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<figure id="figure-311aa8g98jkm2fwhtmn"><img id="311aa8g98jkm2fwhtmn" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36k8JGIrYDX2qxxJHaAr2ANnW76nXu3eVD418mCbnRPrJkvf0gTdXru2nR71AiRU.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 45%;" data-corners="small" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="45%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36k8JGIrYDX2qxxJHaAr2ANnW76nXu3eVD418mCbnRPrJkvf0gTdXru2nR71AiRU.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 45%;"></figure>Dear reader,&nbsp; As the world outside descends into a misguided frenzy of ghosts, goblins, witches, and demons, I sit in steadfast resistance. How can we, as people of true faith, partake in a celebration that so blatantly flirts with the forces of darkness?What troubles me deeply is the glaring hypocrisy of some churches. Throughout the year, they speak passionately about the evil of Satan and his world. They preach tirelessly against the dangers of worldly influences and the importance of resisting temptation. Yet, each year when Halloween arrives, these same churches go directly against everything they teach and preach. They eagerly embrace Halloween festivities, organizing "trunk-or-treat" events, hosting costume parties, and decorating their sanctuaries with symbols of death and the occult. This isn't just inconsistency – it's a betrayal of their own teachings and a dangerous mixed message to their congregations.How can these spiritual leaders reconcile their words with these actions? On one Sunday, they warn about the subtle influences of evil, and on the next, they invite children to dress as witches and demons. They preach about being set apart from the world, yet eagerly participate in one of the world's most commercialized and spiritually confused celebrations. This contradiction undermines their credibility and leaves their flock in a state of spiritual disorientation.This is not just harmless fun. It's a perilous dance with spiritual corruption. Each costume, each decoration, each playful nod to the supernatural is a step away from the light of truth and a mockery of the serious spiritual warfare they claim to wage. I refuse to allow my home or my conscience to become a playground for such spiritual confusion.The irony is palpable. While others, including those entrusted with spiritual guidance, playact at confronting the "mysterious," glorifying the very forces they claim to oppose, I stand firm in my convictions. This isn't about missing out on "fun" – it's about maintaining integrity in our faith and practice.As the night grows darker and the shrieks of revelers echo through the neighborhood, I feel not isolation, but a growing sense of purpose. My faith isn't a costume to be worn once a year or a principle to be conveniently set aside for social events. It's a constant, unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness.In this self-imposed sanctuary, I'm not hiding. I'm taking a stand against the tide of compromise and confusion. The quiet of my home speaks volumes more than the shouts of those unknowingly – or worse, knowingly – celebrating forces they claim to reject.Let others, even those who claim spiritual leadership, have their night of spiritual contradiction. I choose consistency. I choose truth. As I prepare for rest, my house a dark testament amidst the garish lights and hollow laughter, I carry with me not just appreciation for true faith, but a fierce commitment to living it out, even when – especially when – it goes against the cultural grain.By rejecting this spiritually bankrupt holiday, I've found a more meaningful way to honor my faith journey. Isn't this resolute stand against spiritual deception and hypocrisy the most honest way to approach the great truths of life and faith?Until next time,&nbsp;Chaplain Mark

The Hypocrisy of Halloween in Faith Communities

<figure id="figure-fg2i42zw1fm2ego20x" class=""><img id="fg2i42zw1fm2ego20x" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33YXNVPyCiWqOvSE6VA11owuPvzJiPSjQw0sMsQbXMl5aLBI4Tg4aQ0NMTkcBHTw.jpg" alt="two person's arms" title="two person's arms" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33YXNVPyCiWqOvSE6VA11owuPvzJiPSjQw0sMsQbXMl5aLBI4Tg4aQ0NMTkcBHTw.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>I've been thinking a lot about prayer lately, and how it relates to our purpose in the grand scheme of things. It's funny how sometimes we carry these burdens without even realizing where they come from.Today, I had this thought: what if our spiritual life is like a wellspring? When we pray, it's like we're turning on a tap, letting all that built-up pressure flow out. But when we neglect prayer, it's like we're sealing off that source, and the pressure just keeps building and building.I've noticed this in my own life. There are days when I feel so heavy, like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. And now I'm starting to wonder if that's because I haven't been praying enough. It's like God's trying to do something, and He's placed this burden on me, but I haven't been listening.Today, I decided to take a leap of faith. I set aside a whole hour for prayer, something I haven't done in years. At first, it felt awkward and forced. I fumbled for words, my mind racing with all the things I should be doing instead. But as I pushed through the discomfort, something shifted. It was like a dam breaking, all my pent-up thoughts and emotions pouring out. I found myself talking to God about things I didn't even know were bothering me. And then, in the quiet moments between my words, I felt a presence - gentle but unmistakable. By the end of the hour, the heaviness I'd been carrying for weeks had lifted. I felt lighter, clearer, like I could finally take a full breath again. It wasn't a dramatic, earth-shattering change, but it was real and profound in its own quiet way.It made me think about our role as believers. Are we here just to go through the motions, or do we have a bigger purpose? What if our prayers are actually crucial to God's plan? What if He's waiting for us to voice His will here on earth?I'm starting to see prayer in a whole new light. It's not just about asking for things we want. It's about tuning in to what God wants and then declaring that here on earth. It's like we're His ambassadors, in a way.I wonder what would happen if our whole church really got this. If we all started praying like this, not just for our own needs, but to align ourselves with God's will. Could we become more effective tools in His hands?I'm challenging myself to keep this up. To make prayer a priority, not just when I feel burdened, but every day. I want to be more in tune with God's will, to be a clearer channel for His purposes.This journey of faith is always full of surprises. Just when I think I've got it figured out, God shows me there's so much more to learn. But that's what makes it exciting, right? Every day is a new opportunity to grow, to understand more, to align myself more closely with the divine plan.Here's to more prayer, more alignment, and more of God's will being done through us. I can't wait to see where this leads.

Thoughts on prayer

<figure id="figure-20820qoznm2d3i09e" class=""><img id="20820qoznm2d3i09e" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28UhtvYJjR1IKCV1DVHjQrpiFV5oh0YnCw4c8xn7aegkRAdAKTNMcoNGkgMl9Wqk.jpg" alt="person in black long sleeve shirt holding babys feet" title="person in black long sleeve shirt holding babys feet" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28UhtvYJjR1IKCV1DVHjQrpiFV5oh0YnCw4c8xn7aegkRAdAKTNMcoNGkgMl9Wqk.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear reader,Today, I find myself pondering the nature of existence and our connection to the divine. It's fascinating to think about how we might all be part of a greater plan, each of us carrying a spark of something greater within us.I've been reflecting on the idea that there was once only one true child of the divine, a perfect and unique being. But then, as if by some cosmic decision, this changed. It's as if the universe itself decided it wanted more - more connections, more expressions of itself.So this original being, this first child, became a template. A model for something greater. I imagine it like a master craftsman creating a perfect prototype, then using that to inspire countless new creations, each special in its own way.What really strikes me is how this original being changed. It's like it came down to earth, lived among us, experienced life as we do. And in doing so, it became something new - not just divine anymore, but also human. Both at once. There's something beautiful about that, the idea of bridging two worlds.And now, here we are. All of us, in our own way, following that pattern. We started out as just human, but something changed. It's like we've been given a gift, a piece of that divine spark.Sometimes I wonder - does this make us all the same in some fundamental way? Are we all, in a sense, children of the divine now? It's a comforting thought, really. The idea that no matter who we are, where we come from, or what we look like, we all share this incredible connection.I find myself feeling grateful for this perspective. It makes me see everyone around me in a new light. We're all on this journey together, all carrying something precious within us. Maybe that's what it means to be truly human - to be both earthly and divine, all at once.As I end my day, I'm left with a sense of wonder. There's so much more to us than meets the eye. We're part of something bigger, something beautiful. And that's a pretty amazing thought to fall asleep to.Until next timeChaplain Mark

The Light in All of Us

Dear Reader<figure id="figure-6sugckgsiem2bpfd16"><img id="6sugckgsiem2bpfd16" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37NtS9hf2MdeECvzyyxBQ1StZt5jkcNuZW38wnVEFI8j6J5JF4zbi1cR5equgyba.jpg" alt="person catching light bulb" title="person catching light bulb" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 40% 30%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="40%" data-positiony="30%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37NtS9hf2MdeECvzyyxBQ1StZt5jkcNuZW38wnVEFI8j6J5JF4zbi1cR5equgyba.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 40% 30%;"></figure>,Day 3 of Becky's vacation with her sister, and the house feels strangely quiet without her. It's amazing how much her presence fills this space, even when she's just puttering around or reading on the couch.I've been keeping busy, though. Finally tackled some projects I've been putting off for months. It's satisfying to see everything completed, and not have to worry about them anymore. Becky will be surprised. Can't wait to see her reaction.While taking my sister home, we saw a complete double rainbow from one side to the other. It was breathtaking - a moment that felt almost divine. It reminded me of a passage I've been reflecting on lately, Romans 1:3-4: "Who was designated the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness out of the resurrection of the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord."This verse has been on my mind, especially with Becky away. It speaks to transformation and the power of resurrection. In a way, I feel like these past few days have been a small resurrection for me - tackling old projects, finding new rhythms, and appreciating Becky in a deeper way. Just as Christ was designated in power through resurrection, maybe these small separations help designate the power of our relationship anew.The rainbow seemed to underscore this thought - a beautiful symbol of promise and renewal. I took a photo to show Becky, though it doesn't capture the full majesty of the moment.Evenings are still the hardest. The bed feels too big, the house too quiet. But there's also a sense of anticipation building. Tomorrow, Becky will be home, and our little world will feel complete again. I'm looking forward to sharing all that's happened, especially my reflections on that powerful verse.Until next time, when our home will be filled with her presence once more.Chaplain Mark

Three Days, Two Rainbows, One Empty Bed

<figure id="figure-30g66znh4m2a9q1s0"><img id="30g66znh4m2a9q1s0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4QKqWuwBUKC75WZO4I827guPBxyDeDrSkO7WIwP8dhphPKIwImKTGJjyZ6I4tUO1.jpg" alt="people laughing and talking outside during daytime" title="people laughing and talking outside during daytime" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4QKqWuwBUKC75WZO4I827guPBxyDeDrSkO7WIwP8dhphPKIwImKTGJjyZ6I4tUO1.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear Reader,This morning, I’ve been reflecting deeply on the gospels and their portrayal of Christ. It's amazing how these ancient texts can still feel so alive and relevant. As I read through Matthew and John, I'm struck by the multifaceted nature of Jesus that emerges from their pages.I've probably read these stories dozens of times, but I'm only now starting to grasp the complexity of Christ's character. It's like each reading reveals a new facet I hadn't noticed before. In Matthew alone, I'm seeing Jesus described in so many ways - as a savior, as God with us, as a great light. The comparisons to figures like David, Solomon, and Jonah are making me see Him in a new light.John's gospel adds even more layers. The metaphors used are so vivid - Christ as light, water, food, a shepherd. It's giving me a lot to think about. How can one person embody so many roles and meanings?I'm realizing that my understanding of Christ has been too narrow. He's not just a distant historical figure or even just a savior - He seems to touch every aspect of life. It's overwhelming, but in a good way. I feel like I'm just scratching the surface of understanding who He really is.This study is challenging me to look deeper, to see beyond the surface of these familiar stories. I'm curious to explore more and see what other insights I might discover. There's clearly so much more to learn and contemplate.Until next timeChaplain Mark

From Savior to Shepherd: My Gospel-Fueled Identity Crisis

<figure id="figure-j5smo0k40om28tvbc9"><img id="j5smo0k40om28tvbc9" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1282155342/photo/a-kid-reading-the-holy-bible.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=PXfMsL1dbDS9Yyxx3hAraQeOnz3wcn_3Qc6EH3dn2ek=" alt="a kid reading the holy bible" title="a kid reading the holy bible" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1282155342/photo/a-kid-reading-the-holy-bible.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=PXfMsL1dbDS9Yyxx3hAraQeOnz3wcn_3Qc6EH3dn2ek=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear Reader;Today, this morning I was reading Isa 54:5 &amp; 62:5, I found myself thinking about the nature of my relationship with the Divine. It's easy to fall into routines, to view spirituality as a series of obligations or rituals. But something I read today challenged that perspective in a profound way.I've always thought of God as this immense, awe-inspiring being - and He is. But what struck me was the idea that He might desire something more... intimate. The image of God as a partner, a spouse even, is both beautiful and slightly unsettling. It's so different from how I usually think about divinity.I tried to imagine how I'd feel if someone I loved treated me with constant, formal reverence instead of warmth and affection. It made me realize that perhaps my approach to spirituality has been too rigid, too focused on doing things "right" rather than fostering a genuine connection.The idea of God feeling "lonely" or desiring companionship is hard to wrap my head around. It's humbling to think that the Creator of the universe might yearn for a closer relationship with us. It makes me wonder - have I been neglecting this aspect of my spiritual life?Moving forward, I want to find a balance. I still believe in the importance of reverence and respect, but I also want to explore this idea of a more intimate, personal relationship with the Divine. Maybe it's about opening my heart more, being more vulnerable in my prayers, or simply spending more time in quiet reflection.This shift in perspective feels like it could be the beginning of a new chapter in my spiritual journey. I'm both excited and a little nervous about where it might lead. But if there's one thing I'm taking away from today's reflection, it's this: love - deep, personal, intimate love - seems to be at the core of what the Divine desires from us.As I close this entry, I'm left with a question: How can I cultivate a spiritual life that honors both the majesty and the deeply personal nature of the Divine?until next timeChaplain Mark

When God Said 'I Do' Instead of 'Thou Shalt'

Diggin-deeper Christian Counseling