“The whole outlook of mankind might be changed if we could all believe that we dwell under a friendly sky and that the God of heaven, though exalted in power and majesty, is eager to be friends with us.”
— A.W. Tozer
Welcome to our blog page. The content here, up through the year 2022, was originally posted on my personal blog/website (chrisdeman.com). As God continues to lead us into different ways of being spiritually formed, our creative outlets have also transitioned. So, we’re simplifying into one web presence. We hope that you find encouragement, challenge, a bit of humor, and honest reflection on our experience with God in the commonplace.
Feeling Fruity
I’m a detail guy. Mr. Neat. A place for everything and everything in its place. A bit obsessive at times (I prefer meticulous). Thorough, for sure.
The Crying Man
Graveside.
He’s standing there now. A woman sits crouched at his feet, shaking with sobs. The grave has engulfed her brother, who was precious to her.
That was Unexpected
Walking on water is spectacular. Raising the dead? Out of this world. Feeding thousands from a sack lunch? Set loose that kind of power and say goodbye to The Golden Corral and Old Country Buffet.
Getting Personal
Things are getting personal in our home. Personal, as in personality tests…
Tapping the Draft
Full disclosure before I begin. This post has nothing to do with beer.
Giants, Beware!
It’s that season again. The sun, fun, and re-creating of summertime is upon us. Last year I mused a bit about the stress of vacation prep. Pre-getaway tensions are nearly inevitable. Whenever normal routine is disrupted – even for noble endeavors – the potential for conflict is ripe.
Getting Schooled at VBS
I guess after three years you could call it tradition. My family is now in the routine of spending the last week of June serving at a Vacation Bible School. Just today we closed the books on a week packed with fun, sweat, wonder, singing, crafts and a multitude of juice boxes. Of course all those things played second fiddle to God’s Word. It was wonderfully exhausting!
That's My Dad
I have spies in my house. They watch, listen, observe, mimic. If you’re a dad, you’ve got spies too…
Leaky Theology
Something was bound to happen. Always does. We were thirty-six hours from launch on a five-day adventure three states over. So right on cue, Mr. Murphy’s Law let himself in. His choice of residence was our refrigerator.
Going Public
A common restaurant. A simple meal. A cryptic card. Some amazing news.
All Knotted-up
Memories of the small Baptist church where I was raised crowd my mind. One oversized recollection contains a carpeted floor with a multi-colored duct tape circle, a bean bag, a bowling pin and lots of sweating and screaming. Mix those elements with Scripture memorization and some kitschy uniforms and you’ve got AWANA.
Can We Talk?
Well, I did it again this week. I ventured into territory that can make a father tremble…
Making Contact
It seems my wife and I are raising a literalist.
Mini-Me
What’s the most difficult thing you’ve ever done? A 5000-piece jigsaw puzzle of a polar bear in a snowstorm? For me, it’s parenting.
Mining Fields of Grief
Despite being an introvert, my fondness for conversation is growing. With the recent passing of my father, these past two weeks have been filled with conversations.