by Chris Maxwell | Jun 9, 2018 | Blog, Book Excerpts
My hands hold your Holy Body Me, Mary, the Hebrew girl next door Holding a Holy God God with us God with me God, please be with me My heart has never beat faster My head is full of reflection Joseph comforts me with his touch Father, please comfort him tonight We’ve...
by Chris Maxwell | May 29, 2018 | Blog, Book Excerpts
I’m listening to Nickel Creek’s song “Doubting Thomas” as I’m typing—seeing what words come out for this chapter. Words from my own doubt. Words from many years of internal questions and external responses. Words here in the now as I remember biblical stories and...
by Chris Maxwell | May 25, 2018 | Blog
The fear of failure can lead toward not trying at all—which can be a failure. And, the stress of an unknown future can rob us of a joyful, peaceful assurance in the now. Becoming aware of our dreams and our doubts provides honest views of ourselves. Doubt is okay as...
by Chris Maxwell | May 22, 2018 | Blog
Diversity and unity can help us walk out of our own doors to see the outside splendor. And it can help us walk outside those doors with a friend—of a different race or tradition or stream—walking with us. I’ve been thinking of one experience during a Sunday service at...
by Chris Maxwell | May 14, 2018 | Blog
Today, dear God, Guide my hopes and selfish schemes to peer beyond the in-betweens. Then steer my love to life around me. Each day, all day, help me to stay in pace with You. Can You help, heal? Slow me down, make me real? Dear God, today, I pray You will. (by Chris...
by Chris Maxwell | May 8, 2018 | Blog
Travel back in time with me to a quiet shore on the Sea of Tiberius. The sun’s rays have just begun chasing the gray dawn away, casting light upon a ragged band of disillusioned disciples rising and falling with the waves. John 21 hints that the small crew had caught...
by Chris Maxwell | May 5, 2018 | Blog, Book Excerpts
See possibilities for acts of kindness. Choose to live in love, replacing missed opportunities with ministry moments: • Smile at a friend. Thank them for the many blessings they bring your way. • Smile at a stranger. A glance from eyes of one displaying God’s love is...
by Chris Maxwell | May 2, 2018 | Blog, Book Excerpts
The family never spent Christmas that way before. They would never spend it that way again. Opening presents and eating meals couldn’t turn their minds toward holiday gusto. Not that year. Tears replaced laughter. Fears flavored moods. Carolyn, whose humor normally...
by Chris Maxwell | Apr 22, 2018 | Blog, Book Excerpts
Pausing doesn’t end correctly by concluding with a time of respite and reflection. Those are appetizers preparing us to be the people we truly crave to be. It isn’t all internal. It moves us forward, upward, outward. What do we become? World changers. Lovers. Friends....
by Chris Maxwell | Apr 17, 2018 | Blog, Book Excerpts
By taking a little time to reflect and pause, we might not rush past the now. By appreciating the messy yards as we gently guide our kids toward better habits, we might find wonder and grace in times of correction and teaching. By looking back at their younger days...
