This week, writer, poet, photographer, and editor Amelia Friedline asks, "Are quiet little thumbnail sketches of my particular corner of the universe worth anything when the world is rent by war, injustice, and all other kinds of evil?" Find Amelia at www.innocenceabroad.com

The post S4:E6 – Amelia Freidline, What is Poetry for? appeared first on Matthew Clark.

It is costly to love, isn't it? But, because of what Christ has revealed about reality, we can afford it. This is what I'm looking at this week on the podcast. Also: I've got a new single releasing this Friday, March 25th! Visit matthewclark.net and click the pre-save on Spotify button!

The post S4:E5 – What superabundance affords us appeared first on Matthew Clark.

It's no small thing to keep doing the small things. Last night, our small group started reading Richard Foster's "Celebration of Discipline" and I was reminded that willpower will disappoint us, but keeping at the little practices that keep us close and open to the Lord, cultivates healing by keeping us in contact with the Life of our life.

The post S4:E4 – Like a tree planted by the streams appeared first on Matthew Clark.

Recently, a friend on facebook asked "why is it so hard to apologize?" Well, that got me thinking, "Yeah! Why does it feel so scary to admit we're wrong and as for forgiveness?" I know that feeling, and this week I'll share some thoughts on and close with an original song off my "Beautiful Secret Life" album.

The post S4:E3 – Why is it so hard to apologize? appeared first on Matthew Clark.

This week, I'm sharing a concept I learned in counseling that has stuck with me, and some reflection on what makes change and healing possible. How do we grow? I'll end with a favorite G.M. Hopkins poem. In other news: the first single from my new album releases March 4th! Stay tuned!

The post S4:E2 – Open System/Closed System: Welcoming New Hope appeared first on Matthew Clark.

Welcome to Season 4 of One Thousand Words! This week, I'll be sharing about one of the surprising last things Moses did before he died and the rabbit trail it led me down, and I'll read a few lyrics from one of my favorite old Rich Mullins' songs. Subscribe and share, if you enjoy this episode, and sign up for my newsletter over at matthewclark.net.

The post S4:E1 – The Furious Love Song of a Dying Man appeared first on Matthew Clark.

What is a face? What does it mean for someone to face us, for us to have to face ourselves, and how does facing and being faced by Jesus change us? It is scary to turn and face Jesus, because we’re afraid God doesn’t really love us. But the one who dares to look finds out the shocking good news and comes away singing, “God has made his face to shine upon us!” Seeing Jesus see us as his beloved, changes the way we see ourselves.

The post S3:E30 – Season 3 Finale: The Light of a Face appeared first on Matthew Clark.

This week, guest essayist Maribeth Barber will explore what Wendell Berry means when he implores us to “do something that won’t compute”— arguing that it’s less about rebelling against the culture for rebellion’s sake, and more about living and loving well. Maribeth's debut novel "Operation Lionhearted" releases 10/13/21, find out more: maribethbarber.com

The post S3:E29 – Maribeth Barber, The Defiance of Laughter appeared first on Matthew Clark.

This week we'll welcome a guest essayist from Norway, Erling Rantrud. A trained gardener, husband, father, and pastor in Sandefjord, Norway, Erling will share about God's life-giving invitation to both His work and His rest in a place where heaven and earth meet. And he'll sing a benediction for us in his native tongue!

The post S3:E28 – Erling Rantrud, There Was a Garden appeared first on Matthew Clark.

Jesus says, “The Father is seeking worshipers who worship in spirit and truth.” What does that mean? What kind of relationship does God hope to have with us? I'm looking at Psalm 88 and John 4 for clues about life, God, and real connection in love. How do the (often uncomfortable things) God chooses not to edit out of his book demonstrate his vulnerability and invite us to be vulnerable with him?

The post S3:E27 – Showing Up in Spirit and Truth appeared first on Matthew Clark.