thinking out loud

In this message from Katherine Sima Wadsworth, we're invited to rediscover the power of wonder in our spiritual lives. The central theme revolves around the shepherds' encounter with angels in Luke 2, announcing Christ's birth. This biblical story reminds us that God often breaks into our ordinary lives in extraordinary ways. Just as the shepherds were amazed and responded by seeking out the Chris...

In this message from Terry Timm, we explore the concept of Advent as a time for revelation. Drawing from Isaiah 9 and Matthew 4, we're reminded that God's light persistently breaks into our darkness. The imagery of the Advent calendar, with its hidden surprises behind each door, beautifully illustrates how God's revelations often come to us - mysterious yet present, waiting to be discovered. The f...

In this message, Richie Reeder invites listeners to reflect on the significance of conflict and trials in both our favorite Christmas stories and our personal lives. By drawing parallels between classic holiday films and the trials we face, he emphasizes how perseverance through adversity leads to character development and hope. As we journey through Advent, Reeder encourages us to embrace these c...

In this message from Terry Timm we explore the theme of renewal. Advent is a time to reflect on Christ's past, present, and future comings, encouraging personal and communal renewal. Through scriptural insights and reflections on the concept of "palingenesia -  a re-genesis," this message underscores the hope of a renewed creation and the transformative possibilities it holds.

In our exploration of vocation, we've discovered that it's not just about our jobs, but a lifelong journey of following Christ. The great commandment from Matthew 22 reminds us that our primary calling is to love God and love our neighbors. This dual focus shapes every aspect of our lives, from our careers to our relationships. Our vocations, whatever they may be, are meant to be manifestations of...

In this insightful message, Katherine Sikma Wadsworth challenges the traditional understanding of self-care by exploring its spiritual significance and proposing it as an essential calling in our lives. Drawing from biblical examples like Elijah, Moses, and Jesus, she argues that caring for our bodies is a prerequisite for fulfilling our other vocations and deepening our relationship with God. Thr...

In this message from Richie Reeder, we delve into the transformative power of work in shaping our emotional and spiritual lives. Join us as Richie explores how our vocations serve as platforms for personal growth, encouraging us to embrace emotional intelligence and spiritual maturity. Let's dive in and discover how integrating these elements can lead to more fulfilling and purpose-driven lives.

As we journey through life, how do we approach the concept of aging with grace and faith? This message from Terry Timm, challenges us to reconsider our understanding of retirement, reminding us that in God's kingdom, there is no retirement - only reassignment. Drawing from Psalm 84, we're encouraged to view our lives as a pilgrimage, going 'from strength to strength' even as we age.

In this exploration of the parable of the Good Samaritan, Katherine Sikma Wadsworth challenges us to reframe our understanding of what it means to be a neighbor. The story, found in Luke 10, isn't just about helping others; it's a profound illustration of God's love for us and our calling to reflect that love. We're reminded that our willingness to be a neighbor is the clearest sign of our love fo...

In this message, Terry Timm explores the vocation of friendship as a reflection of God's love. He delves into the ancient Greek understanding of friendships and biblical examples to illustrate how these relationships can nurture and transform us. Through the lens of friendship, Terry invites us to mirror Jesus' sacrificial love and deepen our connections with one another.

In this message from Richie Reeder, we explore the beautifully complex vocation of family life, a journey marked by both joy and sorrow, challenges and blessings. We delve into scriptural insights and personal reflections to understand how we can engage more intentionally in our familial roles, moving toward deeper connections and healthier boundaries. Listen in as we uncover how embodying the lov...

In this message, Terry Timm delves into the concept of being a "city on a hill," exploring its biblical roots and cultural significance from John Winthrop to Ronald Reagan. Emphasizing the dual citizenship of believers, both in their nation and in the kingdom of God, Terry challenges us to actively engage in our communities with political awareness and spiritual commitment. As we navigate the comp...

In this message from Katherine Sikma Wadsworth, we explore the concept of vocation and its significance beyond our paid work. Delve into the rich meaning of avod and shamar from Genesis 2:15 and discover how our unique gifts, passions, and heartbreaks are keys to our calling in life. Katherine invites listeners to reimagine their roles in the world, serving God, and others in myriad ways across al...

In this message from Terry Timm, we explore what it means to be created in the image and likeness of God. As Carmen Innes writes, "Being made in God's image is not simply a static identity but an active vocation. It is a call to represent God's character in the world through our actions, choices, and relationships. We are to make the invisible God visible by embodying His values and living out His...

In this message from Terry Timm, we're challenged to see our vocations as more than just jobs—they're divine callings designed to manifest God's love in the world (Thomas Merton). Do we view our roles, whether in work, family, or community, as 'kingdom callings.' The message draws from Jeremiah 29, where God instructs the exiled Israelites to flourish in Babylon. This ancient text surprisingly par...

This audio guided exercise is designed to help you reflect on the various callings you have received in your life. Grab some paper, a pen, or colored pencils and get ready to look in your rearview mirror. 

In this message from Rche Reeder, we explore our vocational journey, being reminded that our primary calling is to follow Jesus and have a restored relationship with God. Our work, while important, is a secondary calling. We're encouraged to see our various roles - paid or unpaid - as opportunities for worship and service. The passage from Ephesians 4:1-6 emphasizes living a life worthy of our cal...

Drawing from Psalm 90, Colossians 3, and 1 Corinthians 15, Terry Timm explores the three facets of labor: its pleasure, pain, and potential. Just as we find joy in meaningful work that contributes to the common good, we also encounter struggles and disappointments. Yet, there's immense possibility in our efforts to rearrange our domains for others' flourishing. This mirrors Christ's own labor – Hi...

In this message from Richie Reeder, we delve into the challenging teachings of Jesus in John chapter 6, exploring how His hard words stirred faith, curiosity, and even confusion among His followers. Discover practical insights on how to respond faithfully when faced with spiritual dilemmas and the importance of relying on our history with God.

Listen to Terry Timm interview and commission Caleb Steele into his work as a student director for the Bethel Park High School Marching Band

In this message from John 6, we delve into one of Jesus' most challenging teachings: 'Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.' This metaphor of consuming Christ's body and blood invites us to deeply consider what it means to truly internalize Jesus' teachings and sacrifice. We're challenged to move beyond surface-level faith and to 'gnaw' on Christ'...

In this message from Katherine Sikma Wadsworth, we explore the symbolism of bread as a universal staple and its connection to Jesus as the 'Bread of Life.' We're reminded that just as bread sustains our physical bodies, Jesus sustains our spirits. The repetition of this theme echoes our need to continually return to Christ for nourishment. We're challenged to recognize God's provision in unexpecte...

In this message from Terry Timm, we explore John 6:25-35, delving into Jesus as the Bread of Life. The passage challenges us to look beyond our physical needs and seek the eternal sustenance that only Christ can provide. We're reminded that Jesus is always present, inviting us to recognize His presence in our daily lives. The text emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus as the ultimate wor...

In this message from Terry Timm, we exploreJohn 6, delving into the miracle of the loaves and fishes, uncovering profound lessons about provision and power. We're challenged to look beyond the seemingly impossible and focus on Jesus, the bread of life.

Listen to Terry Timm interview and commission the Huffs as they begin their year long adventure traveling as a family.