By Sarah Freeman We have the power! In high school I made pretty good grades. That is, except in my science classes. For some reason, having to understand how our world works, overwhelmed my very simplistic way of thinking. However, I did manage to take away one very important idea: the concept of a catalyst. … Continue reading Catalyst: Using our Voice to Create Change
By Sarah Fujimoto Meet my friend T. I met T on a beautiful weekend morning a few years ago while I lived in northern California. Just a small kid back then, she warmed my friends and my heart with her childlike goofiness and compassionate heart. Always the one to keep waving from the sidewalk outside … Continue reading Generosity: Giving All Instead of What Remains
By Kailee Sosnowski I crave the “life abundant” that Jesus speaks about. If I were to be honest with myself, I would have to admit that in my life at this time, I have not even begun to scratch the surface regarding what that even means… Let alone what it would look like. At what … Continue reading Breathe In, Breathe Out: A Poem About the Life Abundant
By Josh Whitlock Tuesday. I look out the window of the train. I see the profanities on buildings in fresh new paint. And I wonder, “Where am I going?” “What will come up from the seeds that I’m sowing?” I step into the station, and everyone is so grim. I can’t smile, for my mouth … Continue reading Tuesday: A Poem and a Prayer
By Jonathan Foster I was looking at a work of art recently. It was something very valuable. I had this profound thought that I’ve had more than once while trying to appreciate art and maybe you can relate. While looking at it I thought, “I don’t get it.” Have you ever thought that? C.S. … Continue reading Surrendering to Art & Life
By Jeff Goins, Editor Singer/songwriter and Compassion blogger Shaun Groves posted a tongue-in-cheek blog last week about his recent trip to Kolkata, India, criticizing churches in the developing world for “doing it all wrong.” He cites churches that he’s visited in India, Africa, and Latin America that have made worship centers not just places where the … Continue reading The Poor Teach Us How to be Christians
By Joe Bunting I am sitting in my mom’s office, which used to be my bedroom. Last night it was my bedroom once again, and today it is my office. My housemates and I, along with 30,500 others in Santa Barbara, have been evacuated. The Jesusita Fire has now burned 3,500 acres. The officials say … Continue reading We Have Been Evacuated: Jesusita Fire: Day 4
By Summer Lee Carlson I have to be honest. I like to give quite a few reasons for not having attended a physical church building in a long, long time. Usually I like to tell myself it’s because churches are too much like politicians whose ads are “endorsed by the one true King.” Or that … Continue reading Confessions of a Church Hater
By Harold Vance What hood is this, That fits so well? Not of cloth Or fiber strong, But woven tight With Abba’s love. Tis not a cloak Hiding me away, Nor something impenetrable To keep elements at bay. But this hood That fits so well, Keeps me fit And strong enough to deal With obstacles … Continue reading Brotherhood: A poem about spiritual unity
By Sarah Fujimoto Recently I went to Costa Rica with my graduate program. I spent 10 days drinking caf, enjoying people, seeing the past destruction from the earthquake in December, and eating way too many chikys (a stellar cookie). One thing that I have been impacted by and “taken back” with me, is the issue … Continue reading Art and Time: Reflections from Costa Rica