Words from the Wilderness

Today I’m remembering a special hike I took with my family years ago—one that taught me the value of going further and climbing higher.  In faith, as in hiking, we can become complacent and decide there’s no reason to press onward.  But as I learned all those years ago, great things come to those who leave the tourist trail for the great unknown.

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When I listen to the chorus of the little spring peepers, the frogs that sing on these warming evenings, I’m struck by their harmonized sound.  As it turns out, these frogs have a special trick that helps them stay in unity with each other—one that just might help us achieve peace in our world as well.

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In these cold winter days, I enjoy watching the songbirds who flock to my backyard feeding station.  However, what I don’t enjoy is their tendency to compete with each other—in a way that sort of reminds me of how we as humans behave at times.  In a cutthroat world, what might happen if we chose cooperation over competition? That’s the inspiration behind today’s release.  Please enjoy “Birdfeeder Battle”!

Find photos and more here:  https://www.wordsfromthewilderness.com/birdfeeder-battle/ 

What’s your go-to pair of shoes?  For me, it’s my old work boots.  I’ve had these boots for years, and they’ve carried me through hundreds of grand adventures—and misadventures—in the natural world.  But today, I’m thinking about another pair of shoes—the spiritual footwear we need to survive in this world.  What is this spiritual footwear, and how can we choose it even when the world offers us such tempting alternatives?  I hope you enjoy “Boots on the Ground”!

Find photos and more here:  https://www.wordsfromthewilderness.com/boots-on-the-ground/

Despite the joy of Christmas and the holiday season, not everything is merry and bright right now.  I’m facing a lot of challenges, and I’m sure that you are as well.  So how can we respond when winter seems to have the final word?  That’s the message of my release today.  Drawing inspiration from the white-throated sparrows that flock in my backyard and neighborhood, I’m exploring a radical paradox:  that the way to face our greatest pain might just be through the path of passionate praise.

Find photos and more here:  https://www.wordsfromthewilderness.com/winter-song/ 

Yes, you read that title right!  Today, I’m recounting the acts I take to help local wildlife during the winter season—and the unexpected spiritual application as we look toward Christmas and set our hearts on the Savior.  After a year that has rubbed our souls rough, it’s more important than ever that we make space for Christ’s Presence this Christmas season.  I hope “Advent and Animals” helps you do just that!

Find photos and more here:  https://www.wordsfromthewilderness.com/advent-and-animals/ 

As I roam the woods in this special time, I’m noticing how different the trees appear now that their leaves have mostly drifted to the forest floor.  And as a result, I’m thinking about the parallel in our own lives.  What comes into view when our outer circumstances shift?  And how can we stop hiding from others, ourselves, and even God?

Find photos and more here:  https://www.wordsfromthewilderness.com/lost-leaves/

We’ve all felt the tug of hopes and dreams within our hearts—the call to a destiny greater than ourselves.  But what do these stirrings really mean?  How can we identify and pursue our God-callings?  I’m passionate about this topic, and I’m excited to unpack it today using the powerful symbol of a rather humble object—the familiar autumn acorn.

Find photos and more here:  https://www.wordsfromthewilderness.com/daring-to-dream/

I always love the glories of fall foliage, but I’ve noticed something disturbing:  the leaf that’s the prettiest is also the one I can’t have...because it belongs to a plant that’s more lethal than lovely.  And that has me thinking about how often a similar situation unfolds in our lives.  Haven’t we all felt the tidal tug of temptation?  And how do we stay firm without yielding to those desires?  

Find photos and more here:  https://www.wordsfromthewilderness.com/leaves-of-three/

Most of us have heard Jesus’ command to His disciples to be the “salt of the earth.”  But what exactly does that mean?  I’ve recently received some clarification on this topic from a very unlikely source, so today, we’ll be not only unpacking how this statement applies to us but also outlining practical steps we can take to follow the Lord’s mandate in our own lives.

Find photos and more here:  https://www.wordsfromthewilderness.com/spreading-salt/