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The Shedding of Innocent Blood: Injustice Demands Justice
Abuse. Murder. Robbery. Racism. To name a few. It is ingrained in humanity to demand justice when injustice is seen, experienced, heard of, or known. What is it about injustice that stirs people to action? These thoughts stem from the recent events surrounding the death of George Floyd. Pastor Patrick PT Ngwolo, who served with Floyd in the projects, said this about George….
Certainty in Uncertain Times
As our nation shifts out of this shelter-in-place in phases, there are a variety of strong opinions and motivations. We hear divided news, divided statistics, divisive speech. And all this, while facing the vast uncertainty of our new post-pandemic reality. This morning, I began to read the last verses of Romans 8, and it became a powerful antidote to the swelling uncertainty. Take…
What Our Routine Reveals About Our Soul
Is shelter-in-place growing strangely normal for you? For me, I’ve noticed over the past forty-plus days, our whole routine has gone through waves of adjustment. We’ve let go of some habits and gained new ones. Some good. Some not so good. From streaming Netflix to playing outdoors, our habits can shape who we are and what we become. What habits have you picked up during this time? What habits have you left…
Consider the Lilies
As a kid, reason doesn’t always trump emotion. I needed to be listened to so I knew my parents understood what made me scared. I needed continual reassurance. I needed repeated experiences of protection in the middle of my fears to heed the wisdom to not be afraid.
Media Burnout
Could our search for answers actually numb our hearts? All this untended-to information can become a sort of clog in the pipe of our soul. This season of shelter-in-place only accelerates that need. The answer…
The Sacred In-between
It is uncomfortable in our culture to be “unfinished.” Often in our conversations, pain is quickly interpreted, minimized, or dismissed, even in the Church. Christian conversations run to faith, hope, or trust, while sometimes, the heart-level issues and process can be overlooked. But God doesn’t do that. And His scriptures don’t either.
Stuck at Home But Still Not Finding Rest?
We’re seeing how easily things that bring enjoyment, family time, cleaning, zoom games, organizing, movies, or even “ just having nothing to do”, doesn’t automatically produce rest in our souls. In fact, during this shelter-in-place, these seemingly restful activities can lead to a sort of restlessness.
Soul-Care’s Online Ministry
The atmosphere, not only full of potential pathogens, is also full of humanity. Human expression, emotion, and potential connection are heightened. With it arrives the mess and the beauty that make life worth living.
What is a Soul-Care Retreat?
Soul-Care Retreats are refreshing, restorative, and re-aligning for our relationship with God and with others. Rather than striving for success in our jobs, homes, families, even with God, we are able to slow down, remember the truth of our lives, and begin to enjoy…
What If I Can't Find God When I Retreat?
There is no “easy” answer for dark season. Dark seasons are deeply personal, and can only be addressed in full by a growing personal relationship with God. But hopefully these reflections can help you turn the corner toward the light. Consider, sometimes darkness is the perfect time to…
How Can I Trust God In This Hard Season?
Our lives never remain in constant transfiguration, but in seasons of dryness, confusion, or disorientation, it is crucial to meditate on past moments of transfiguration—moments where God’s presence came in a very personal or powerful way to us. In darker seasons, often God’s Spirit is…
How Is God Present in My Life?
We have enough of the mediocre all around us everyday. Our lives are bombarded by destruction, deceit, and despair. More than ever, we need to be shaped by the poignancy of God’s presence now.
But is this actually possible? Can…
Free E-Books Just for You!
Do you love quality books right on your smartphone or iPad? Then check these out! We’ve acquired these helpful resources for your spiritual…
What Happened in Whales…
Somewhere deep inside I am stirred. I long again to see God move in my personal, everyday life. I remember that He can move. That He does. That this is His desire. But, does this expectation…
Bilbo's Longing for Rest
We all have seasons in life when exhaustion sneaks up on us. Whether we’re doing much for others, doing much for ourselves, or just dealing with too much in general—Bilbo’s experience can sneak up on us as well, and like him, we realize our deep need for…
New Location in Santa Cruz
We’re excited to announce that Soul-Care is opening an office location in beautiful Santa Cruz. Located at High Street Community Church on the West side, the Soul-Care office will provide a comfortable, inviting place of safety, rest, healing, and…
What is Spiritual Direction?
Check out our visual breakdown of your Spiritual Direction experience. This tool can help first-timers and old-timers understand the main focus of the ministry of Spiritual Direction and even begin to consider core questions and make up their own self-prompts toward growth.
Rhythms of Discipleship and Rest
There are so many competing factors for our attention. Work. Relationships. Home-life. Finances. Success. Transition...
It can be so easy to neglect our souls deepest longing…
Seasons of Suffering
Jesus is honest: for the Christian, and every human being, there will be seasons of loss. Loss deep enough that it is like dying, a sort of spiritual dying. And it hurts…
Retreat Reflection
My retreat experience was amazing. It’s hard to describe in words…some of my favorite parts were the sunrises and sunsets. Seeing God’s radiance in…