God sends and we receive. This implies the process of delivery is contingent on two things: the sender and the receiver. Lately I have been meditating on how God grows us. Early in my spiritual life, God spoke loud and clear and I had no part in the receiving. God found me, turned me around …
The cloud of unknowing
Sometimes, well no, not really sometimes, more like all-times. I feel this intense, pressing desire for God to accept me. But in between God accepting me and the me of right now, is this unknown cloud of silence. I stand and I look at it, with a low humming anxiety in my heart and I …
Welcome to my site!
Hi! My name is Nathan and this is my blog, "The Olive and The Oak." This site serves as a home to reflection and art centering around Christian spirituality and the person of Jesus. Everyone is welcome to join me as I celebrate beauty, press into meaning, and explore the art of living as a human being in a world made by a God who loves.
The Forest
There is an ancient forest within my soul Or a soul, blowing in the wind through an ancient forest within my chest There, at the center of this ancient forest, a gnarled table within the center of my soul Everything I need is here, within the forest, in the space between God and I, resting, …
Love not withheld
It's not the love that we withhold that changes people, but the love that we give.
Learning how to love
Do we learn and grow from increased discipline or passion? Is it that simple? In this essay, I explore human learning and love of thinking, engaging, and creating...
My Name
My name holds a story yet to be told...
The Silence of God
The silence of God is deafening, my ears are bleeding...
Worship
Worship. Knees bowed, hands raised. Try it. Sing louder, sing softer, quiet...
Culture
Adonis sulks into the room...
Summer and Fall
Summer, the gentle friend of innocence...
The Olive & The Oak 