Monthly Archives: November 2025

Eternity in Our Hearts

Posted on November 30, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Life “under the sun” often feels fleeting, frustrating, and hard to grasp—like vapor slipping through our fingers. But Ecclesiastes reveals that this ache we feel is not a flaw in us, nor a failure in God’s design. It’s intentional. God has placed eternity in our hearts, causing us to long for something beyond the temporary concerns that consume us. When we understand that truth, our priorities shift. We stop chasing wind. We start embracing gratitude. And we anchor our hope in the God who stepped into time through Jesus to satisfy the eternal longing inside us. As Thanksgiving gives way to Advent, Ecclesiastes invites us to enjoy the gifts of today, let go of what won’t last, and set our hearts on the eternal life already breaking into our world through Christ. Continue reading →

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Wild, Untamable God

Posted on November 23, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

“Wild, Untamable God” explores the deeper message of the book of Job—not as a story about suffering, but as a profound revelation of God’s wildness, power, and goodness. Through Job’s encounter with God, especially the imagery of Leviathan, we are reminded that God cannot be controlled, predicted, or tamed—and that this is actually a gift. When God doesn’t meet our expectations, it doesn’t mean He has failed us; it means His wisdom exceeds our understanding. Drawing from Job, Scripture, and C.S. Lewis’s portrayal of Aslan, this post encourages us to trust a God who is not “safe,” but who is always, always good. Continue reading →

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What To Do When God Fails to Meet Your Expectations

Posted on November 16, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

When God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we expect—or when His timing feels painfully slow—we often slip into disappointment, confusion, or even anger. This week’s post explores why our expectations of God can become distorted, how we mistakenly judge God through our own experiences or the stories of others, and why His names (Provider, Healer, Defender) don’t represent promises of predictability, but invitations into deeper trust. We also acknowledge the reality of church hurt and the way people—not Jesus—can push believers away. Ultimately, the path forward isn’t pulling away from God but drawing closer through prayer, worship, and Scripture—the “center rail” that keeps our faith aligned. Even when life doesn’t make sense, God remains good, present, and faithful. Our greatest act of faith is learning to trust Him, even without full understanding. Continue reading →

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It Would Have Been Enough

Posted on November 9, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

The Jewish Dayenu—“it would have been enough for us”—is a tradition of gratitude that remembers God’s blessings, one by one. Inspired by The Chosen, this reflection creates a personal Dayenu, tracing God’s faithfulness through life’s joys, losses, and redemption. As Thanksgiving approaches, may we all pause to remember that even one of His blessings would have been enough—yet He continues to give us more. Continue reading →

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On Becoming a Diamond

Posted on November 2, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Diamonds are formed under pressure—and so are we. From the persecution of the early church to Paul’s imprisonment, from history’s turning points to our own seasons of hardship, God uses pressure to refine our faith and reveal His strength. When life feels heavy, we can take heart knowing that He’s not trying to crush us—He’s shaping us into something radiant and strong, reflecting His glory. Continue reading →

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