attempt to make sense of our world, we constantly do the same. We filter our judgments through our limited experiences, and worse, distort them even more with latent pessimism, cynicism, and tragically misplaced anger. Ignorance is a killer, and not caring to seek the bigger picture of the whole elephant, is inexcusable. But we all do it daily. God help us. And forgive us!

Why is our country so divided right now? The real truth, a wise man once said, frequently lies somewhere near the middle of two extremes. That is not to say there aren't stands that need to be taken, very real wrongs that need to be righted, and certain absolutes that are, well, absolute. But I maintain that most of our disagreements are exaggerated and misplaced. I have been humbled as a parent when I realized that the very thing I was so frustrated about with my own child, was my own personal failure as well.

The human condition has plenty of inherent common ground, if we are honest and humble to seek it.

So why are generous assumptions important - even essential? First, assumptions are by nature flawed because they are so quickly adopted and emotionally held. Irresistible thought candy. Secondly, even if "true", assumptions are typically only a very small part of the whole truth. We must redeem assumptions for the good, and then build on them. And we must gather more nuggets of information, while snacking on humble pie.

Yes, there for the grace of God, go we.

We are all quite complicated and always in process. Isn't giving another the benefit of the doubt something that Jesus would do? Tragically, Amazing Grace isn't a song we think much about singing to others.

Generous assumptions are a gift to us. They are one of God's most powerful tools in our employ, but they must be given away!

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Joyous Lament | Singing the Blues

I’ve always been a blues music guy - that honest and soulful anthem of the nitty gritty, where life's grimy rubber meets the rocky road. It’s an absolute original American musical art form with direct roots to jazz, country and rock and roll. But even with those connections, it remains a unique music genre, in both style and verse. Born from slavery in the American South, it’s the song of struggle, stress and intense hardship. 

My interest in the blues is more than liking a catchy musical style and emotionally connecting to the horrible curse we brought to our nation's collective soul. It's certainly both of those, but I've noticed a recurring theme. The bible’s book of Psalms reveals a similar poetic structure and emotional tone - a "cry for help in a day of trouble". 

So can our laments be joyous? Should they be? 

Voicing our complaints with song, verse or speech, even though negative, elevates our soul. There is no denying the popularity of blues music and all of its cousins. In ironic contradiction, the music and words encompass not just our life’s successes, but also its gut-wrenching struggles. “Where is God and why is he allowing this to happen?!” It’s a central question. Of all the mysteries of our God, I think the WHY of suffering is the hardest to comprehend, and leads us to questioning God’s character and his actions.

Woe is me ... And woe is us! 

Suffering alone is torture. But it becomes therapy when shared. It feels good to talk it out, and “me too” empathy enhances community and strengthens its members. A blues song on a recording soothes a tired soul. But a lively blues concert on a warm summer night brings a real synergy to the crowd, reminding us that we are not alone. 

But back to the why.

Yes it's a mystery, and a hard one to embrace. For some, it's a daily slog through the muck, and seemingly never-ending. And the why remains. Constant. As we search the heavens for an answer, it rarely comes right away. But over time, gems do emerge - patience, hope and ironically, an emerging connection with our Abba Father. 

The result is, deep character!

There is a richness of spirit that only suffering provides. It's the big payoff for all the hard work, a surprising and deeply satisfying reward. And an abiding peace emerges, becoming a permanent character trait. 

So the blue becomes as wide as the sky and as deep as the ocean. And our song itself changes within our hearts, from a self-centered complaint to authentic worship.

Romans 5:3-4 MSG
"There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next."

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

In His Image | Connecting with God

Did our multiverse all start with a bang? Genesis 1 didn’t mention a loud noise, but one thing I know for sure - our Creator is my Heavenly Father. And for my Christian faith, that relationality means everything! We were created “in His image” and that produces divine and human connectivity - dynamic relationships with God and those around us.

Belief in general can be a bit flimsy, with so much we just don't yet know. Our conscious mind and earnest heart are constantly decoding our human experience as we attempt to make sense of ourselves and the world. How we do this definitely matters, because emotional bias can creep in and confuse our rational side.

In our constant quest as truth-seekers, I believe our efforts should center on our growing perception and relationship with Abba Father, and not as much on perfect scripture interpretation and liturgy. Jesus died to fulfill the law, and with that, our faith’s focus becomes the key. It’s not just faith, but faith in God.

As my former Faith Center Pastor Roy Hicks Jr. use to say, “It’s not religion, it’s relationship!”

So how can we focus on God the Father? And what about His Son? First let me say that in my opinion, our modern Christian experience tends to focus more on Jesus, and not so much on the Father (that can be ok - but I hope we’re not missing something). God is typically more the authority figure in our imagination, while Jesus is the compassionate friend who died for us. Does that make God seem less approachable?

Does He have a branding problem?

Well, maybe. In all our lives, authorities loom large. They likely have the most impact on us – for good and for bad. No doubt we have already assigned attributes (and made assumptions) about who God the Father is, taken from the sum-total of our experiences with our earthly authorities – again both good and bad.

Besides being created in God’s image, we share His spiritual DNA. 

We are not only connected, but we also share some attributes. Yes God is God, but doesn’t He practice the same fruits of the Spirit that we subscribe to? Let’s all imagine a perfect father/mother, with all the best traits. Now let’s rightfully assign those to our Heavenly Father.

And then we stumble.

In the midst of the idealizing in our minds, we remember times when we failed to experience those traits from our earthly authorities (now we’re cynical) or we’ve failed in some parenting attempts (we feel remorse and guilt).

But still we are connected. Like glue.

Those connections can be hard sometimes, but we can learn from them. And the better part is this: Our connections are useful comparisons, and they work in two directions. As we learn from God, we can be a better friend or a more in-tune spouse - and be more compassionate. And as we become better people, we can through each other, understand God more clearly and love Him more completely.

My favorite image of a good father comes from the bible’s prodigal son story. Daddy ran to his son and welcomed him with a kiss and embrace. He didn’t want his money back. He did not punish him. He wouldn’t even let him apologize! He just wanted his son in his life again. Is this our image of our God? It should be, and it certainly can be!

Maybe like the prodigal son, we just need to get past the trauma of running away, and now slow down and enjoy our moments with Him. Remind ourselves that Abba has our best human attributes too and to use what we share as talking points to get to know Him better. Reason with Him, ask questions and listen. And certainly, let Him be a part of our laughing and crying. And our adventuring. Be amazed at His creation and thank Him for it.

Get past fear. Put away shame. And calm our anxiety. Let’s lean into connectivity with Abba Father and be in relationship!

Luke 15:20-24 MSG
“When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’

But the father wasn’t listening. He was calling to the servants, ‘Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a prize-winning heifer and roast it. We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here - given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time.”

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Trusting Our Mysterious God | The Whys, the Whats and Who

Is there a God? That ultimate existential question is so integral to our human experience. Its importance looms large, yet remains deeply shrouded behind a veil of mystery, quietly humming away in our collective subconscious as our lives march on. It's without a doubt the one thing we humans truly have in common. Down throughout history and all across religious and social systems - this deep yearning remains, to move past the unknown and into the knowing. 

Us believers say we know, but how much do we really? The Apostle Paul noted it perfectly: "We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist." To me that sounds like, maybe 35% vision at best? I find it a fascinating and honest observation from Christianity's first and most influential writer and leader. His authentic words seem to reveal the human side of the saint (and I love that).

As for me, I'm not writing as a skeptic or worse, a cynic, but just one who always seems to walk a path of belief - but with so many questions. 

I want to know the whys.

Why is there so much suffering and evil in the world? Why does God seem so distant (and quiet)? How does our own free will come into play? Is it nurture or nature? How do our beliefs interact with science? What does God really expect from us? How do we get closer to Him and fully realize His presence?

Faith is the starting point, but then what?

In our early Christian zeal, we devour scriptures and we worship fervently. We engage in community by doing church. And in this early rebirth, the whats really do seem to matter. We feel the need to validate our new experience for nearby skeptics, by looking for more evidence to back up our belief system. Is there a God is the faith part, accompanied by a certain tension. But let's set that aside for now. For me, the next question is more essential:

What is God like?

Not so much the whys or the whats, but - the Who. I think it's always helpful to remember we are relational beings seeking an equally relational God (because He is our Father)! And just as we devote our life to getting to know a best friend, an important family member, or a spouse - in this same way it's crucial that we get to know our God.

So back to the 35%. The fog is a real obstacle for us to “see things clearly,” but a much better goal is to KNOW Him clearly! What's He like? What are His goals with us? What are His methods for reaching out to you and me, and for training us, as a good Father would? 

This goes well beyond seeking (and sometimes arguing about) head knowledge and ideas from Christian influencers, to pressing into God's relational heart. From slicing, dicing and mincing historical words on paper to personally developing a connection with Abba. Is there a God, seems frankly, a moot point when we are living in His presence and learning from Him.

But serious roadblocks are in the way - guilt, fear and shame!

Let's toss them aside (continually) and expand our thinking about the relational similarities we share with our Father and Creator - remember “in His image?” We are his offspring and we are always connected. He gives us access to all the fruits of His Spirit, even though we may not yet have mastered them. And we share so many other traits - like creativity and humor. 

A few months ago I was in a funk and feeling like the Lord was distant. I started a mini-rant at Him with “Where are you?” and “Why don't you ever talk to me?” (Thank God) he has a sense of humor as he reminded me of a classic Seinfeld scene where George Constanza's girlfriend was trying to break up with him in a nice way. She offered the classic “It's not you, it's me,” line. 

And The Lord humbly sayeth to me: “It's not me, it's you.” And then, in a classic Jewish mother voice: “How come you never call?” Who knew God does stand-up? And by the way, most of the time it IS us! 

He doesn't want a long-distance relationship.

One final idea about God's mystery: Honestly, we humans abhor boredom and I'm guessing it's good that we still have so much to discover about our God, with His ideas and strategies for coaxing us closer. And maybe like a good Father and Friend, He sometimes keeps His distance for a bit so we can, in the vacuum, finally figure something out and really own it. 

Let's continue to seek, to knock and new doors will open. But let's stay personal. Sit with Him, walk with Him. Cry and laugh with Him. 

And little by little as we know Him better, the Whys and the Whats will come into sharp focus. Because the Who has always been there, by our side, and every step of the way.

1 Corinthians 13:12-13 The Message
We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Fruits of the Spirit | Love - The Best Fruit

I am fascinated by fruits.

But it wasn't always so. I have to admit I may have taken them for granted, because in this land of plenty, fruits are always close at hand. The party-bro to the more pedestrian vegetable, fruits are easy to like with their bright, appealing colors, inherent sweetness, and grab-and-go ease.

I also appreciate Apostle Paul's fruit of the spirit comparison, and the greatest of these - love. These character fruits are the highest bar of personal and spiritual wholeness - the gold standard of what we should partake in and become, as followers of Jesus. The comparison is rich with allure - life-giving nourishment, sweetness and goodness to share.

But then there's the science.

Our God is certainly an innovative creator, and to me seems a kind of restless genius - always tinkering. Over a millennia, as His plants evolved to fit expanding people groups, fruits played an essential role - in so many ways and in so many places. And inspired by our creative heritage, we all have influenced plant propagation as well.

 With fruit, it's all about sugar and seeds. And birds.

Among all edible greenery, vegetables and fruits certainly contain essential nutrients. But a fruit’s specialty is sugar, attracting hungry attention. Their larger and more accessible seeds become reproductive tools, and animals and humans alike multiply and distribute the plants - by land and sea, and by air on the wings of birds.

Hang on, there is a point to this.

Galatians 5:22-23 now seems to me much richer and more dynamic, like an apple that becomes a vast orchard of spiritual possibilities. The fruits of the spirit are within everyone's reach, and are spread by believers who practice them, and by the subtle but efficient flight of the Holy Spirit.

The humble apple is our world's most common fruit, and perhaps not just a random choice for the symbol of mankind's fall from grace. In that light, Paul's fruit metaphor seems to be pure genius, from a literary standpoint and also a spiritual one. Just like Jesus' parables, God's most essential truths are always ripe with meaning and easy to grasp when served up with simple symbolism and story.

Which brings me back to love - the best commandment.

When I read Galatians 5:22-23 with its wonderful array of fruitful attributes, I can't help but notice that ALL of them point back to love. We can't be joyful without love. We can't enjoy true peace, and we can't have the patience to trust in God's heavenly outcomes without love - in Him, in ourselves and in those around us. To truly love and allow ourselves to be loved is the highest attainable personal and spiritual goal. It is the prize fruit on God's tree of life.

And it's best when shared.

Galatians 5:22-23 ASV
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law."

Galatians 5:22-24a The Message
"But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way."

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Truth in Love | Water of Life

Truth and love are likely the most essential pair of words in our scriptures, and even better, they go hand in hand. Ephesians 4:14 refers to them in tandem - as truth IN love. I instantly had an image of a jug of cold, fresh water. When combined, both the jug and the water become so special and more than the sum of their parts.

But can’t we also say the opposite - that when separated, truth and love become LESS than their individual best? I think so.

Consider truth as water.

They were certainly woven beautifully together between metaphor and hard reality in Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well. He asked her for a drink, even though he could have served himself. It was all about the conversation. They discussed the truth of her life's struggles, and of water - living water.

The very nature of water is fluid. It can be a perplexing paradox of life-giving or life-taking, depending on the circumstances. A massive waterfall can be breathtaking in both senses of the word. Truth can also have two outcomes. Real truth can set us free, but someone's immature version of the truth can be wielded as a sword that can maim and kill.

And the jug is love.

Love is truth’s container. Water NEEDS a container, or it can be lost and unusable. Think about how our culture misuses and abuses the very idea of love. It's romantic or patriotic, passionate or proud, and all too often, self-serving. But consider the humble, utilitarian JUG. So useful, so practical, yet so vital!

The Apostle Paul’s description of perfect love in Corinthians 13 is basic and useful as well: "Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for itself. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head. It doesn't force itself on others, isn't always "me first." It doesn't fly off the handle, and it doesn't keep score of the sins of others. It doesn't revel when others grovel but takes pleasure in the flowering of truth. It puts up with anything - trusts God always and always looks for the best. It never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies!"

Wow, that must be one beautiful jug, right?

Back in Ephesians, Paul combines truth and love: "Know the whole truth and tell it in love (like Christ) in everything." He uses phrases like "be mature" and "grow.” At the end of Corinthians’ love chapter he tempers truth a bit: "We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled."

Seek the truth and grow up. And love really well. Got it.

Carry the jug everywhere and keep it full. But I bet that real truth and real love cannot be separated. For me, they seem like the two boundary edges of my faith that I am constantly hitting, nudging me back towards the middle. Truth without love can be stark, lifeless and lead to idolatry. Love without truth can be shaky, shallow and self-serving. But when combined - it's life in the Lord fully realized!

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Unity | Essential Duality

"A house divided against itself cannot stand," said Senate candidate Abraham Lincoln in his 1858 Illinois convention speech, amidst the backdrop of slavery and the boiling tensions that later led to the Civil War. He realized the essential importance of national unity.

With our cultural and political climate on flashpoint sensitivity these days, I believe unity has become even more important than the issues that divide us. Like a marriage, if you cut off all communication, we simply cannot function. And we all know what the result will be.

Let's drill down deeper into unity.

There seems to be a mistaken impression that we all have to agree for us to be unified. Or we have to be great friends. God boldly asks us to love one another, but in a nuts and bolts way, what does that mean? To me, it's where duality comes in.

Roughly defined, and for this discussion, duality refers to two opposing groups who ironically share the same needs. Each may prefer different methods for achieving solutions, but also share essential common ground. A positive duality brings the two sides together to accomplish good things that serve the common good. We're seeking common ground here, so what's our shared baseline?

An unavoidable truth - we are all connected.

Created in God’s image, we are related – ALL of humanity. But our shared spiritual DNA does not mean sameness. There's so much variation in our life experiences, and that diversity can foster adversity. Everyone's unique consciousness is their own world filtered through unique upbringing, experiences, cultures and emotional traumas. We are all shaped by the sponge that is our human mind and heart. We soak up every tiny bit along the way.

We are all at the same time both the problem and the solution. Our insecurities are unanswered questions about our inherent value and the quality of our love. That inner uncertainty can produce a silent suspicion, an animosity towards people groups we don’t even know. We stay in our tribes, aligned by similar assumptions, and clouded by emotional bias. It’s really not surprising that it’s such a challenge to come together.

So what is the solution?

We need to realize the essential importance of our connectivity. Again, we're all God's children and we are all on that path - understood or not yet realized. Strife and division works against all of this. Our relationships are polluted, our ministry thwarted and the enemy wins. We need a way out. A way back to the Father.

The scourge of sin didn't cut off anyone's birthright, only our knowledge and correct vision of him, and therefore our access - from OUR dim-glass perspective. After the prodigal son humbled himself and returned to the family farm, his father received him exuberantly, with open arms. It was only about love. The son didn't have to first pay back his father's money that he squandered.

So why does God ask us to love others?

Back to the nuts and bolts, duality can benefit both sides in a marvelous tactical way. On the Survivor TV show, every strong alliance is based on skill, hard work and expertise brought to the table - not necessarily on fondness for each other. They set their differences aside and join together to win the prize, creating mutual respect along the way. This is the real bedrock of our country’s democratic ideals and processes. Abraham Lincoln understood that.

We’ve all been through a lot of trauma these past few years, and Covid really has underscored our connection - as a planet! The pandemic has asked, even begged all of us, for a global understanding and cooperation. It’s now so essential to put aside our pride, challenge our assumptions, and ask the Lord to heal our cynicism. Help us Lord regain our compassion for all. Let's reach out in wholesome dialog with others, no matter where they come from. We need a church with no walls, and hearts with no boundaries!

Ephesians 2:16-18
"Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. The cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility. Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father."

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Unity | (Practically) Loving One Another

Humanity is navigating an era of uncertainty, distrust, and dissension. We've seen so much tragedy and it's left us with a deep felt need for reconnection. The CitySalt blog team will take the next few months to examine where and how we might find opportunities to unite and commune, and in that, how we can heal.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8

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Jesus commanded us to love one another. A perfect idea if there ever was one. But what about the HOW, in today's fractured world?

The concept of duality was quite vague as I started writing this. But as I investigated it more, something fascinating began to emerge (more on that later).

I just have to share.

I learned that duality is where two opposing parts are by nature, in conflict with each other. They represent two sides of a coin - often occupying unhealthy extremes. But duality also dictates that the two sides share many commonalities (common ground) as well. And because both sides represent a rich, full spectrum of ideas, experience and even motives, both sides end up needing each other - to even exist!

When it’s functioning well with honest debate and mutual respect, our political system is the perfect example of duality. I’ve joked that it’s why God invented both men and women (and democrats and republicans)!

But the hard part is working out disagreements.

If the process fails, then constructive work stalls. But when people identify each other's extremes and adopt a mindset of coexisting and duality, real change can happen. They have to "understand themselves and the complexities of life", as many have pointed out. Each has to know and appreciate the other's back stories that led them to their point-of-views.

Goodbye cynicism, enter empathy.

I've long believed that because of our tendency towards emotional biases, triggered from past experiences, with most issues the best solutions (and the best workable truth) frequently lies somewhere between the extremes. None of us has enough in the tank to see it all and know it all.

An emerging, and important distinction:

Disagreement is emotionally taxing, but maybe we have a simplistic idea that in order to love, we have to always agree. Or be best friends. But actually I don't think we do. In my profession some of my best workmates have been people very different from me. But we learned to appreciate the passion and skills we both brought to the table. There was mutual respect.

The tension we instinctively feel with hard relationships certainly happens because of our differences. But we need to realize that deep down, we all need and want the same basic things. And it all starts with personal and mutual acceptance, which provides emotional safety. When we can move in parallel towards a shared solution, we actually grow closer. Could real, authentic love happen in this space? Sure, why not?

A final thought: In our current Christian/political climate, duality thinking might be construed by some as "watering down the truth" and "fraternizing with the enemy". First, I would never, ever want to accept a dangerous essential lie. God calls us to earnestly search for him and ultimate truth.

Secondly, I absolutely believe it's our Jesus-appointed task to sup with the sinners (because honestly, we're sinners too). Truth is, none of us believers can really influence anyone for good without first gaining a relationship with them.

Micah 6:8 | MSG
“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love. And don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.”

Luke 6:38 | MSG
“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Advent | Everlasting Father | The Road Back

I will admit that I’ve been late to the party with our annual Advent celebration, distracted by the cute calendar with the little windows. Is this culturally related to the 12 Days of Christmas? Not sure. Anyway, Advent has been a delightful revelation to me in recent years as I've discovered it anew.

I love that the very idea of Advent is so rich with meaning. Not at all static, and not just history, but a beautiful story of redemption that keeps on redeeming. Our modern Advent is alive and therefore full of the same hope and joyful anticipation, 2,000 years later. The story is active love stretched out over our time, and into the future. Yes it is a remembrance of the events of that time, but please, let's not stop there.

It's so much more. It's about family.

God's marvelous plan for healing up our diseased and hopeless souls was staged in a far away culture, and ushered in by shepherds, farm animals, a carpenter and a virgin. A perfect and oh so humble beginning for what was to come. In some ways, Joseph, Mary and Jesus were our real first family.

Like a massive glass prism, God is so many facets at once. He is the Creator of this beautiful, vast and complex world. He is the humble servant Jesus. And he is our personal messenger and counselor, the Holy Spirit. He is alive, eternal and timeless. And he is a father. Ours. That isn't just theology, my brothers and sisters, it's why we are all here. It's relational in the absolute largest sense of the word. His existence, and therefore ours, is wrapped in the historical, yet timeless framework of family. God is our father. We are his sons and daughters - literally his spiritual offspring!

He's not just a Dad, but an Everlasting Father.

That title is my absolute favorite in scripture. It encompasses all - a grand design, a spiritual lineage, strong and thoughtful care and the best possible love. It's the ultimate fatherly ideal - a perfect mix of strength and tenderness. Even so, all that God is, quickly becomes too big for us to comprehend. I think he needed to simplify his story for us, and make it real. Yes we needed a savior, but who? Someone we could relate to, and with, on the most human level. A father and son!

I have known about Jesus all my life. I have sung countless songs and have heard so many historical accounts of his actions, and the reactions of people around him. The ideas his parables spelled out have helped me with my own relationships in life, but to be honest, it all didn't fully resonate with me until I experienced fatherhood. With all the joys and heartache.

I have a father. I am a father.

These days, I am feeling closer and better connected to Him, on my step-by-step pilgrimage back. The prodigal son's return. I'm getting to know him again. The work is hard, because of my failures and because of the collective wounds shared all around me. But now those hurts serve to give me perspective, and empathy. And my love is stronger.

Our paradox: we are all entangled in our closest and most essential earthly relationships - for the great, the good, and the not so good. But for now, I think it’s supposed to be that way in a family. All roads back to the Father are lined with the people closest to us, whom we are to interact with, and who partially hold the keys to our eventual fullness. We've learned how to harm. Now we can learn to love.

It's complicated and it's messy.

We may not always connect closely and agree, but as we learn how to love and be loved, the lessons learned and the Spirit's fruit basket reward will make it all worth it. And we will be freed. I believe that!

May we push forward with the Holy Spirit to continue our work, and let Advent stir up our hearts this season!

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Rhema | Getting Real with God

Rhema

Rhema is a Greek word used throughout scripture to mean “spoken word.” The idea communicates a fresh word, resonating in your heart and spirit in a specific and meaningful way. We invite you to turn a listening ear to consider what The Holy Spirit is stirring in your spirit, mind and body this season.

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Hello my friend, I want to tell you that God is speaking to you. How does that make you feel? Anxious? Comforted? Or maybe as a long-time believer, you've heard it a million and one times. Maybe its effect has become too worn with age.

Perhaps you've discovered that God doesn't yell (except through pain and suffering). That was a joke (and likely you're nodding your head right now). Most of the time, his voice is soft and subtle, and unfortunately drowning in our constant distractions.

If this blog title "Rhema" seems foreign, it's because it's an ancient root word from the Greek, used by both Plato and Aristotle to describe sentence structure. It's seldom used today, but in our Christian heritage, it translates to "God's word spoken to you."

But hold on, there's a crucial distinction between past and present here. Our “historical” vs our "right now."

We believers are taught that God HAS spoken through the ancient texts of the bible. And our modern brand of Protestantism teaches us that he also speaks to us in REAL TIME. Our faith is not just a historical belief structure, but an ongoing relationship with two way communication. Jesus is the Word made flesh, and The Word of God is active and alive in the present.

That's amazing and life-changing, as it should be.

But what about when it's not? In other words, how do we get stuck, mired into something far less than God intended? If I may, let me describe this in two words - knowledge and revelation. An unintended consequence of our life-long church attendance is a kind of "social familiarity" with the Word of God, and with the accompanying language (Christianese, as we jokingly call it).

I know that idea may sound off-base, but hear me out.

Unfortunately our human nature dictates that familiarity breeds taking something for granted. Knowledge can get tucked away and unused, in our mental archives. Plus it's all too easy, as we hurry through our daily lives as simply doers, to just check things off our to-do lists (or those To-NOT-do Ten Commandments). Staying busy can be emotionally easier than personally relating to our Abba Father. You know, hiding behind our workaholism.

Knowledge is not the end-all.

We also need revelation. An earlier pastor of mine used to refer to a "quickening of the spirit." Like a sudden wake-up call, it usually happens for me WHEN I'm too busy. It could be a new idea (an "ah ha" moment), but mostly it's something I've been dealing with for quite some time, but now I suddenly get it.

But here's the thing: we MUST take the time to listen.

And for that we need to not just slow down, we need to stop. And sit at his feet. Truthfully, we don't have unlimited capacity to pay attention. The white noise chaos even seems to invade our sleep and our dreams. Spending quiet awake time with God helps clear the clutter and quiet the noise.

But it's not a formula, nor should it be. It requires dialog - talking and listening. And best of all, it produces an authenticity in our relationship with our Father God. And that's when it gets real!

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Cycles | Well Rounded

A cycle is a wonderful thing. Full of symbolism and personal meaning that can be so easily grasped. Just look around, circles are everywhere--in our manmade structures, our technologies and the organic world. We identify a wedding ring for commitment, gathering a circle of close friends. And in nature, the rain cycle drops much needed moisture, only to make the long journey back to its beginning through evaporation.

Right now, I'm interested in our cycles of faith.

We all tend to think linearly about life in general. We're born, we grow and we learn along the way. We encounter trauma and we stumble badly. Then with God's rich understanding, compassion and grace, we get back up and try again. But our lives have a shelf life, and the learning is typically hard work. There's only so much time and energy given to walk through all this stuff.

Then we reach our earthly end.

Of course as believers, we have great hope in an eternal outcome, but painting that earthly picture in such vivid detail can make the journey seem so arduous...like we're stuck on a personal/relational treadmill. Successes - yes, but so many failures too. And then there's change. Love it or leery of it, it's coming and it's constant. Our fear or denial of it doesn't change the change.

Hang on, really, I'm trying to help here.

Maybe instead of a great, straight, rigid line stretching from beginning to end, we should think, hope and practice in cycles. A circle endlessly repeats itself, but a cycle seems like a segment - a story, with so much variation and possibilities. Maybe it's like a great ocean wave - an OPEN circle. It has an origin, builds up momentum, spins in a circle, but then breaks on the beach. Yes it does repeat itself, but in a different and organic fashion next time and every time.

Also, I think our American and western culture views our lives mainly as a competitive human race, full of individualism and bravado. But instead of a 100 yard straight line sprint, shouldn't our faith be a graceful, curved path? (Yes, we all NEED more grace!) The curves allow us to get a more rounded view of ourselves and others, with inclusion in community - without needing to look back over our shoulders. And maybe more importantly, a slower pace around the edges provides some rest for our weary souls - time to exchange stress for that joy and all other good Spirit fruits so beautifully promised to us in the Word of God.

So let's relax, we've been here before, haven't we?

And this time we can break through! Is there a crash? Hit the reset button and begin again. And again. And again. Maybe we can view failure in a different light - without ANY guilt and shame! Maybe we can view cycles as a refresher course, that really is refreshing. Time spent walking and talking with God once again. He is more than just interested. He is fully invested in our success.

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Resilient | Resilience, My New Friend

I have a new friend. His name is resilience. More than a Friday night burger and milkshake buddy, our friendship is deepening. A few months ago it felt like we just met, but now - I kind of like this guy. In my last blog post I wrote that resilience doesn't get much respect. Merely enduring pain and loss but not, in our popular Christian vocabulary - overcoming, seemed a bit of a hollow victory.

Absorbing all the losses of 2020 (clearly my hardest year ever) has been so tough. It started with a death in my family, some health issues, then the isolation and fear of an unknown pandemic sank in. Add in our national political corruption and disillusionment, social strife enabled by toxic technology, and far-reaching environmental fears.

And here in our state, devastating wildfires torched many wonderful Oregon places I’ve cherished all my life. It all knocked my legs out from under me. I felt crippled. I felt I should be better than this, but I wasn't. I just couldn't get back emotionally.

Then my good friend brought me two gifts - courage and time.

I realized I was being disabled by fear of change and frightening future unknowns. Fear robs us of our courage. And it shortens time for us. The immediacy of loss and panic can obscure the big picture of our future. And that results in a short-sighted, negative life narrative. It's our story, but through our own narrow lens.

I discovered I had to give up my romantic notions of the past and expectations of the present and the way things should be, and look to my real future. I am not long for this world. None of us are, but we seem to suspend coming to terms with death for most of our lives, while we are busy building our American Dream.

And the push towards a secure retirement. And for me, time for adventure.

I've always been a goer, an adventurer, and the natural world's beauty is my happy place. Gotta see what's around the bend, and up over that ridge. I've answered the call of the open road, sought misty waterfalls at the end of the trail, and melted into an evening kayak float towards that golden, fading sun, at the end of a perfect day.

And photographing it all is the capper for me. It aligns me with our world, calms me, inspires me, and brings me intense joy. When work and life gets too hard, I go there, always churning out new plans for the next big trip.

Yes, my happy place is both emotional and literal.

But this has also blurred the lines of my own reality a bit - because let's face it, life can be hard and running for the hills is certainly an escape. Difficult people and unfulfilled expectations along with the tedium of daily repetitive tasks can drag us all down. If my day to day is full of pain and shame, I go there. Somewhere. Anywhere. I escape.

And now all this present tumult seemed to be threatening my earthly dream - my escape hatch. A healthy diversion can be a good thing, but so can standing tall and trimming our sails against the wind. We can adjust, and chart a different course.

Our God will always, ALWAYS use bad for good if we let Him. We just have to let Him. In facing my future and my fears, I am slowly learning to stand. And to walk. I am learning what to focus on, and what not to. As time stretches out, the learning curve is flattening. People aren't so scary, because they are just like me at heart. I accept that, and them. My wonderful wife is my best friend, just like it should be. My friends have surrounded me as much as they are able to, and I am returning the favor.

And my amazing God, my Creator and Savior is busy in the background, restoring me, and preparing all the spectacular mountains, deserts, lush green valleys and rivers in preparation for our real future. Unspeakably bigger, bolder and more beautiful, complete with the sunlight of his intense love and presence.

So all this will work out well, don't you think? We just need to trust, and walk with resilience.

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Resilient | Walking with Resilience

Today we bring to you a new blog theme, Resilient. The word "resilient" has Latin roots and means "capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture." Many of us are feeling weary and broken after a long year of pandemic life full of social isolation, job losses, school closures, sickness and mental health issues. Resilience can help us forge a path to healing and recovery. Our blog team offers their ideas for how we can build resilience through our faith journeys.

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We all like the idea of resiliency because, well, it's a good character trait, right? I get the feeling that resilience is not celebrated enough in our society, like it's the Rodney Dangerfield of suffering. Ok maybe it gets some respect for a while, but the longer we merely endure and not conquer our issues, we can succumb to an inevitable "loser stigma,” at least in our own minds.

We Americans are taught to fight and win. Is it at best, a hollow victory to merely bend, but not break? To be on the ropes for a while makes for good social theatre, or a Rocky movie, but the true star fights hard and avoids the death blow, then erupts in a sudden and dramatic turnaround victory. Yeah and pass the popcorn!

But this is real life.

And too often that life feels like a protracted foxhole struggle, with what seems like victory not assured. It can last and last ... and last. It can wear us down. And a resolution is likely not in our preferred way, or in our convenient time. Resilience can be birthed in trouble, but let's dig deeper.

Trauma hurts, but we don't have to wallow in suffering. We all know hard times can develop deep character traits, but only if we go through it with our head up and heart open. Entertaining its emotional depths without some perspective and ultimately, a positive response, is a very dark path to walk.

We all need some help.

Recently within my own journey, I've begun to notice someone. I look back and he is there, wanting to catch up. I am hurting, and I slow down. We share a smile and keep walking. He offers a few words and a smile, and I realize I might like his company. We small-talk a bit, then are quiet. I gaze up at the sunlight streaming through the forest canopy above. I breathe and give myself permission to feel. He feels like a friend.

He randomly brings up elasticity. I am curious why. He says he is kind of stubborn at times, with a clench-fisted toughness. He says this has seemed like a good way to be resilient, but flexibility is a better way. I joke that it's why cats have nine lives. My new friend laughs, and of course I am pleased at that.

He continues: Like a rubber band, we stretch out as we are pulled in different directions by forces beyond our control. But with elasticity, we return to our relaxed center - back to our core. I tell him I like the kind of "naturally, creative longevity" of that.

So now we're on the topic of resiliency, I guess. I mention a boat on the water. When it's calm, I say, it can be the picture of perfect serenity, but when a storm blows in - everything changes. Resiliency is our boat. It's built to bob and heave in the swells and waves. Our buoyancy allows us to stay above the tempest and not capsize!

I didn't plan on such a discussion with a stranger, but now we're getting somewhere.

I feel a twinge of pain in my lower leg and mention I'm trying to get it back to the way it used to be. He compliments me: But you're still hiking - that's great and recovery is coming! I tell him I hope so.

As we walk and talk, I realize that the cliche about it not being the destination, but the journey - is incomplete. Both are important. I thank him for walking with me and tell him I think we should all resolve to live, and even thrive, in our own resiliency. The tough lessons of the journey will make the destination that much sweeter, right? I look over but "Mr. Resiliency" has vanished. And I realize why. Someone else needs his friendship.

I love how Jesus shows up.

Resiliency is the long footbridge from despair to hope. Let's discover elasticity, buoyancy and recover. Grab a friend and walk.

Romans 5:4
"And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation."

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.