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Power of hope or love, christian devotion background, bible study group concept. A group of people are gathered around a table with their hands outstretched in prayer over a Holy Bible.

<figure id="figure-3vh4cpwlytm3ctv7vy"><img id="3vh4cpwlytm3ctv7vy" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3aW7mFwAmkShqPbhKbg85bdxOyMeWxyRKfId4I5tvMPuABAnKh0NlTYXAiLJkmkt.jpg" alt="Young psychologist woman listening to unrecognizable patient during psychological therapy" title="Young psychologist woman listening to unrecognizable patient during psychological therapy" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 30% 5%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="30%" data-positiony="5%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3aW7mFwAmkShqPbhKbg85bdxOyMeWxyRKfId4I5tvMPuABAnKh0NlTYXAiLJkmkt.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 30% 5%;"></figure>Dear Reader,I've been thinking a lot today about what it means to live authentically with others. Sometimes I catch myself holding back, waiting for others to make the first move in showing kindness or respect. But that's not how I want to live. I want to be the one who steps forward first, who takes the initiative in showing others they matter.Had an interesting realization during some sessions last week - it's not enough to just be present. Real connection means actually letting myself feel what others are feeling. When Sarah shared about her promotion, I noticed how my genuine excitement for her made her smile even brighter. And when Mike opened up about his dad's health struggles, allowing myself to sit with him in that heaviness somehow made the burden seem more bearable for both of us.I've been observing some folks in our group who seem to have built walls around their emotions - kind of like emotional fortress. Can't help but wonder what experiences led them there. It reminds me of those old stone statues - perfectly crafted but forever frozen in one expression. That used to be me, actually. Safer to stay detached, I thought.But that's not what real community is about. We're meant to be "living stones" as the old text says - and today that phrase hit differently. Solid, yes, but also warm and responsive. I'm learning it's okay to let my face show what my heart feels. No more hiding behind a polite mask.Note to self: Work on being more expressive, more present. Real strength isn't in staying emotionally distant but in being brave enough to truly share life with others - all of it, the celebrations and the hard stuff too.Tomorrow's goal: Make a point to really engage with at least one person's joy or struggle. Not just nod along, but actually let myself feel it with them.Until next time,&nbsp;Chaplain Mark

Breaking News: Local Stone Shows Signs of Life

Hand giving heart love help support kindness

<figure id="figure-b4eqzmfkmm3bhnooe"><img id="b4eqzmfkmm3bhnooe" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/32dl2FWdM4Wa3yhXTEMjat3ZH70w8GeOEaoDsWzyLMZn6okw3omLu9Cv6icONZnO.jpg" alt="Hand giving heart love help support kindness" title="Hand giving heart love help support kindness" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Coffee in hand, Bible open to Romans, and BAM! - two verses pretty much jumped off the page and smacked me right between the eyes this morning. You know those moments when Scripture suddenly hits different? Romans 12:6 and 1 Peter 4:10 tag-teamed my theology today, and honestly, I had to laugh at how my younger self would've read these same verses about spiritual gifts. Talk about a perspective shift!I used to think spiritual gifts were all about the dramatic moments - you know, like speaking in tongues or performing miracles. I remember feeling almost inadequate because I wasn't experiencing these dramatic manifestations. But as I sat with Romans 12 this morning, something clicked. Paul doesn't even mention those dramatic gifts in this chapter. Instead, he's talking about something much more organic and natural.It's like watching my crew of nieces and nephews grow up - each one so different, yet following the same wild journey from nursery to classroom. Israel came fully loaded from day one - tiny fingers, button nose, all systems go - but definitely wasn't ready for the complex math problems he now tackles in class (though I swear he was born with that analytical mind!). Hannah arrived with her signature sweet smile (still lights up her school photos), and now she's amazing us with her creative writing and artistic flair. Then there's Jeremiah, who went from those first wobbly steps to becoming our resident sports enthusiast, bringing home stories of playground adventures. And little Keziah, the youngest, is just starting to show her personality, already mastering the art of expressing exactly what she wants without saying a word. None of them came with an instruction manual or a fast-forward button from birth to school age - it's all been this beautiful, messy process of steady growth, from first words to first math problems, and countless "Did you see that?" moments shared when they come to visit.I'm starting to see my own spiritual gifts in the same way. They're not sudden supernatural powers that appeared overnight. Rather, they're abilities that have gradually emerged as I've grown in my faith. The more time I spend in prayer, in the Word, and in fellowship with other believers, the more naturally certain abilities seem to flow. It's like watching a garden grow - you plant the seeds, tend them faithfully, and gradually see the fruits emerge.What's really hitting home is how this connects to grace. These gifts aren't about my own effort or achievement - they're expressions of God's grace working in my life over time. Just like a child naturally develops abilities as they grow, I'm finding that certain spiritual capabilities are emerging as I continue growing in my relationship with God.Looking back, I can see how my gift for encouragement (which I used to think was just "being nice") has developed over years of walking with the Lord. It's not something that suddenly appeared - it grew gradually as I learned to recognize and respond to the Holy Spirit's promptings. The same goes for my ability to teach in small groups. Five years ago, I would have been terrified, but now it feels like a natural expression of what God has been growing in me.This understanding is so freeing. I don't need to strain for dramatic manifestations or compare my gifts to others'. Instead, I can focus on faithfully growing in my relationship with God, trusting that He'll continue to develop and express His gifts through me in His perfect timing.Note to self: Look more into Romans 12 this week. There's probably more here about how these gifts are meant to function within the body of Christ. Also, spend some time reflecting on how other gifts might be developing that I haven't recognized yet.

Not Your Average Unboxing: Opening God's Gift Package

<figure id="figure-73gfreootsm39zgpqg"><img id="73gfreootsm39zgpqg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fFxP2T971hBnWpR5hx28Ytm8VtQDwDof1ql2sjWuap1EdnVTew1WDvAuLAlrpVEn.jpg" alt="Men and women sitting in circle reading Bible book during group therapy." title="Men and women sitting in circle reading Bible book during group therapy." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg selected" 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/fFxP2T971hBnWpR5hx28Ytm8VtQDwDof1ql2sjWuap1EdnVTew1WDvAuLAlrpVEn.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-mce-selected="1"></figure>Dear Journal,Today I was thinking deeply about my place in our church community. You know how sometimes I get caught up comparing myself to others, especially Sarah who seems to be amazing at organizing all those youth events? Well, I had this profound realization during Bible study when we were reading Romans 12.It hit me - it's actually beautiful that we're all different. Just like I wouldn't expect my eyes and nose to do the same job (ha!), why do I keep thinking I should be able to do everything others can do? I mean, when I'm leading a counseling session, I feel so in my element. That's my thing. But put me in charge of organizing a bake sale like Jessica does, and I'd be completely lost!It's funny, I was watching everyone during service today and noticed how Courney has this amazing way of making newcomers feel welcome (something I'm honestly terrible at), while quiet Mable somehow always knows exactly when someone needs prayer. Even the Thompson sisters, who are practically twins, have such different gifts - Emily's incredible with the toddlers while Katie shines in the tech booth.I guess what I'm learning is that it's okay - actually, it's perfect - that I can't do what others do. That's exactly how it's supposed to be. Instead of feeling bad about what I can't do, I should celebrate what each person brings to our community.Note to self: Remember to tell Gabby how much her administrative skills mean to the church. I used to feel intimidated by how organized she is, but now I see how her abilities complement mine rather than diminish them.Reading this passage today really changed my perspective. I feel lighter somehow, like I can finally stop trying to be everything to everyone and just focus on being the best version of my unique self.Will write more tomorrow, Chaplain Mark

When God Turned Me Into a Mr. Potato Head: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Do not be fashioned according to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind..." — Romans 12:2 "But we all with unveiled face, beholding and reflecting like a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord Spirit." — 2 Corinthians 3:18Dear reader,I've been sitting here for an hour, just thinking about what real change means. Not the surface stuff I usually do - you know, when I try to fix everything by acting different or putting on a good face. But real, deep-down change.Those verses about transformation hit different today. Usually, I'd just read past them, but something made me stop. Maybe because I'm tired of pretending. Tired of trying to force myself to be better through sheer willpower. It never lasts anyway.It's funny - I was watching this nature documentary the other day about how caterpillars transform into butterflies. It's not just about growing wings or changing colors. The whole caterpillar literally dissolves inside the chrysalis before becoming something new. That's the kind of change I'm starting to realize I need. Not just better habits or a nicer attitude, but something that changes me at my core.The word "metabolism" keeps floating around in my head. Like how my body doesn't just hold the food I eat - it breaks it down, absorbs it, becomes something new with it. Maybe that's what real spiritual change is supposed to be like. Not me trying to add Jesus to my life like an accessory, but letting His life actually become mine, changing me from the inside in ways I can't force or fake.I'm tired of the mask. Tired of trying to change myself by myself. It's exhausting, and honestly? It never works for long. I want that metabolic kind of change - the kind that happens naturally because something real is working inside me.Been thinking about my friend Sarah. Remember how she kept trying different makeup to fix her skin? Nothing worked until she changed what she was putting into her body. Months later, her skin was different because she was different on the inside. No quick fix, no surface solution. Just real change that happened naturally because something healthy was working inside her.That's what I want. Not another self-improvement project. Not another round of trying harder. Something real. Something deep. Something that changes me because it's alive and working inside me, not because I'm forcing it.Maybe that's what transformation really is. Not me trying to change myself, but letting a real life - His life - work its way through me until I'm different, like nutrients changing Sarah from the inside out.I don't want to just look different. I want to BE different. And maybe for the first time, I'm starting to understand that real change isn't about what I do - it's about what I let happen inside me.Tomorrow's going to come, and I'll probably forget half of this. But right now, this feels real. This feels true. And maybe that's enough for today.

Metamorphosis for Dummies: When Trying Harder Just Isn't Cutting It

<figure id="figure-4q04gmfklfm372vd2g"><img id="4q04gmfklfm372vd2g" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4qnOWqXH7nWMnI82y8cWYdjAt44RvRYakEVdpelaX3ICfhFbLTpShjJDBZv5BXT6.jpg" alt="At the psychologist" title="At the psychologist" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg selected" 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/4qnOWqXH7nWMnI82y8cWYdjAt44RvRYakEVdpelaX3ICfhFbLTpShjJDBZv5BXT6.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-mce-selected="1"></figure>Dear readder - Reading those verses again today hit different... especially about being grafted in (Rom 11:17) and Christ living in me (Gal 2:20). Had this huge realization during my quiet time - I've been thinking about this all wrong!Been struggling so much with wanting to just erase myself completely and become some perfect "Christian version." But today I finally got it - that's not even what God wants! It's like He showed me His way is so much better than my way.Instead of just throwing "me" away, He actually wants to transform who I am. It's like spiritual antibiotics (weird comparison but it makes sense in my head 😅). Like how medicine doesn't kill the whole body, just the bad stuff.The more I sat with this, the more it hit me... every time I tell Jesus I love Him and want to be closer, He's actually working on this transformation. He's got everything needed - both the part that deals with my issues AND the part that helps me grow.Honestly teared up thinking about my personality that I've hated so much... He doesn't even want to trash it. He wants to USE it. Just needs to clean it up first.Feel like I can breathe easier knowing this. Like maybe I don't have to fight against being "me" anymore? Just need to let Him do His work in me.Note to self: Remember this next time I'm beating myself up about not being "Christian enough." This is His way - not replacement, but transformation.Thank You Jesus for showing me this today. 🙏Until tomorrowChaplain Mark

When God Says "New You" Doesn't Mean "Not You

<figure id="figure-2h1j6rwgyom35q36n9"><img id="2h1j6rwgyom35q36n9" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2enf17GTGCyeWKegzmwo3uTRM71d28CzNLBQPDBvLbTHR1D7542zHQ8bYz8kiL7O.jpg" alt="" title="" 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/covers/2enf17GTGCyeWKegzmwo3uTRM71d28CzNLBQPDBvLbTHR1D7542zHQ8bYz8kiL7O.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear Reader - Something clicked for me this morning while I was charging my phone. I know it sounds strange, but watching that little battery icon fill up made me think about those verses I've been studying about being grafted into Christ and Him being the vine.I was sitting at my desk, watching my nearly dead phone come back to life after plugging it in, when it struck me - this is exactly what spiritual grafting is like! My phone has its own battery, its own capacity for life, but when it's running low, it doesn't need a battery replacement. It just needs to be connected to a power source. The original battery stays, but it's filled with new power.The really interesting part is how my phone has to be compatible with the charger. I can't just plug in any random power source - it has to be the right type of connection. It reminded me of what I read about how humans were made in God's image. That's our compatibility! Just like my phone was designed specifically to receive power from a certain type of charger, we were designed to receive life from God.Had to pause writing for a moment because this next realization hit me hard: When my phone is connected to power, it doesn't have to strain or struggle to receive the electricity. It just needs to maintain the connection. Isn't that exactly what Jesus meant about abiding in Him? I've been trying so hard to "be better" when maybe I just need to focus on staying connected.Another thing - when my phone is charging, it doesn't lose its identity or its functions. My apps don't disappear, my settings don't change, my photos stay the same. The power source just enables everything to work as it was designed to. That's what it means when they say Christ's life doesn't eliminate our personality but enhances it! My mind, emotions, and choices remain mine, but they're energized by His life.Even the charging animation makes more sense now - how the battery icon shows the power gradually filling up all the empty space. That's how transformation works. It's not instant, but steady and progressive, filling every part of our being with new life.Side note: Just realized this might be a helpful way to explain things to my teenage nephew who's been asking questions about what it means to be "in Christ." He's always on his phone anyway - this analogy might click for him.Questions to think about tomorrow:When my phone is charging, it can still do everything it normally does, but with constant power. What would my day look like if I stayed as consciously connected to Christ's life? The phone shows a clear indicator when it's connected to power. What are the indicators in my life that show I'm drawing from Christ's life? Why do I sometimes feel as drained as a dead battery? Am I trying to run on my own limited power instead of staying connected? Something else I noticed - even a fully charged phone needs to stay connected for intensive tasks like gaming or video streaming. Maybe that's why some situations in my life feel more draining than others. Need to think more about this tomorrow.Before bed: Read John 15:5 again with this new perspective. Also, send a quick text to Pastor Jim about sharing this illustration in next week's small group. Might help others who struggle with understanding what being "grafted in" really means.P.S. Amazing how God can use something as ordinary as charging a phone to explain deep spiritual truths. Feeling grateful for this new understanding. Need to pay more attention to everyday moments like this - they might contain more wisdom than I realize.Until tomorrowChaplain Mark

How My Dead Phone Taught Me About Living Faith

Diggin-deeper Christian Counseling

Welcome to Diggin-deeper Christian Counseling
Our Ministry
Located in Sparta, Michigan, Diggin-deeper Christian Counseling stands as a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual renewal and personal transformation. Our ministry is built on the foundation of faith-based guidance, offering a haven where individuals can freely explore their relationship with God while addressing life's challenges.

We believe that true healing and growth happen when spiritual wisdom meets professional counseling. Through our Christ-centered approach, we help clients:

Discover deeper meaning in their faith journey
Build stronger relationships
Navigate life's challenges with Biblical wisdom
Foster emotional and spiritual well-being
Find practical solutions to personal struggles
Meet Chaplain Mark

As the founder of Diggin-deeper Christian Counseling, Chaplain Mark brings both professional expertise and heartfelt dedication to his role as your Community Chaplain. With a Master's degree in Christian counseling, he combines academic knowledge with genuine compassion to provide comprehensive spiritual support.

His Approach
Chaplain Mark's counseling style is rooted in:

Compassionate listening
Biblical wisdom
Professional expertise
Practical guidance
Spiritual encouragement
He specializes in helping individuals through:

Relationship challenges
Anxiety and depression
Faith exploration and growth
Personal development
Life transitions
His Mission
Chaplain Mark is dedicated to creating a welcoming space where you can:

Share your struggles without judgment
Explore your faith journey openly
Receive professional guidance
Develop practical coping tools
Strengthen your relationship with God
Discover your divine purpose
Our Promise to You
At Diggin-deeper, we understand that seeking counseling is a significant step. We promise to provide:

A safe, confidential environment
Christ-centered guidance
Professional expertise
Practical solutions
Ongoing support
Genuine compassion
Your journey toward healing and wholeness begins here. Let us walk alongside you as you discover God's purpose for your life and experience the transformative power of faith-based counseling.

 
Located in Sparta, Michigan, Diggin-deeper Christian Counseling welcomes all who seek spiritual guidance and personal growth through Christ-centered counseling.

Contact us today to begin your journey toward spiritual and emotional well-being.

Daily Grace Notes

Breaking News: Local Stone Shows Signs of Life

Not Your Average Unboxing: Opening God's Gift Package

When God Turned Me Into a Mr. Potato Head: A Journey of S...

Metamorphosis for Dummies: When Trying Harder Just Isn't ...

When God Says "New You" Doesn't Mean "Not You

How My Dead Phone Taught Me About Living Faith