Knowing & Being Known

There’s a story often told about Chinese bamboo that feels almost too good to be true—yet it’s grounded in how growth actually works. For the first five years, Chinese bamboo shows virtually no visible progress above the soil. You water it. You tend it. You wait. And nothing seems to happen. But beneath the surface, an extensive root system is forming—strong, interconnected, and capable of supporting rapid growth when the time comes. Then, in a…

Two Disney enthusiasts were asked to describe their experience with the Tower of Terror at Disneyland. Their perceptions were radically different. When they were interviewed to understand how their expectations impacted their experience, some interesting things emerged. Zoe had read about Disney her whole life and had been saving for years to go someday. And someday, finally came. She was especially excited about the Tower of Terror, which had very long lines. So, on the…

“And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they remained no little time with the disciples.” —Acts 14:27–28 (ESV) There’s a quiet holiness in that final line. After the journeys. After the risks, the opposition, the miracles, the open doors. After the stories had been told and God had been glorified… They stayed. Luke…

A reflection on God’s economy of relationship Psychology experts are offering a sober reminder as AI companions gain traction: these tools function more like mirrors than actual companions. They reflect back our words, our emotions, our preferences. They can sound affirming, attentive, even caring. But they do not share life with us. They do not bring themselves to the relationship—because there is no “self” to bring. And that distinction matters…

“The lion has roared; who will not fear?The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophesy?” — Amos 3:8 Amos was not a professional prophet. He was a shepherd and a fig grower, sent from Judah into the prosperous northern kingdom of Israel with a message no one wanted. Israel was thriving—economically strong, religiously active, culturally confident. On the surface, it looked like God’s blessing was undeniable. But Amos 3 exposes a sobering truth:…

“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” — Hebrews 2:18 ESV When you’re hurting, rejected, or facing temptation, there’s a deep ache that rises from somewhere words can’t quite reach. It’s the place where loneliness whispers, “No one understands what I’m feeling.” But Scripture interrupts that lie with something astonishing: God does. Not from a distance.…

The movie Gladiator is one of my favorites because it’s packed with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and identity. Maximus is a Roman general and trusted leader under Emperor Marcus Aurelius. But after the emperor’s death, his son, Commodus, seized power. Insecure and threatened by Maximus’s influence, Commodus orders him executed—and even has his wife and son killed. Maximus survives, but stripped of everything, he is sold into slavery. Once a man of…

Colleen loves her butterflies—swallowtails and monarchs. She nurtures them from the moment their tiny eggs hatch, through their caterpillar days, into the miraculous chrysalis stage, and finally releases them as fully formed beauties into the open air. I’ve watched the bond she forms with them. One swallowtail even returned after being set free, landing gently on her shoulder as if to say, “Thank you for caring for me.” But last week, something…

Looking for a summer that’s less frantic and more faith-filled? Let this be a season where your soul breathes easy and your heart tunes in to the gentle whisper of God. These 10 simple, spirit-centered practices are your invitation to slow down, look up, and live with holy intention. 🌅 1. Mornings = Me + God TimeBefore the texts and to-do lists start rolling in, gift yourself 5 minutes of quiet. No screens. No pressure. Just you, God, and the sunrise. 🌬️ 2.…