Category Archives: Spiritual Growth

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 →

Posted in Christian Living, Faith Reflections, God's Faithfulness, Gratitude and Thanksgiving, Spiritual Growth | Tagged blessings, Christian encouragement, counting blessings, Dayenu, Faith Journey, God’s provision, Gratitude, Psalm 139, thankful heart, Thanksgiving Reflections, The Chosen | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Faith Through Trials, Spiritual Growth, Trusting God | Tagged 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, Acts 8, Christianity, diamonds and trials, encouragement in trials, Faith, faith and perseverance, God’s purpose in hardship, Isaiah 55:8–9, Jesus, Philippians 1:12, pressure and faith, refining faith, strength in weakness | Leave a comment

Known and Loved: Why We Don’t Have to Hide from God

Posted on October 26, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows everything about us—our words, actions, thoughts, and even motives. Though that truth can feel uncomfortable, it’s also deeply freeing: the God who knows us best loves us most. Instead of hiding from Him in guilt or shame, we’re invited to hide in Him for refuge, forgiveness, and strength. This post explores how to run to God—not away from Him—when we fail, fear, or face hard times. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Faith and Forgiveness, God's Love and Grace, Spiritual Growth | Tagged bible, Faith, Faith in Hard Times, Forgiveness, God, God’s presence, grace and mercy, hiding place, Jesus, Psalm 139, Psalm 32, Psalm 46, refuge in God, Repentance, Spiritual Reflection | Leave a comment

Abundant Life — Daily Doses of Eternal Life

Posted on October 19, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

When Jesus spoke of “eternal life,” He wasn’t describing something that begins only after death—He was inviting us to experience it now. Eternal life and abundant life overlap; both are meant to be lived daily in relationship with God. This post explores how abundant life is not about possessions or ease but about presence, gratitude, and seeing every good gift—from work to relationships to nature—as a daily dose of eternal life. Continue reading →

Posted in Abundant Life, Christian Living, Everyday Faith, Faith and Gratitude, Spiritual Growth | Tagged Abundant Life, Contentment, Eternal life, Faith, faith in daily life, God, God’s blessings, Gratitude, Gratitude in Difficult Times, James 1:17, Jesus, John 10:10, John 17:3, joy and trust, Matthew 6:19–20, Spiritual Reflection | Leave a comment

Comfort God

Posted on October 12, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

As autumn settles in, our hearts often reach for comfort—warm foods, cozy routines, or familiar scents. But these sources of comfort are temporary. True and lasting comfort comes only from God, the “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” In this reflection on loss, memory, and faith, we explore how God offers not just physical comfort but deep solace—peace that abides even in sorrow. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Faith and Comfort, Grief and Healing, Seasons of Life, Spiritual Growth | Tagged autumn reflections, comfort of God, Comforter, Encouragement, faith through loss, God’s presence, Grief and hope, Isaiah 40, Isaiah 66, Philippians 4, solace | Leave a comment

Fighting Back Like Jesus

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

In the wake of political violence and growing anger in our world, it’s easy to feel consumed by bitterness and the desire for revenge. This post reflects on my own struggle with those chains and how God reminded me of a better way—the way of Jesus. Instead of retaliation, Christ calls us to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and trust God with justice. Though it’s never easy, only forgiveness and love can break the cycle of hate and set us free. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Faith in Action, Forgiveness, Overcoming Hate, Spiritual Growth | Tagged Anne Lamott, Charlie Kirk, Faith, following Christ, Forgiveness, God, Jesus, Jesus’ Teachings, John MacArthur, Luke 23, Matthew 5, overcoming bitterness, political violence, revenge, Romans 12 | Leave a comment

Truth Will Set You Free

Posted on August 10, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

In a world where “truth” often feels subjective, this post reminds us that there is only one real truth—God’s truth. Drawing from John 1:14, Matthew 22:37–39, and John 8:32, we explore why God gave us His commands, how they are rooted in love, and how Jesus distilled them into two life-giving principles. God’s truth isn’t about control—it’s about protection, blessing, and freedom. Grace welcomes us home; truth keeps us free once we’re there. Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Truth, Christian Living, Grace and Truth, Spiritual Growth | Tagged bible, biblical living, Christian Discipleship, Faith, God, God’s laws, God’s truth, Grace, Grace and Truth, Jesus, John 1:14, John 8:32, loving God, loving others, Matthew 22:37–39, Moral relativism, Spiritual Freedom, Ten Commandments | Leave a comment

The List of Things That Can Keep You from God

Posted on July 27, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

In this week’s blog, Dave reflects on the liberating promise found in Romans 8—that nothing can separate us from the love of God. He opens with an honest inventory of failures and shortcomings that, if he were God, might seem disqualifying. But instead, Scripture reveals an unshakable love through Jesus Christ. Dave explores the tension between this promise and Jesus’ warning about the unforgivable sin—blasphemy against the Holy Spirit—clarifying that it’s not about stumbling, but about hardened, willful rejection. He closes with the hopeful message of the Prodigal Son: no matter how far we’ve wandered or how bitter we’ve grown, the Father is already running toward us. The list of things that can keep us from God? It’s empty. All we have to do is come home. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Reflections, Faith & Doubt, Grace & Forgiveness, Spiritual Growth | Tagged bible, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, Christian encouragement, Christianity, coming home, Faith, Forgiveness, God, God’s Love, Grace, Jesus, Jesus’ parables, Luke 15, Mark 3, nothing can separate us from the love of God, Prodigal Son, Relationship with God, Romans, Romans 8, unforgivable sin | Leave a comment

Slow Down

Posted on July 20, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

In “Slow Down,” Dave opens with a heartfelt confession: he’s addicted to hurry. Drawing inspiration from the book “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer and Scripture, he explores how our fast-paced culture undermines what matters most—faith, family, friendships, and health. Through honest reflection and vivid storytelling—from hurried walks in NYC to soul-nourishing moments with photography—Dave examines the tension between his values and the pace of his life. He challenges himself (and readers) to unplug, be fully present, and find intimacy with God not in the noise, but in the stillness. As he rediscovers the beauty of slowing down—especially in prayer and daily walks—he begins the journey of recovery from a life of relentless busyness. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Faith in Practice, Purposeful Living, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged Christian priorities, Confession, Dallas Willard, Faith, Faith and Busyness, God, Hurry Sickness, Jesus, John Mark Comer, Luke 5:16, Matthew 11:28-30, Prayer, Presence, Psalm 46:10, Quiet Time, Slow Living, Spiritual Disciplines, Stillness, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry | Leave a comment

Freedom From, Freedom To, and the Price Paid

Posted on July 6, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

This Independence Day reflection explores the dual dimensions of freedom: national and spiritual. It highlights both the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States and the deeper, eternal freedoms given to us through Jesus Christ—and reminds us of the great price paid for both. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Faith Reflections, Freedom in Christ, Holidays & Special Days, Spiritual Growth | Tagged Christian Patriotism, Christian perspective, Cost of Freedom, Faith and Culture, Freedom in Christ, Galatians 5:1, Independence Day, Jesus and Liberty, Patriotic Faith, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:15, Spiritual Freedom | Leave a comment

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