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The James Webb Space Telescope images give us a front-row seat to the wonders of Creation. The image below captures the Cosmic Cliffs from the Carina Nebula, located some eight million light years from earth.

What looks like jagged mountains and glittering stars is the edge of a massive, superheated “cavity” where stars are formed. This image’s tallest “peaks” are about seven light-years or 41 trillion miles high.[1] And this is one tiny speck hidden amid the heavens above.

Take a breath and pause for just a moment. This is truly awesome!

When an ancient, Middle Eastern king reflects upon the astonishing splendor of the heavens—a universe that we now know is about 40 billion light-years across— he poses a question that still boggles the mind some 3,000 years later:

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In a few weeks, we launch our 19^th ministry season. We’re excited about sharing significant next steps for Theodyssey. And we’ll do that in the coming weeks.

But right now, it somehow feels essential to just sit on the tailgate of my truck and share the most critical thing you need to know about Theodyssey.

With our world in the throes of extraordinary conflict and polarization, we need to pause and remember what got us here and what we can rely on going forward.

Our confidence is in Jesus Christ and Him alone. And I want you to know precisely why I say that.   Read More

Laura’s recent story on our storytelling podcast, We’ll Leave The Porch Light On, caused me to reflect on a difficult event in my own life. I want to pass along something I’ve found helpful for knowing Jesus’ presence amid the storms of life.

When overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, and loss, we are left feeling numb, even abandoned.

When we have no words, sacred art offers us a way to reengage with Jesus. Sacred art is a visual prayer that can spark embers in our heart like kindling put to match. Soon a gentle warmth and simple presence settle upon us like a weighted feather quilt. Read More

Most of my mentors these days are age six and younger.

While entirely unaware, these mentors regularly reveal mysteries of the human heart, including capacities long forgotten or ignored. They remind us of how God created us, and consequently, what has been lost.

For example, what is “wonder” and how to respond to it.

On September 19th, my grandson Jeffery David (I’m still negotiating name order) entered this world prematurely at 29-weeks and barely three pounds. His first car ride was an ambulance to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, where he spent two whole months (with mom and dad alternating shifts all day). Read More

Finding our Home in Christ. I want to believe it’s possible, but it often feels elusive for me. Finding Home (learn more HERE) is as much for me as anybody. While on a constant journey from “head to heart,” the idea of intimacy and connection with God is a real struggle. As I’m digging into this with you, I wanted to share some things that have been helpful for me along the way.
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Are you a “porch without a house?” 

Let me explain.

YouTube sensations Rhett McLaughlin, 43, and Link Neal, 42, host the Good Mythical Morning channel and Ear Biscuits podcast, having earned more than $30 million dollars. After being missionaries and Campus Crusade (now Cru) staff members, they have walked away from their faith. Read More

“I think this is the summer that we try an overnight camp for Avery! It could be a really healthy growth opportunity for her socially, and I can volunteer as the camp nurse to save us money.”

My wife’s presentation was short and sweet. She had me at “save money”, the magic phrase that softens my heart to brand new ideas I’m not prepared for.

We talk through any potential schedule conflicts, the reality of Karis joining her, how I’m going to somehow work for a week with my 5-year-old little man sidekick with me, and of course the payment deadlines.

We make the decision. Read More

Pat Little went through Theodyssey when he was 23. Now, as a 33-year-old, and the Creative Arts and Community Outreach Director at Covenant Church in San Diego, he wants others to get connected. As he watches his friends, and the younger generation at large, struggle with their faith, he is convinced that Theodyssey is part of the solution. We asked him to share his heart. Enjoy!

I believe the next generation is longing for something that is predominately missing within the Church today. And Theodyssey, offering authentic, Christian spiritual formation, is stepping into that gap.

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THE PURSUIT

It was not a typical route for a run. I never saw anybody training for a race, or even breaking into a slow jog. But this route provided potential that only I could see.

The route started at my house and wove through the neighborhoods of Ocean Beach in San Diego. The sidewalks were incredibly uneven and the streets were narrow. I was constantly weaving back and forth around parked cars, pedestrians, and other obstacles. The route added a sizable hill that was easily avoidable. Unless you had other motives.

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