I vividly remember the sense of importance I felt in high school and college when I was promoted from the lowly status of Freshman to the lofty realm of Sophomore.  

A close friend recently went through a hard season. We live on opposite ends of the globe, so it wasn’t possible to meet in person. But I did reach out with these words:

I created The Story of With to be a fantastical allegory—part Alice in Wonderland, part Matrix, and part identity tale. My favorite memory from writing it was God’s playful invitation to increase the stakes for the protagonist named Mia.

We want the desires of our hearts. But can't start there or our desires become idols. 

Why do we find ourselves stuck in so many areas of life? 

Every person and everything they create—from songs and movies to businesses and universities—operate from a specific worldview. 

How do you think God sees you right now?  

Spend more time with your dreams for the future rather than your regrets of the past.  

If your creativity feels opposed, it's helpful to remember the enemy has opposed the Creator and creation since time began. 

How we see the world is so essential. When God is at the center, our vision is focused. But the farther we get from him, the less we see what’s real. Our vision becomes blurred.

I grew up believing those in top leadership roles got there through their proven courage, wisdom, humility, and integrity. If only that were true.  

Some things we often confuse as the same, to our great detriment.

God doesn’t just know what makes you come alive. He gave you those unique longings and desires…for you to pursue together, with him.  

If we wait until we feel completely qualified to take the next step, we’ll forever stay stuck where we are. 

The world demands we align with whatever agenda the entertainment, business, educational, and political leaders hold up as important. We’re told to veer from that script is to risk having our voices silenced.

At the end of an incredibly long day, I told my wife how exhausted I was.  

For years, the fastest growing book category has been books on audio. Is that a surprise? 

Sometimes these daily readings feel like notes I write and place into ancient green bottles. I then toss each into the sea and watch the current carry them away.

So often creativity is a game of You vs. Yourself.  

God infused you with gifts before you were born. He gave you specific passions so the two of you could pursue them together. The more you know God, the more you discover your true identity and purpose.