We come into this world fragile, unknowing, and dependent—and we leave it in much the same way. Along the way, life leaves its marks on us, not in spite of its challenges but because of them. We are shaped, scarred, and softened by the trials we face. Yet so many of us chase an illusion—aContinueContinue reading “The Purpose of Pain: Where God Meets Us”
Tag Archives: hard truths
A Hero’s Wisdom: Lessons from My Father’s Library and Encouragement for Grieving Children
All of this reflection sparked by a book has me wishing, desperately, that my dad was still here. I miss him so much—especially in moments like this, when I feel so moved by his books. He loved them. I know where he stood on them, what he believed. But when he was alive, I just…IContinueContinue reading “A Hero’s Wisdom: Lessons from My Father’s Library and Encouragement for Grieving Children”
Decoding the Disconnect: What the Bible Code Reveals About Spirituality and Society
I almost began this post with the statement, “It was just one book. I read a single book, and my entire reality began to make zero sense to me.” As I wrote that, another thought crept in: many would say, “And that’s your problem. You read too much—why do you always seek to disturb theContinueContinue reading “Decoding the Disconnect: What the Bible Code Reveals About Spirituality and Society”
When the Fight Feels Endless: On Relapse, Abuse, and Grief
Life has a way of testing us in unimaginable ways, often leaving us feeling broken, lost, and questioning the very point of it all. Whether you’re fighting to stay sober, wrestling with the shadows of abuse, or trying to make sense of grief that refuses to ease, these battles can feel insurmountable. If you’re here,ContinueContinue reading “When the Fight Feels Endless: On Relapse, Abuse, and Grief”
The Dangers of Religion and the Beauty of Faith: A Cautionary Tale
Religion, at its best, is a framework through which we seek to understand God and grow closer to Him. Yet, when misunderstood or misused, religion can distort the very truths it aims to reveal. As Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 23:13: Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut theContinueContinue reading “The Dangers of Religion and the Beauty of Faith: A Cautionary Tale”
Choosing Grace: Lessons in Faith, Emotions, and Justice
Life is a journey filled with highs and lows, moments of clarity, and times of confusion. For many, these seasons of uncertainty can stir emotions like anger, sadness, or frustration, leaving us feeling unsteady and questioning our path. This message is especially for those struggling with their own direction, weighed down by the unsolicited adviceContinueContinue reading “Choosing Grace: Lessons in Faith, Emotions, and Justice”
Starting the Year in Chaos: A Spiritual Battle, the Armor of God, and Writing Through the Storm
This was initially to be included at the end of this post, but it is far too important to make a footnote out of it: All of us here at the Twin Tree Project send love, prayers, and support to those affected by the terror attack in New Orleans, our heart home, yesterday. New OrleansContinueContinue reading “Starting the Year in Chaos: A Spiritual Battle, the Armor of God, and Writing Through the Storm”
When the Sting Comes: Wisdom and Love for 2025
When I was a kid, my father was a beekeeper. Stings were inevitable—especially for a curious, stubborn, fearless kid like me. I suppose God knew my dad would need a little extra wisdom, so He blessed him with plenty of good, old-fashioned common sense. And when it came to bee stings, my dad’s solution wasContinueContinue reading “When the Sting Comes: Wisdom and Love for 2025”
The Practice of Happiness: A Foundational Principle for 2025
As we enter a new year, it’s almost impossible to escape the tidal wave of resolutions. Everywhere, people are declaring what they won’t do, how they’ll “fix” themselves, and which habits they’ll break. This collective focus on lack—on what must be eliminated, avoided, or overcome—perpetuates the very energies of woundedness and insufficiency that many areContinueContinue reading “The Practice of Happiness: A Foundational Principle for 2025”
When God Says “No”
We’ve all heard the saying: “God always answers, even when the answer is no.” Sometimes, you’ll hear it in more digestible, encouraging words, like, “Rejection is protection,” a common motto among the “new age” community. For years, I heard it too, but it never really resonated. I didn’t truly understand it until I experienced oneContinueContinue reading “When God Says “No””
Solar Return 46: Threadbare Elegy
The profound nature of art and truth is that what’s meant to be about someone else often feels like it’s written just for us, holding a mirror to our own soul. That’s the gift of true connection—even the darker ones we share as souls. I think that’s part of what agape love truly is: notContinueContinue reading “Solar Return 46: Threadbare Elegy”
The Rot Before the Resurrection: When God Lets You Break to Build You Back (A Testament to God’s Promises)
What do you do when your life feels like it’s crumbling into dust, and God seems silent? Sometimes, it feels like He’s letting you rot—but what if that decay is the first step toward new life? Now, consider this: What if God is not silent at all? What if He’s speaking in a language thatContinueContinue reading “The Rot Before the Resurrection: When God Lets You Break to Build You Back (A Testament to God’s Promises)”
When Giving God the Glory Hurt Me—And Taught Me to Love Better
For a long time, I struggled with the phrase, “Give God the glory.” My mother used to say it constantly, especially during moments when I longed for her gratitude. As her full-time caregiver, I poured myself into serving her, yet she never thanked me—only God. It drove me crazy. Why couldn’t she see my efforts?ContinueContinue reading “When Giving God the Glory Hurt Me—And Taught Me to Love Better”
Staying the Course: Lessons in Discipline, Faith, and Choosing Love
This morning started with a sense of clarity. As I woke up, a single thought repeated in my mind: “Stay in your lane.” It wasn’t just about sticking to my goals. It was a gentle reminder to trust God’s timing and not get distracted by fleeting emotions or the noise around me. I reached forContinueContinue reading “Staying the Course: Lessons in Discipline, Faith, and Choosing Love”
A Solstice Meditation: On Gratitude, Pain, and the Courage to Speak Truth
A Journey into Gratitude and Awakening Winter solstice has arrived, marking the longest night of the year, and I’ve been reflecting deeply on the lessons of my life—particularly on the pain that has shaped me and the truths it has revealed. The solstice reminds us that even the darkest moments have their purpose, for itContinueContinue reading “A Solstice Meditation: On Gratitude, Pain, and the Courage to Speak Truth”
Confronting Darkness: A Call to Sacred Healing and Connection
Growing up, I often debated with my father and his church elder friends about morality and religion. I believed, way back then, that moral character could exist independently of faith—that knowing the difference between right and wrong was enough. My youthful self argued that choosing good simply required knowledge and a personal commitment to actContinueContinue reading “Confronting Darkness: A Call to Sacred Healing and Connection”