Category Archives: Uncategorized

Love in Unlikely Places: The Cross

“…and [God] raised us up with [Christ] in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…” -Ephesians 2:6 It’s not often I envy criminals, especially those condemned to die slow agonizing deaths. But on this side of history, I feel a twinge of that emotion when I think about one particular thief. This nameless, sinful man wasContinue reading “Love in Unlikely Places: The Cross”

Love in Unlikely Places: The Sycamore Tree

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” -Ephesians 3:13 I wonder how many trees Zacchaeus had climbed in his day. Though the Bible, of course, doesn’t tell us, I’m sure he had some practice. After all, Luke describes him as “small inContinue reading “Love in Unlikely Places: The Sycamore Tree”

Love in Unlikely Places: The Wilderness

“He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water.” -Psalm 107:35 We’ve all heard the expression, “Looking for love in all the wrong places.” But what about the expression, “Finding love in unlikely places?” Although, now that I think about it – is that even a saying? I’m prettyContinue reading “Love in Unlikely Places: The Wilderness”

For Glory and Beauty

*This article was written for and first appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of Calla Press Magazine. You can find the issue here: https://issuu.com/samanthacabrerastudio/docs/final_march_second_1_ Seated in the wooden pew on Sunday morning, I glanced about our small, simple sanctuary.  While there’s nothing particularly captivating about its appearance, I’ve come to love the wooden beams andContinue reading “For Glory and Beauty”

A Carol and the Gospel

*This article first appeared in the December 2022 issue of Faith on Every Corner Magazine. I’m happy to share it here as well 🙂 In December of 2018 I was a year and a half into what has now become an avid reading habit.  At the time, it only seemed appropriate that I should readContinue reading “A Carol and the Gospel”

A People Prepared

John the Baptist has always fascinated me. I would love to have seen this wild, camel hair wearing, locust eating man for myself. The man who in one moment beheld all three Persons of the trinity; the man who famously stated that he must decrease and Christ must increase. The man who fearlessly confronted Herod’sContinue reading “A People Prepared”

The God of All Comfort in Loss

“Jesus Wept.”  John 11:35 These two words comprise the shortest verse in the Bible but perhaps offer some of the greatest comfort.  As we well know, death is a reality of life.  No matter the circumstance, loss is felt deeply.  Death is never easy.   Jesus felt it deeply too.  In John 11:14 we learn thatContinue reading “The God of All Comfort in Loss”

Strength to Comprehend: Adopted

I sincerely hope this series has been a blessing to you! It’s been a joy to write and has challenged me to focus my mind and prayers on the love of our great God. Today, in closing, we come to our final word: Adopted. Admittedly, this might just be my favorite 🙂 Adoption is manyContinue reading “Strength to Comprehend: Adopted”