Under the Earth and By the Sea {The Grove: Thy Word}
I was standing in cave, somewhere deep under the midwestern US. Darkness so thick I could almost taste it. A hand an inch in front of my face would...
Category: Spiritual Formation
Not My Own
“I am not my own. I am bought with a price.” The woman recited the words quietly, without power of voice or presence. A petite, white-haired woman in a...
A Pilgrim’s Regression {The Grove: Pilgrimage}
I expected a lot out of 2019. I expected that God was going to make some declarations and give some vision and direction for my future. I expected healing....
Gimme a Break
A man’s perspective on rest, healing and renewal I was 42 years old and had been serving internationally for nearly 20 years before I took a...
When I Would Rather Hit You Than Love You
I really loved the people of my host country before we went. I mean, I prayed for them, I sacrificed for them, I fought for them and advocated for them,...
The Picture of Gentleness {The Grove: Fruits of the Spirit}
We all have a sweet, beautiful picture of gentleness in our head. The mom who gently bandages her son’s knee. The grandma who gently teaches...
Thank Goodness
One thing I have been cautious of as a parent is mis-leading my kids no matter how innocent my intentions are. If I tell them that Santa Claus is...
Seasons of Joy
Yearly seasons have taken on a whole new meaning since living in the tropics. Winter doesn’t exist here, and neither does fall. Our entire region swings between beautiful spring...
Soul Writing
I didn’t hear about Velvet Ashes until about my sixth month in Southeast Asia. It came by way of my mom, who shot me off an email and said,...
Shalom In the Midst of It All
This week we are inviting you in to get to know Velvet Ashes: who we are, what we do and the resources this space has to offer....
