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<figure id="figure-9u6bjrgs9dm34amzdf"><img id="9u6bjrgs9dm34amzdf" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3aIEvLKyqQoACQb1KVNkjeV74fKsGB6GstKZDDbKnJRofLgyKqKvBeY4ZjCZ1pk1.jpg" alt="Christian group of people holding hands praying worship to believe and Bible on a wooden table for devotional or prayer meeting concept."n" title="Christian group of people holding hands praying worship to believe and Bible on a wooden table for devotional or prayer meeting concept."n" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 60%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="60%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>I'm sitting at my desk looking out my window. It's 5:00 am, and the darkness is just beginning to give way to the first hints of dawn. There's something about these quiet moments before the world wakes up that opens my heart to deeper reflection. As I watch the gradual transition from night to day, it mirrors something deep within my own spiritual journey.Sometimes I feel so... empty. Like there's this space within me that aches to be filled. I used to think this emptiness was a flaw, something to be fixed or covered up. As I sit here watching the darkness slowly yield to the coming light, I realize something profound about this emptiness inside me.What if this void isn't a flaw at all? What if it's actually by design?I've been meditating on this verse from 2 Corinthians about having "treasure in earthen vessels." For the longest time, I felt almost offended by being called an earthen vessel - it seemed so basic, so mundane. But today, I'm seeing it differently. There's something beautiful about being a vessel, about being designed with purpose, about having the capacity to contain something - or rather, Someone - greater than myself.It's funny how I keep trying to be the treasure when maybe my real glory is in being the vessel that can hold it. Like how my hands can be gentle - but it's not really my gentleness that matters. My gentleness is just the container, the shape, waiting to be filled with His gentleness. When that happens, it's like... it's like the difference between a glove lying lifeless on a table and a glove filled with a living hand.I'm starting to understand that all these aspects of my personality - my capacity for love, for joy, for patience - they're not just random traits. They're like carefully crafted spaces waiting to be filled. It's both humbling and exciting to think about. Humbling because it reminds me that on my own, I'm just an empty vessel. But exciting because it means I was made with such incredible purpose - to contain and express something divine.Had a moment of clarity while washing dishes (isn't it funny how these insights often come during the most mundane tasks?): Maybe all my striving to "be better" has been missing the point. Maybe instead of trying to manufacture my own light, I just need to focus on being a better vessel - more open, more available, more willing to be filled.There's this mystery Paul talks about - "Christ in you, the hope of glory." I always thought of glory as something bright and showy, but maybe true glory is this quiet miracle of being a vessel that can actually contain and express divine life. Like how a tea cup doesn't just hold tea, it gives it shape, makes it accessible, gives it form.Question to ponder tomorrow: In what areas of my life am I trying to be the treasure instead of simply being a vessel willing to contain it? Where am I striving to generate light instead of just receiving and expressing it?Note to self: This changes how I see my weaknesses too. Maybe they're not obstacles to overcome but rather opportunities for His strength to be more clearly seen, like how a crack in a clay pot can let more light shine through...

5 am reflections, vessel in waiting

<h2>The Marvel of Human Creation</h2><figure id="figure-e5shri65qm32o52c0"><img id="e5shri65qm32o52c0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30axB3isEqnf0QPgPv3ywVqqOp0koWo2XaqMyU36QwV7s53LPZhL2KpU7i0lHNIA.jpg" alt="Close-up of a therapist gesticulating while talking to a group of listing teenagers during an educational self-acceptance and motivation meeting." title="Close-up of a therapist gesticulating while talking to a group of listing teenagers during an educational self-acceptance and motivation meeting." 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"/></figure>Genesis 1:26 reveals our original purpose Acts 7:56 shows the culmination - humanity perfectly united with divinity in ChristThis morning my morning watch brought me to Genesis 1:26 and Acts 7:56 which talks about our place in creation. These verses opened my eyes to something amazing about who we are. What strikes me most is how these passages reveal our special relationship with God.The concept of human life being the pinnacle of creation challenges my previous assumptions. I used to think, like many others, that angels must be superior beings. But reflecting on scripture has shown me something remarkable - we humans were specifically designed to be vessels for divine life in a way that even angels weren't.What makes this especially meaningful to me is understanding that we weren't just randomly evolved, but purposefully crafted in God's image. It's humbling to think that when God looks at humanity, He sees a reflection of Himself - not in our physical form, but in our essential nature. We bear His likeness in our capacity for love, creativity, and relationship.The incarnation of Christ adds another fascinating dimension to this truth. Through Jesus, God didn't just create us in His image - He actually became one of us. This wasn't just God reaching down; it was God elevating humanity. Christ bridged the gap between divine and human nature in a way that transforms how I see both God and humanity.Personal Reflection:Do I truly value the dignity of human life as God does? How does bearing God's image affect my daily choices and interactions? What does it mean for me personally that God chose to become human rather than any other form of creation? What moves me most is realizing that while we were created with God's image and likeness, Christ brought something more - the actual reality of God dwelling within human nature. This wasn't just about appearance or similarity anymore; it was about genuine divine presence.Until tomorrowChaplain Mark

The Marvel of Human Creation: Exploring Our Creative Potential

Dear Reader,I had such an eye-opening reflection today about Romans 9:21. You know how sometimes a familiar verse suddenly hits you differently? Well, I was thinking about this image of a potter and clay vessels, and it really struck me - this isn't just some random metaphor. It's actually revealing God's whole purpose in creating us!It's funny how we often think about our purpose in terms of what we do - like being successful, or even serving in ministry. But what if it's much simpler and yet more profound than that? What if we're basically designed to be containers? Not just any containers, but vessels specifically crafted to hold God Himself.The more I think about it, the more beautiful it becomes. It's like He didn't create us just to be His workers or even His servants - He made us with this incredible capacity to actually contain Him. Like those earthen vessels mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:7, we're these simple clay containers meant to hold an incredible treasure.What really touches me is how personal this makes everything. It's not about performing or achieving - it's about being filled, about letting Him literally live in me and through me. When I think about it this way, even my ordinary daily life takes on this deeper meaning. Every moment becomes an opportunity to let His life flow through mine, to let His nature blend with mine while still being uniquely me.It's kind of overwhelming to think that this might be my actual destiny - not just to serve God from a distance, but to be so filled with Him that we become one in life and nature. Not in some weird way that erases who I am, but in a way that makes me more truly myself than ever.I want to remember this next time I feel pressured about "doing enough" for God. Maybe it's not so much about doing as it is about being - being a vessel, being filled, being one with Him.Note to self: Reflect more on what it practically means to live as a vessel day by day...

God's Tupperware: It's Not What You Think

<figure id="figure-isgbz7ykvsm2zygc58"><img id="isgbz7ykvsm2zygc58" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12ryGx7dHKGA4bbC1W4i65SJx63I91TAzTU59e80HOSQT9AkEziZoyXU7fhH8YMM.jpg" alt="Mother and son having emotional conversation during family therapy session" title="Mother and son having emotional conversation during family therapy session" 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"/></figure>Something really struck me today as I was reading Romans 9:15-16. All this time, I've been thinking about God's grace, but I don't think I fully understood how different mercy is from grace until now.The verse keeps echoing in my mind: "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy." At first, it might sound arbitrary, but now I see it's showing the depths of God's heart. He chooses to reach down to us in our worst state - not because we deserve it, but because that's who He is.I had this moment of clarity when I thought about it like this: If my good friend gives me a Bible as a gift, that's grace - it's a beautiful gesture between friends. But mercy? Mercy is different. Mercy is when you see someone who's completely destitute, someone who can't give anything back, and you help them anyway. That's what God did for me.The thing is, I wasn't just unprepared for God's grace - I was completely unworthy of it. I needed something that could reach deeper than grace. I needed mercy. It's humbling to realize that I was so far from God that His grace alone couldn't bridge the gap. I needed His mercy first.Before I could even receive His grace, His mercy had to reach down and lift me up. Like that verse says - it's not about my will or my efforts, but about God who shows mercy. I couldn't run fast enough or try hard enough. I needed His mercy first.Thank You, Lord, for showing me the difference between Your grace and mercy. Thank You that You didn't wait for me to be worthy of grace - You reached down with mercy first. Help me never forget that it was Your mercy that bridged the gap. Let me be someone who shows that same kind of mercy to others.

today I Saw The Difference Between Mercy and Grace

<figure id="figure-7tlv5k3c74m2yglt7e"><img id="7tlv5k3c74m2yglt7e" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29oLLO5gguaGQPvkjvUQOfLgZyalI9FLuiF25bTQGnYP4ltJIvkz1q2shqMs0snK.jpg" alt="Men, home and bible with support for faith, worship and prayer by pastor, church or jesus christ. Elderly men, diversity and spiritual guidance for grief with loss and depression with hope in god" title="Men, home and bible with support for faith, worship and prayer by pastor, church or jesus christ. Elderly men, diversity and spiritual guidance for grief with loss and depression with hope in god" 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/29oLLO5gguaGQPvkjvUQOfLgZyalI9FLuiF25bTQGnYP4ltJIvkz1q2shqMs0snK.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear ReaderToday marks the beginning of a new month and the beginning of the end of my horrible dreams &amp; nightmares, and with it comes fresh opportunities for growth and reflection. The autumn air carries a crispness that reminds me of new beginnings. As I sit here writing, I'm aware of the gentle rhythm of my thoughts and the quiet space I've created for myself to express them.The past few days have been a journey of self-discovery and introspection. I've been thinking deeply about my relationship with myself and others, about my goals and dreams, and about the kind of person I'm becoming. It's both exciting and humbling to realize how much potential for growth lies ahead.I've noticed patterns in my daily life that I'd like to explore further. Sometimes I find myself rushing through moments that deserve more attention, while other times I linger too long on things that perhaps deserve less. Finding that balance – between action and reflection, between giving and receiving, between striving and accepting – seems to be a central theme in my life right now.There are questions I keep coming back to:What truly matters to me? How can I better serve those around me? What small steps can I take today that will lead to meaningful change? These aren't questions with easy answers, but perhaps that's the point. The journey of asking them, of sitting with the uncertainty and remaining open to possibilities, is itself a form of growth.I'm learning to be more patient with myself, to recognize that growth isn't always linear, and that setbacks are often just setups for comebacks. Each day brings new lessons, if only I remain open to receiving them.Today, I'm grateful for:The quiet moments that allow for reflection The challenges that push me to grow The inner voice that guides me forward Looking ahead, I want to remember that every moment is an opportunity to begin again, to choose differently, to be more fully present. Whether the day brings sunshine or rain, there's always something to learn, always a reason to be thankful.Until next time, Chaplain MarkP.S. A quote that resonated with me today: "The only journey is the one within."

Today's Episode of 'What Was I Thinking?'

<figure id="figure-1rvsul1tjm2x8juns"><img id="1rvsul1tjm2x8juns" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31iKAimFy1AAbYxz5rt4CxY3OEPI0CpYQtKQeIPWvKrL1VXiFaigfkzxlOJ9EqMm.jpg" alt="Christian families worship God in their homes. For a relaxed life to honor God with beautiful guitar playing and scriptures." title="Christian families worship God in their homes. For a relaxed life to honor God with beautiful guitar playing and scriptures." 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="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Today I've been reflecting deeply on this idea of spiritual growth and how we help each other along the way. It's fascinating, really - this image of a garden keeps coming to mind. Just like you can't force a seed to grow, you can't force someone's spiritual journey.I was reading about Paul's work in Corinth today. He had such a unique way of seeing his role - not as some master gardener with all the answers, but as someone who simply planted seeds of new life. It got me thinking about my own approach with people. How often do I try to force growth or fix everything, instead of just planting and watering?Something that really struck me - when people come to me for counseling, my first instinct is always to jump in with solutions. But I had this realization: I've got plenty of my own unsolved issues! Who am I to think I can fix everyone else's? Maybe that's not even the point. Maybe it's more about creating space for growth, like giving plants water and letting God handle the actual growing part.I tried something different with client last week when she came to me stressed about work. Instead of offering advice, we just read some scripture together and prayed. It felt awkward at first, like I wasn't doing enough. But there was something beautiful about it - both of us just sitting there, drinking in truth together, letting it refresh us. It felt more real somehow, more genuine than my usual attempts to fix everything.I wonder if this is what real spiritual parenting looks like - not having all the answers, but helping create the conditions where life can grow. Not solving problems, but providing nourishment. Not forcing growth, but faithfully watering and trusting God with the results.Need to think more about this. It's changing how I see my role in others' lives.Until tomorrow, Chaplain Mark

Beyond Problem-Solving: A Journey in Spiritual Nurture

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

5 am reflections, vessel in waiting

The Marvel of Human Creation: Exploring Our Creative Pote...

God's Tupperware: It's Not What You Think

today I Saw The Difference Between Mercy and Grace

Today's Episode of 'What Was I Thinking?'

Beyond Problem-Solving: A Journey in Spiritual Nurture