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Welcome to the Forest Parish

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​A Place of Hearth, Home, and Holy Ground ​ Dear friends in Christ, ​Welcome to this clearing in the woods. Just as the forest offers shelter to all and the hearth provides warmth to the weary, I hope this space serves as a sanctuary for your spirit. ​There are many voices in the world, but here is the rhythm of my own heart and ministry—a way of life rooted in the ancient soil of the Gospel and the quiet light of the home fire. ​The Three Great Trees: A Foundation of Faith ​In my journey, three truths stand like ancient oaks, providing shelter and strength: ​ The Living Word: Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh. Apart from Him, the true God cannot be fully known. In Jesus, we see the face of a God who is Love, and whose Gospel is the path of Peace. ​ The Gift of Grace: Salvation is found by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. Like the rain that falls on the forest floor, grace is a gift—unearned, refreshing, and life-giving. ​ T...
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The Church at the Crossroads: Summary & Devotion

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The Summary The Church at the Crossroads Declaration is an urgent call for the global church to choose Jesus’ way of nonviolence over political militarism. Responding to the crisis in Gaza, the document repents for "theological scandals" that justify violence and rejects any ideology that values "ancient stones over the lives being buried beneath them." It demands an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the recognition of every person—Palestinian and Israeli alike—as a precious "image-bearer of God." Ultimately, it challenges Christians to move past silence and prioritize "costly love" and human dignity over nationalistic security. ​ The Devotion Standing at a crossroads requires us to decide if our primary allegiance belongs to a kingdom of force or the Kingdom of God. Matthew 5:9 reminds us that the "children of God" are defined by their work as peacemakers, not by their ability to justify wrath. To follow Chris...
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The Law of Love: A Summary & Devotion

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The Context (1840) In 1840, a group of believers at Oberlin formed a society based on a radical interpretation of the Gospel. Their manifesto, the Declaration of Sentiments , argued that because Christ is the "Prince of Peace," His followers must totally abandon "carnal weapons." They believed that any government sustained by force, any military action (even defensive), and any legal retaliation (lawsuits) were "anti-Christian" and contrary to the spirit of Jesus. ​ The Scripture ​ "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also." — Matthew 5:39 ​ The Devotional Reflection ​ 1. Trading Force for Forbearance The Oberlin Society’s constitution was built on the belief that a Christian’s work is not to control others by force, but to "win them to the obedience of the Gospel by love." They argued that the only way to overcome the enmity of the world is t...
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Thoughts on a Neuro-Inclusive Lent

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​ A Search for Sanctuary ​As I move through another week of my Gateway Award, my mind is turning toward the upcoming season of Lent that starts 18 February. Traditionally, it's a time of "giving things up," but I’m considering a different approach this year. Instead of the usual fasts, I am thinking about giving up the exhausting attempt to force my faith into a neurotypical frame of reference. ​For too long, I have tried to worship in ways that didn't fit my nervous system—navigating "sensory gauntlets" and the quiet judgment of the traditional pew. I want to explore what it means to trade that "mask" for a more authentic way of being. ​ Expanding the Search ​As an extension of my search for an ASN-friendly ministry, I’ve recently connected with Autism Consecrated . They’ve introduced me to the life of St. Thorlak of Iceland and resources designed specifically for the autistic soul. ​I’m currently looking into the Scriptural Stati...
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Gateway Evidence: Week 2 Summary & The Advocacy Log

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​This week, my pilgrimage moved between the quiet of nature and the active "armor-on" work of family advocacy. Here is the evidence for my Bronze Gateway Award. ​ 1. The Advocacy Log (New Section) ​This week in my pilgrimage, I didn't just walk in nature; I walked the path of advocacy. I've been pushing for the school transport my kids deserve and visiting potential church homes. It’s a different kind of 'Sanctuary' building—one that requires a louder voice. ​ Evidence:    "Tutting" to Pioneering: Reclaiming the Sacred Table ​ Award Category: Lifestyle (Rights) & Personal Challenge (Community Inclusion). Other Lifestyle: Using tactile tools from Squiggle Society to maintain sensory regulation. ​ 2. Weekly Evidence Checklist ​ Volunteering (Walk for Autism): Route planning and logistics phase. ​ Evidence (testing out how to use MapMyFitness app and introducing my mascot Fluffy ) ​ Fit...
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Be Still

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“Be still, and know that I am God.     I will be exalted among the nations,     I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10) The Dedication: ​ ​ For the "Zoomers" and the "Beepers"— For every child who feels the world a little too loudly. ​ And for the Grandpas— The quiet anchors who teach us that the best way to find our way through the noise is to simply be still. ​ Dedicated to the memory of those who taught us to listen.   Above is silent story based on my short story of the same title: Once there was an old man who took his grandson a walk in the countryside. The old man's face was creased with wrinkles. Like the rings inside an ancient log tree, each signified age and wisdom. The man, to the boys surprise stopped suddenly. He was calm, so calm the boy didn't feel it right to interrupt this moment of solititude. 'Listen', the old man said. The boy listened. At first he could hear nothing but his own racing thoughts. 'Tru...
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Walking for Peace: A Harmonious Christian Chorus of "Critical Appreciation" for the Buddhist Monks

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The barefoot Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Center are closing in on Washington, D.C., nearing the end of their incredible 2,300-mile journey. What began as a spiritual pilgrimage has blossomed into a global conversation, sparking a fascinating "critical appreciation" among Christian communities—from the pews of the American South to faith circles in the UK. ​As I follow their journey, I find myself holding a nuanced view that merges several of these perspectives. I believe in Jesus —that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the source of ultimate peace. In that sense, I hold a conservative theological conviction. However, as many know, I am also Theologically Radical Reformed (Anabaptist) and a Red Letter Christian , which leads me to see this walk through a kind lens. Also as a Theologian and Social Scientist I can look at these things through the lens of an anthropologist.  ​1. The Progressive Voice: "Modern Magi on the Road" ​For some Progressive a...
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St. Thorlak: A Tiny Summary

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​ The Life: St. Thorlak (1133–1193) was the Bishop of Skálholt and is the patron saint of Iceland. He was a brilliant scholar known for his extreme devotion to routine , a quiet and reserved personality, and an "unbending" commitment to rules, even when it made him socially unpopular. ​ The Autism Connection: Modern advocates and the Autism Society of Iceland identify him as a likely autistic person . Historical accounts describe him as: ​Socially awkward and averse to small talk. ​Deeply reliant on predictable rituals. ​Intensely focused on specific tasks to the exclusion of all else. ​Because of these traits, he is widely regarded as the unofficial patron saint of people on the autism spectrum . Image Source:  Autism Consecrated
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