Discover what men behind prison walls teach us about needs, strategies, and healing. Explore lessons in Nonviolent Communication and how they can transform lives—inside and out.

Epiphany reminds us that divine light still guides us, even when the path ahead is unclear. Chaos might feel like a formless void, but it is precisely here that God's Spirit is active—stirring, creating, and inviting us into new possibilities. What does it mean to keep walking toward the light, even when the world feels unsteady?

What if the most meaningful gift you could give this year doesn’t come in a box or with a bow? The gift of being seen—truly noticing and being present with someone—costs nothing but has the power to bring joy.

This joy isn’t about surface-level happiness. It’s deeper, relational, and rooted in connection. It’s what happens when someone listens, offers a hug, or shares a laugh in life’s chaos. This Christmas, let’s remember that God’s gift to us—God-with-Us—was the ultimate act of seeing and loving us as we are.

In this heartfelt Advent reflection, I reflect on the grief of losing my job after the closure of Eastern Nazarene College. As I navigate the wilderness of loss, I explore how faith and hope are sustaining me in the tension of silence and song, darkness and dawn. This presentation offers five moments of reflection for listeners to pause, process, and connect their own stories to the themes of Advent. Drawing from Zechariah’s song in Luke 1:67-79 and John the Baptist’s prophetic call in Luke 3:1-6, this message invites listeners to consider: • How do we trust God in the wilderness of grief and uncertainty? • What does it mean to wait for God’s light in seasons of silence? • How can we find hope when the future feels unclear? Each of the five moments includes a refrain, personal reflection questions, and prayer, making this a meaningful and interactive experience for anyone seeking space to process their own grief or longing during Advent.

As Christian leaders, we’re called to be “in the weeds” of life with love. Learning to love in the weeds, or even among the thorns, is tough work—but it’s our work. How will they know Jesus? By how we love—in the weeds, in the briar patch (Julene’s translation).

To love well, Christians need skills to engage conflict constructively. I believe God has equipped me with some of these skills, and I’m eager to share them!

Grading took on a whole new meaning when my students created storytelling podcasts. Through interviews with people of different faiths, they built bridges, practiced empathy, and brought their curiosity to life. This assignment wasn’t just about grades—it was about connection. If you are interested in learning about storytelling and podcasting, check out Story Collab. I’m grateful for getting to learn and particulate in facilitating one of their workshops for educators.