Crusade with Me

Crusade with Me! I’m so glad you’re here today. This is episode 69, and we’ve just returned from a weeklong sabbatical in beautiful, sun-drenched Key West. We took this trip with intention — not just to relax, but to reconnect. To pause. To breathe. To recognize the Divine in the rhythm of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and the stillness that invites praise.

This episode is about just that — recognizing the Divine and pausing to praise. It’s about how rest is not weakness, but power. How stepping away can bring you back stronger. And how each of us is called to strive in our lives — not with frantic energy, but with holy purpose. With clarity. With joy.

We're focusing on the flow—the grace of just being here, together.

Today’s conversation is about ease, about rhythm, about learning how to move through life without forcing it. This episode has the heartbeat of something ancient—gentle strength, surrender, and joy.

Today’s not just any episode—it’s personal. Because today… I turn 60 years old.

And maybe that number doesn’t feel big to you—but to me, it’s a marker. A signpost. A moment that invites a deep breath.

So we’re doing something different. We’re going on a trip. A real vacation to a place we’ve always wanted to visit but never have.

And you know what? I wrestled with that.

“Is this selfish? Should I be doing more? Is this wasteful?”

And the question that really settled in my soul was this:

“Is it okay to just… be?”

Today’s episode continues our theme of being real. Not a version of real that plays tough or brags about pain—but truly real. The kind that drops the mask… first in front of the mirror, and then in front of the world.

We’ve all worn one. A mask of invincibility. Of religiosity. Of numbness. Maybe it’s the mask of productivity, of laughter, of being “fine.” But beneath the smile… God sees. And more importantly—God loves.

Whether you’ve listened to every episode or you’re just catching up, today we’re going to tie together the last three episodes — episodes 62, 63, and 64 — into one powerful reminder of the journey we’re on together.

This week, we’ve been focusing on what it means to be real, rooted, and rising. It’s about stepping out of hiding, planting deep roots in God’s truth, and flowing forward with courage. Let’s dive in.

Today we go deeper. If you thought last episode stirred your heart, then stay with me now because this is where we get real. I want you to hear me: this is your time. No more hiding. No more masks. Only rising.

So, take a breath, clear your mind, and let’s step together onto the Way — not as someone you’re pretending to be, but as who God made you to be.

We’re going to look back at where we’ve been, tie it all together, from much earlier episodes, and press forward. And here’s our focus: becoming real. Real with God, real with ourselves, and real with others.

If life’s been heavy lately — if you’ve been feeling small, tired, or overwhelmed — stay right here. Because today, we are going to lift our eyes and see something bigger than the weights we carry. We’re going to remember the One who moves mountains and sets the stars in place. And in doing that, we’ll find the strength and peace to take the next step on our road back to Eden.

"The Road Reopened: The Flaming Sword Removed"

"Walking the Narrow Way: From Wilderness to Garden"

"Guarding the Tree of Life: Living as a Crusader of Eden"

once you taste the life God intended for you — there’s a new mission: Now, you become a guardian of that life. A keeper of the flame. A crusader of Eden.

Our episode is called 'Guarding the Tree of Life: Living as a Crusader of Eden.' Because this isn’t just about going home — it’s about standing watch, protecting what’s sacred, and living so that others are drawn to the life you’ve found.