I find in the gospel that I’m woke to the right view of myself, and others, no matter where they're from, their gender, their sexual orientation, or their race. You see the gospel won't let me think too much of myself, but neither will it allow me to think myself as lowly. What I’m called to acknowledge is my fallenness, my need for redemption, and then I’m asked to look to the cross. I can take n...  Read More

I have had a deep love for the church my whole life. I grew up in the church; hard pews, Sunday school, potlucks, baptisms, summer camp and youth group. I even went to a Christian College. Why? Depending on what was going on in my life, if you had asked, you would have gotten a different answer every time.   During this season of Covid we have all been forced out of meeting together as a church. I...  Read More

When we find ourselves in a world that is uncertain and unsettled and the quest for inner peace seems a daily challenge, we can practice a simple exercise to keep our mind and heart in sync with the ‘Prince of Peace’. Using ‘maxims’ as reminders of the truth is one helpful tool.Webster says, “A ‘maxim’ is a term that stresses the succinct formulation of a fundamental principle, general truth, or r...  Read More

I often hold back from posting about issues of justice on social media— not because I think they are unimportant, but the opposite. I think that sometimes, platforms like Instagram and Facebook become a place for a performative activism, and especially a performative whiteness; one that lets us feel better and like we’ve “done our part” for reposting a trendy graphic that best fits our feeds’ aest...  Read More

Restore to me the joy of my salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.Psalms 51:12I love to hear people’s stories;  about the before and after and about how Jesus has changed their hearts and lives.  Sometimes, the changes are dramatic or instantaneous.  Sometimes, the change is more gradual and quiet.  It is the knowledge that life is being seen in a new and different way, and you rea...  Read More

There is no greater discovery then seeing God as the author of your destinyRavi ZachariasYou might know that I have been recovering from ankle surgery since the first week of January. I was encouraged, filled with hope, and grateful to God. My progress toward walking unsupported in my shoes again was right on schedule…until I walked. The first day was freedom indeed, yet  the second day I was unab...  Read More

As the body without the Spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.James 2:26Are you a planner? I am a planner. Ever since I was young, I wanted to plan, help others plan and be in charge of the plans! I guess there are other titles to that type of personality, but I would like to think of myself not as a control freak, but as one who would like to know what the end game is.I thought I knew wh...  Read More

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.Psalm 121: 1-2For as long as I can remember one of my favorite things has been sunsets, specifically African sunsets. The red dirt in the African air gives a punch of color and vibrance to the painted skies. Early evening is when the heat of the day subsides and makes way for a cool...  Read More

I love cheeseburgers and endorphins.I am a big fan of the “South of the Border” Burger at the Brown Lantern, the “M Forcer” Burger at Vagabond Station and (of course) the “Everyday” burger at Bastion.  If I am traveling, my favorite is Five Guys Burgers and Fries with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, relish and grilled onions (of course I get the Cajun fries)… unless I am in California … then it...  Read More

All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made John 1:3 (NIV)I’m very familiar with being home, as I stay at home with my three little ones.  Honestly, I often feel stuck at home, as it is quite a process to go anywhere with kids, and even more of a feat to go out alone.  So, truthfully, to be required to be at home, as a “shelter in place”, has been very di...  Read More

Take heart church! God is still on His throne. We still have the gift of His Spirit and Jesus isRisen...He is Risen Indeed!A last second goal took away my dream of a first conference championship as a High Schoolsoccer coach. A surprise birthday party! A meeting with a boss informing me that my serviceswere no longer needed. The birth of daughter number two (Elissa) on a freeway! A phone callinfor...  Read More

For this reason it says, ‘Wake up, O Sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on youEphesians 5:14When I lived in San Francisco, a few years ago, I used to pass a classic green public mailbox located on the top of Nob Hill on my walk over to the local Trader Joe’s.  There was a little phrase brushed in small bold white letters on the top of the mailbox: “WAKE UP O SLEEPER”...This verse ...  Read More