Category Archives: Faith & Spiritual Growth

In the Midst of It All, Rejoice

Posted on December 14, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

In “In the Midst of It All, Rejoice,” the author reflects on the biblical nature of joy—distinct from happiness and often found not after hardship, but within it. Drawing from Isaiah’s Advent prophecy, Paul’s conversion from darkness to light, and personal moments of faith, loss, and redirection, the post explores how true joy emerges when we recognize our need for Christ and trust His guidance through life’s winding paths. With the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” as a musical metaphor, readers are reminded that even quiet, trembling, minor-key rejoicing is still real joy—because the Light has come, and the darkness will not win. Continue reading →

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The Time Between

Posted on December 7, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

“The Time Between” invites readers to reflect on the sacred tension Christians inhabit between Christ’s first arrival and His promised return. Drawing from Delighting in Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu and the Advent themes of Hope and Peace, the post explores what it means to live in this “now and not yet” world—where victory has been won but not fully realized. Through Scripture, reflection, and prayer, readers are encouraged to anchor their hearts in Christ’s promises, embrace His peace amid the world’s chaos, and live as bearers of light during the Advent season. The post concludes with thoughtful questions for personal reflection throughout the week. Continue reading →

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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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Pictures of God from Job

Posted on September 7, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

The book of Job is one of the most difficult books in the Bible, but it reveals timeless truths about who God is. In this post, I explore Job as wisdom literature and highlight four “pictures of God” that emerge: sovereign, patient, beyond our comprehension, and restorer. While Job doesn’t answer every question about suffering, it points us to the deeper truth that God Himself is the ultimate answer. Continue reading →

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Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

Posted on August 24, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

A heartfelt reflection on loss, drawn from Job’s response to unimaginable suffering. Even in grief and uncertainty, we are called to trust the God who gives and takes away—and to cherish every moment with those we love. Continue reading →

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