My friend was going through a really challenging season. While writing him an email of encouragement, God surprised me with an unexpected insight.

While writing The Story of With, God revealed a new way to create with him.

For those who aren’t familiar with it, The Story of With is a fantastical allegory—part Alice in Wonderland, part Matrix, part identity tale. As I wrote, I sensed God inviting me to place the protagonist, Mia in impossible situations.

What’s the best way to decide which project to pursue next?

You'll hear all kinds of answers. Choose what you're most passionate about. Base it on market research. Stay on brand. 

It all sounds good. Except for one thing.

Christmas didn’t begin in Bethlehem. Long before the baby Jesus was born in a manger, Christ was on a mission to restore what we lost in Eden.

Silent Night is a beautiful song. But “all is calm” likely didn’t describe the first Christmas night. Nor does it likely reflect the state of our homes or hearts heading into Christmas morning. 

We can get so caught up in the busyness, routine, and familiarity of Advent that we miss the main thing: Jesus isn’t focused on Christmas past but on his return.

As Christmas nears, what is the state of your heart? For many, the season holds little hope. In fact, it often reveals our unmet longings to be seen, known, and loved.

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

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. 

If we wait until we feel fully 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.

You likely don’t need more to do before Christmas. Including reading more about Christmas.

There’s something magical about someone telling us a story. Whether around a campfire, as we travel, or right before we fall asleep. It’s what children ask their parents for each night as they are tucked in bed: Will you tell me a story? 

To me, these daily readings are like handwritten notes I place into ancient seafoam green bottles and toss into the sea. As the water carries them away, I’m filled with hope as I imagine them washing ashore at just the right time for your heart and your art.

I recently got to the end of a long day and told my wife how exhausted I was. 

“What would restore you?” she asked.  It was the perfect question. And I didn’t have a clue.

We often refer to the moment of a breakthrough solution or idea as “when lightning strikes”. That sounds exhilarating, except for the fact that it’s not wise to hang out in a lightning storm.

Ever wonder why self-help books regularly top the bestseller lists? Perhaps it’s because we live in a world that sells us a self-centered life—and then convinces us we’ll get what we want through a self-made life.

I recently came across this stunning description from Madeleine L’Engle about the birth of an idea. I’m excited to share it with you. 

How would our lives change if we practiced gratitude in the midst of the unknown rather than making it dependent on a desired outcome?

As my super-talented creative designer and I considered potential images for these readings, I was drawn to a particular outdoor scene. It seemed the clear choice. But thankfully before we went with it, she did a little more research…