of koalas … cute and cuddly, they spend about 80% of their time sleeping, and the remaining time eating, and yet, they contribute very little to the food chain. Koalas, perhaps, exist in creation as a glimpse of God’s playfulness. Look at the beauty in a field of wildflowers, or the colors of a summer sunset, and imagine this as a “glimpse of God’s playfulness to beautifully adorn something just for the enjoyment of its aesthetic” (McCoy, p.27). God is creative. God is playful. God calls us to live in community, and one of the joys we can experience is the joy of playing together. I think it’s so important, even as adults, to tap into our own playfulness. My encouragement for all of us today is to get out and play! As we head into the summer, I’d like to share a prayer from one of my favorite authors, Kayla Craig. A Prayer for Playing Together Kayla Craig To Light Their Way
In His Name, Kierstie
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The dictionary defines trust as a “Firm reliance on the integrity or ability of a person or a thing”. This definition applies to so many facets of our lives, including relationships, products we purchase, medical guidance, educators, and political and spiritual leaders, just to name a few. When it comes to trust in God, we need to realize that through His Love and His Word, we develop a trusting relationship that supersedes all others. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”. Romans 15:13 further states, “May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. Difficult as it may seem, we are told to trust in the Lord. We are further given the methodology to learning about and acting on His word in 2 Peter 1:3, as there is a description of His divine power giving us the “key” to everything we need for life and Godliness through our knowledge of Him. This “key” list includes the following:
Perhaps through learning about His love for us, He won’t have to ask, “Do you trust me?” We will actively demonstrate through the knowledge He has passed on that we do trust Him. In turn, He states through Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not for I am with you”. In His Name, Craig
To be a father is more than biology — it is a sacred vocation. It is long hours and silent prayers. It is strength cloaked in gentleness, discipline wrapped in grace. As Proverbs tells us, “The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him” (23:24). But joy doesn’t come cheap — it’s bought with sweat, sacrifice, and the stubborn choice to love daily.
The Bible doesn’t romanticize fatherhood. It shows us men like David, who faltered; Abraham, who waited in faith; and the prodigal’s father, who ran to his wayward son with open arms. It tells fathers, “Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). And it reminds children to “listen to your father, who gave you life” (Proverbs 23:22). True fatherhood plants seeds of wisdom, waters them with patience, and watches—sometimes through tears—as they bloom in due season. God says, “I will guide you in the way of wisdom … when you walk, your steps will not be hampered” (Proverbs 4:11-12). In this, every earthly father who strives in love echoes the eternal Father who “carried you, as a father carries his son” (Deuteronomy 1:31). So let this Father’s Day be more than a holiday — it is a holy reminder to cherish those who father well, forgive where there’s been failure, and thank the God who runs to meet us even while we are still far off (Luke 15:20). In His Name, Mikal
 I recently read back through many of my poems from the challenge, trying to select a few to read at my monthly in-person writing group. When I looked back at my words, I was a little embarrassed by some of them. I realized some were haphazard. Some, which I thought were profound, read back as cheesy, forced, and sentimental. Before this project, I used to share only the ultra-curated and edited; paragraphs I had read and re-read until I had the words memorized, until the piece felt not just right, but like the only way to say it. Only then was I ready to share with the world. In sharing my writing every day (or most days), I'm showing that all parts are welcome: the good, the profound, the cheesy, the lackluster (and a lot of it has been feeling lackluster!). Even the days I don't plunge and paint, I've come to find acceptance there. What started as a fun, creative experiment has become an exercise in self-acceptance. This project is the opposite of bespoke, letting whatever bubbles up be good enough. It's the opposite of AI: I use my own janky photography skills, clunky words, and novice painting to create something kindled by my own imagination. Each day becomes a question: can I accept this day's output, with its varying moods and quality? Can I accept myself just as I am, every day? I am learning that my ideas and words and art are worthwhile regardless of quality or excellence or how they are received. I am showing myself that my creativity is valuable in any state. I am valuable in any state because I am a child of God. All of it belongs. All of me belongs. And all of you belong, too. In His Name, Aly |
