Biblical Metanarrative

Posted on May 19, 2024 by DW

Introduction
The goal of this essay is to demonstrate my understanding of unified and coherent nature of the Bible by explaining the overarching narrative of Scripture, the big picture, or in which some call biblical metanarrative. In the example of this essay, it will be called and referenced as biblical narrative. There are four major acts or events that encompass biblical narrative; creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. I will attempt to describe my understanding of these four major acts or events and how they are relative to biblical worldview.


Creation
We understand that origin begins with creation. We read in the Bible in the book of Genesis, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, Genesis 1:1). God reveals himself through creation, and his creations. Further in Genesis chapter 2 God describes the creation of man and woman. In reference to the creation of man, the Bible states, “then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.” (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, Genesis 2:7-8). In reference to the creation of woman, the Bible states, “The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam[g] there was not found a helper fit for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, Genesis 2:20-23).


However in all of the creation and how God reveals himself through his creation, and creations, he also shares a warning and command in the book of Genesis, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 1but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, Genesis 2:15-17). In which leads to the second major act or event of biblical metanarrative.


Fall
The second major act or event of the metanarrative is the Fall. The fall began in the garden of eden with the first original sin when Adam and Eve disobeyed the commandment of God from the book as we read in Genesis, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, Genesis 2:15-17). The serpent tempted Eve and she ate, and then Adam ate as we read further in Genesis, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.” (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, Genesis 3:1-6).
This was the first and original sin which was the fall of mankind, removal from the Garden of Eden, death, and a separation from God.


Redemption
The third major act or event of the biblical metanarrative is Redemption. In that we are born into sin since the fall of humanity from the disobedience of Adam and Eve, we are born to die and be separated from God. To be reunited with God, we must be redeemed of our sins. In the book of Romans we read, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, Romans 6:23). We also read in Hebrews, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,” (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, Hebrews 9:27). The penalty for sin is death. God revealed his himself in his love, and plans for redemption through Abraham, and his lineage, to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection is mankind’s redemption for all whom accept and believe. We read in the book of John, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, John 3:16-18).


New Creation
The third major act or event of the biblical metanarrative is New Creation. We understand that there will be a new creation and it is eluded to by Paul in the book of Romans, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, Romans 8:18-21). This New Creation is further described as a new heaven and a new earth in the book of Revelation, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, Revelation 21:1-6)


Biblical Worldview
We have read, and I have learned, that worldview is a basic set of presuppositions and values that form the foundation for how we interpret and understand the world around us (Ellis et al. 2023). The reality, our origins, where we are going, what is true, what do we value, and how are we going to live. In a Biblical wordview, is that we see this through the lens of the Bible. It is a Christian’s framework of beliefs in which motivate how we engage with the world in which includes cultures. The foundational authority, and source of truth is God, and His word, the Bible..
Worldview impacts life as it is how we see the world, and the key motivators, or indexes on how we engage and interact with the world. In chapter 7 of Ellis et al. (2023) professor’s video, “What Is a Worldview and Why Do I Care?”, describes this in some detail by highlighting the six key indictors which involves study. In short, (1.) It is, or what we logically assume is, the reality as we know it. This is called Ontology. (2.) Our origins. Where we came from. This is called Cosmetology. (3.) Where are we going. This is called Eschatology. (4.) What is true. This is called Epistemology. (5.) What we value or highly esteem. This is called Axiology. (6.) How are we going to endure, persevere, and live. It is purposeful behavior. This is called Praxeology. In short, this answers the five worldview questions of our origin, our identity, the meaning of life, morality, and our destiny or life after death.


I found this very intriguing and it has been a way that I have tried to see the world with the use of logic, and developed purpose in my own life which included deeper studies, reflection, and test taking such as personality and spiritual gifts analysis and tests.


Conclusion
In conclusion it is obvious God reveals himself throughout scripture. The verses and information that I shared in the biblical metanarrative essay briefly demonstrates the dual authorship, incorporation of authors personality, inspiration of actual words, and full inspiration of the entirety of scripture which is called, Plenary Verbal Inspiration Theory (Etzel et al., 2016). Furthermore, I expounded upon the four major acts or events of the biblical narrative and aligned it with biblical worldview. A biblical worldview cannot fully exist without knowing and understanding the biblical metanarrative as each fully support one another. In other words, we cannot have origin, identity, meaning, morality and destiny without creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. In my theory to understanding, both are the structure, foundation or bones upon theology, and/or the study thereof.

References
English Standard Bible. (2016). https://esv.literalword.com/ (Original work published 2001)
Ellis. (2023). The Essential Guide to Becoming a Master Student: Custom Edition for Liberty
University, 5th Edition
Etzel, G., & Gutierrez, B. (2014). Theology applied: A living faith. Chattanooga, TN: B&H Academic.
Etzel, G., & Small, R. N. (2016). Everyday series: Theology. Chattanooga, TN: B&H Academic.

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Research: Anxiety and Depression (2023).

Posted on May 19, 2024 by DW

Anxiety and Depression

The topic chosen for this research paper is anxiety and depression. The intent of this research paper is to better describe, understand, and how to apply Christian counseling theories and Christian counseling techniques, if applicable, to the mental illnesses of anxiety and depression. The research may include definitions, diagnoses, prognosis, and statistics with appropriate references and citations.

Understanding that every Christian counselor has a theology – and spirituality, biomedical theory, and psychosocial theory, these theories may be discussed and how they may be applied to counseling people with anxiety and depression. However, in Christian counseling the integration of faith and spirituality is a key aspect to the therapeutic process. Therefore a more comprehensive approach in a Christian counseling theory would integrating biblical wisdom, personality theory, developmental constructs, psychopathology, and spiritual formation. The essential qualities of a complete Christian counseling theory must include and incorporate the Trinity. This paper will highlight some of the more effective theories and techniques discovered from the research.

One technique that may be particularly intriguing and information is Christian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which will be researched, described, and how it may be applicable to counseling people with anxiety and depression. It is similar to Cognitive Behavior Therapy with the adopting of the truths and insights of scripture. Another technique that may be researched, described and how it may be applied to anxiety and depression is The Genesis Model of Intervention which discusses the initiative of God, the importance of location, and the application of location and relationship in counseling.

Anxiety and Depression: General Research

What is anxiety and depression and how does it impact individuals? The American Psychological Association (2023) describes it as an emotion which can cause ruminating thoughts of worry about or on a possibly future threat over a long term which can also produce physical symptoms. Depression is a long period of sadness lasting more than two weeks and interferes with normal thinking and daily routines, activities, and normal interests or hobbies an individual once enjoyed. Anxiety and depression is among the most common mental illnesses. It is also among the most financially burdensome, and debilitation. The root causes can be from a varying degree of factors such as injury, trauma, genetics, psychosocial environments and stressors (Davies et al., 2019). This poses curiosity to argue whether anxiety and depression is spiritual only as some religious denominations may have eluded, or is it due to injury, trauma, genetics, psychosocial environments and stressors, or is it a combination of both.

If anxiety and depression is among the most common, most costly and most debilitating what may be some of the best Christian theory and counseling techniques that may be the most effective? One theory researched and will be expounded upon is, A Grounded Theory Analysis (Elena et al., 2019). The counseling technique researched and will be expounded upon is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for depression and insomnia in dual diagnosis.

Anxiety and Depression: A Grounded Theory Analysis

This theory if very intriguing and may solidify the curiosity to argue whether mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression are solely spiritual or a combination of both, and if utilizing or integrating spiritual experiences with psychotherapy helps treat or alleviate symptoms. The Grounded Theory tested this hypothesis with a control group on nine participants

utilizing themes that contributed to spiritual experiences which were in pre sequences that led to the next theme and the results were symptom alleviation, a positive self-image, by securing a new relationship with God (Elena et al., 2019). This study is informative and intriguing as it substantiates the correlation between spirituality and mental health. In other words, Christian counseling theories and techniques are not only affective, they work in reducing other persuasive mental health disorder actions or behaviors such as self medication by over using or abusing drugs and alcohol, and suicide. According Elena et al., (2019) describes by applying religion and spirituality intervention in combination with psychotherapy such as this Grounded Theory Analysis has seen a reduction of at least 61%. This is good news for Christian counselor or anyone thinking or being Called into Christian counseling. It also demonstrates that mental illness is not just spiritual, or just physical or biological, it may be a combination of both. Therefore, both religion and spiritual, and psychotherapy can work together for positive results and positive outcomes.

Anxiety and Depression: Christian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Technique

What is Christian Cognitive Therapy? The American Psychological Association (2023) describes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or (CBT) is an affective psychological treatment based on core principles such as faulty thinking, behaviors, and can apply a different way of thinking and initiating improved upon or changed behaviors to alleviate symptoms and live a mentally healthier and more productive life. It is being cognitive of our thoughts and actions by better applying critical thinking like learning to recognize distorted or even delusional thinking and apply logic, reason, and reality. In addition to facing perceived fears, phobias, assimilations with professionals, and strategies to relax not just the mind but the body as well. Cognitive Behavioral

Therapy teaches one to be one’s own therapist of sorts to be self aware, cognitive, logical, and a clear understanding or present reality. Although some history is needed for a therapist, the primary focus is what is going on in an individuals life at the present and what ways of thinking and behaviors may be improved upon now and in the future to live a more productive and healthier life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has shown that it is not only effective for depression for a variety of conditions, including mood, anxiety, personality, eating, addiction, dependence, tic, psychotic disorders, and insomnia (Blom et al., 2017). Blom et al. (2017) describes a majority of depressed folks have insomnia, yet lack of sleep can also cause depression or disrupt recovery. The results of the findings were that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has better long-term affects than medication and other psychotherapies. This is important to recognize that the conclusion that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy should be offered, and not just medication and/or psychotherapy. Christian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is much the same as Cognitive Behavioral therapy with the addition in interweaving a client’s spiritual and religious beliefs similar to what the Ground Theory Analysis revealed (Elena et al., 2019). Shaw et al., (2021) describes Christian Cognitive Therapy as integrating regular therapy techniques such as the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with faith based beliefs and thinking. This integration makes a combined support level alleviating the symptoms of depression and well as other mood disorders. The adversary attacks a person’s thinking by deceiving oneself to believe fallacies about oneself such which includes helplessness, worthlessness, and inability to love (Shaw et al., 2021).

Humanity is not helpless, worthless, unloved, or unable to love as the Bible states contrary to those lies from the adversary (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, Ephesians 2:8-10, Mathew 6:26, Genesis 1:27,32, Jeremiah 1:5, John 3:16-17).

References

American Psychological Association (2023). Anxiety. https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety American Psychiatric Association (2023). What Is Depression? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression.

Blom, K., Jernelöv, S., Rück, C., Lindefors, N., & Kaldo, V. (2017).

Three-Year Follow-Up Comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, for Patients With Both Diagnoses. Sleep, 40(8).

In this article the authors elaborate of Christian Counseling Technique of Cognitive Behavior therapy. The article defines the technique and applicable theory. This article demonstrates the effectiveness of Cognitive Therapy for Depression, as well as Insomnia, and with patients with both diagnosis. This is relative to the research of anxiety and depression and effectiveness of this technique and the results to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, and depression.

Davies, M. R., Kalsi, G., Armour, C., Jones, I. R., McIntosh, A. M., Smith, D. J., Walters, J. T. R., Bradley, J. R., Kingston, N., Ashford, S., Beange, I., Brailean, A., Cleare, A. J., Coleman, J. R. I., Curtis, C. J., Curzons, S. C. B., Davis, K. A. S., Dowey, L. R. C., Gault, V. A., . . . NIHR BioResource consortium. (2019).

The genetic links to anxiety and depression (GLAD) study: Online recruitment into the largest recontactable study of depression and anxiety. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 123, 103503-103503.

This article is a comprehensive guide to how anxiety and depression may be linked to genetics, and which populations and genders may be more susceptible to anxiety and depression. The studies, research are impressive and applicable to this research paper on anxiety and depression. Studies and evidence will be provided by scientific studies,especially that of observations, surveys, and genetic histories will be provided.

English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, Ephesians 2:8-10, Mathew 6:26, Genesis 1:27,32, Jeremiah 1:5, John 3:16-17.

Kim, Elena E.; Chen, Eric C.; Brachfeld, Caroline; Kim, Elena E; Chen, Eric C; Brachfeld, Caroline (2019). Patients’ experience of spirituality and change in individual psychotherapy at a Christian counseling clinic: A grounded theory analysis. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 2019, Vol. 6, No. 2, 110–123.

In this article the grounded theory study is revealed by interviewing multiple participants whom state that spiritual experiences are vital to their successful treatment. The participants had various symptoms, traumas, and stressors. The point of the article is to demonstrate the importance for psychotherapy patients to develop safe and secure relationship with their image of God which were positive to Psychosocial Outcomes. Since the participants symptoms included traumas and stressors which results in anxiety and depression this will help support the topic of this paper.

Pearce, M. J., Koenig, H. G., Robins, C. J., Nelson, B., Shaw, S. F., Cohen, H. J., & King, M. B.

(2015). Religiously integrated cognitive behavioral therapy: a new method of treatment for major depression in patients with chronic medical illness. Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.), 52(1), 56–66. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0036448.

Shaw, Elizabeth (2021). Christian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Exercises to Try. An excerpt from the book “Get Out of Your Head” by Jennie Allen (2020).

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Life Review Interview and Reflection

Posted on May 19, 2024 by DW

Life Review Interview and Reflection


My interview is of my friend, Kay Van. Kay is a female that is 59 years old. She has three grown adult sons in which two are married and one is in a serious dating relationship. She has two grandchildren from her oldest son, and her second born son is planning for children with his new wife. The interview has been conducted in a casual sense with approximately 15 questions asked which cover childhood, to adolescence, to adulthood, to middle adulthood in which that is her current life development stage.


Developmental Analysis and Biblical Integration


From an early age Kay’s identity of self-concept and self-esteem came from spiritual influence. Her earliest memory is of her grandmother braiding her hair while she sat in church on a hardwood pew where she also learned the Lord’s prayer,  “Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016, Matthew 6:9-15). A memory that stands out the most was the times she invested with her brother “creeking” catching all sorts of creatures. Her relationship with her brother was and still is very strong and they both learned well how to adapt and make new friends due to the many times they moved throughout their childhood and adolescence. Kay adds that they are both life that to this very day.


The most impactful to self-concept, self-esteem, and self-efficacy as part of psychosocial development and identity formation which is a developmental milestone typically associated with adolescence (Cashion et al., 2019), were driven by when she felt she first discovered who she was which began in childhood, into adolescence, and into early adulthood. Kay Van (2023) stated, “I discovered who I was from sitting on a hillside behind on my house having an out loud conversations with God. I always knew, as far back as I could remember, that I was a child of God, before I even knew what salvation was, because I knew God was there an he was listening to me all the time. I knew I belonged to God. Even though I did not have a father, that He was my father and the champion of the fatherless. Therefore my relationship with Christ instilled in me who I was, and who I am, was and is His. I have and still have regular conversations to this day with my heavenly Father, thanking Him for all that I have to the smallest of things.”


It is evident from Kay’s responses that from childhood all the way into middle adulthood that God, faith and the Bible played an import role and included her development. Furthermore, in regards to Erick Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, Kay leaned on the more positive and growth oriented stages such as identify verses diffusion in adolescence, intimacy verses isolation in young adulthood, and generativity verses stagnation in middle adulthood (Cashion et al., 2019). This is supported and driven by her connection to God, her family, and a mentor, her commanding officer in the army, whom instilled a that passion, drive and promoted her while telling her that she was meant and designed to help people.


When I asked Kay what other things affected her self-concept, self-esteem, and self efficacy as described in (Cashion et al., 2019), she often pointed to faith, family, mentors, but also eluded to the experience of marriage and a painful divorce made one of the biggest impacts in her self esteem with the reply of, “The biggest impact in my self esteem was coming thru the realization coming through a difficult divorce that I am enough. No one defines me. I do not need to change for anyone. I need to change to be a better Christ centered believer. Not a person centered believer” (Kay Van 2023).


When I asked about Kay’s current status and plans for retirement they remained consistent with what built upon her self-concept, self-esteem, and self-efficacy as a child until know that her faith, family and close relationships were most important. That her cognitive abilities have not slowed due to engagement involvements with work, family, the community, community, fitness and exercise. However, because she is looking ahead at her future, what she needs to be successful, and not as to be a burden to her family, she has and still is planning well for retirement. Her plan is to retire between 62 to 64. During retirement she plans on remaining listening well to God, be active in her community, her church, be self sufficient, exercise and travel while remaining financially stable.


Insights


It is evident religion/spirituality played an important role in Kay’s life beginning at childhood, through adolescence, into emerging adulthood, and middle adulthood. I found it not only intriguing and inspirational that she was very outgoing and social all of her life while leaning on her faith in God to be that father figure along with credit wise mentors and family members. Her scope within the psychosocial development phases as described by Erik Erikson (Cashion et al., 2019), was always on the more positive scope which I believe also helped he persevere. In conclusion by combining faith, key family members and wise mentors assists in a healthy development through life’s stages and an ability to overcome and persevere. From my conversations with Kay, I found her to be a very strong woman, a remarkable mother, whom is driven to excel not from a point of perfection, but from life’s experience, a position of constant gratitude, and a genuine sense to make a positive impact in the life of others.

References

Cashion, V., Shriner, B., Shriner, M., & Mossler, R. A. (2019). Lifespan 360: Christian perspectives on human development (2nd ed.). Kendall Hunt.


English Standard Bible. (2016). https://esv.literalword.com/ (Original work published 2001)

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What Do You Value Most?

Posted on May 15, 2024 by DW

What Do You Value Most?

What truly matters to you?
What do you hold most sacred in your life?

Is it your relationship with God, your faith, your family?
Your physical and mental health?
Your education, career, or calling?

All of these are important—especially the first two. But here’s the real question:
Do your thoughts, words, actions, and habits reflect what you say you value?

🕰️ Time and Money: Your True Indicators

Time is priceless. You can earn more money—but never more time.
So let’s do a simple exercise to uncover what you truly value:

📅 Step 1: Review Your Calendar

Look back over the last 3–6 months.

  • Is there time blocked for prayer, devotionals, or Bible reading?
  • Are you investing in your health—gym, walks, rest?
  • Are you scheduling date nights, family time, or intentional moments with your children?

📱 Step 2: Monitor Your Screen Time

Turn on screen time tracking on your phone.

  • How much time is spent on social media, news, or entertainment?
  • Set timers when watching TV or using devices.
  • Ask yourself: Is this time feeding my purpose—or draining it?

💳 Step 3: Audit Your Finances

Review your bank statements and spending habits.

  • Essentials like housing, groceries, and insurance are expected.
  • But where does the rest go?
  • Are you investing in growth, generosity, or experiences that align with your values?

🧭 The Truth Revealed

Your calendar and your bank account often reveal what’s truly important to you.
If the results surprise you, it might be time to recalibrate.

  • Reclaim time for what matters most.
  • Redirect money toward purpose-driven priorities.
  • Reconnect with the people and passions that reflect your deepest values.

Closing Thoughts…

This isn’t about guilt—it’s about growth.
It’s about living intentionally, with clarity and conviction.
Because the things we value most deserve our best time, energy, and investment.

Let’s live like what matters most… actually matters most.

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Be More In 2024 with 1,2,3,4

Posted on November 30, 2023 by DW

So this is my theme and hashtag for my New Year’s Resolution: “Be More In 2024″ #bemorein2024 so as in 1,2,3,4:

1.) Be more present, (anc in the moment), to those whom I love and adore, and manage my time appropriately for that attentive and engaging time.

2.) Be more diligent and mindful in the gym, with what I eat, how much I eat and when I eat. (I am at a weight plateau from my #GetFitStayFit goal & 2020 New Year Resolution and I need to lose 20 more pounds)

3.) Be more proactive in my time management for school to stay ahead of my courses and not get behind.

4.) Be more of an image of Christ revealing more Fruits of The Spirit, exercising my Spiritual Gifts, speaking to others of what I believe and why, and asking others about their story.

So with goals we must put it into a plan, work that plan, measure the results, and see how we did by year end.

What is your 2024 New Year’s Resolution/Goal?

#BeTheChange

#bemorein2024

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Read Me!

Posted on October 2, 2023 by DW

💭 Planning for a Purposeful Retirement: Wisdom from Experience

My goal is simple: to retire comfortably and intentionally. Not with extravagance, but with peace. A modest ranch near water, a few fun toys for loved ones, and the freedom to enjoy life.

But life has a way of testing even the best-laid plans. So how do we get there—especially when time feels short?

🧭 The Roadmap to Financial Freedom

Here’s what I’ve learned through decades of experience in banking, tech, and life itself:

💰 1. Cash Is King

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, said it before the 2008 crisis—and it still holds true. Liquidity matters. Flexibility matters. Cash gives you options.

🧾 2. Get Out of Debt—Fast

Start with credit cards. Pay them off. Avoid using them unless absolutely necessary—and always pay within 30 days.
Then tackle vehicle loans. Then your mortgage. Make extra principal payments when possible.

🏦 3. Save Smart

  • Build an emergency fund with at least 6 months of income.
  • Use high-yield savings, CDs, or money markets—not basic accounts that lose to inflation.
  • Consult a certified financial advisor before making major moves.

🪙 4. Invest Wisely

  • Max out your 401(k)—especially if your employer matches. That’s free money.
  • Diversify with gold and silver. Store it securely.
  • Study financial trends. Watch Bloomberg. Learn where money flows.

📉 Understanding Today’s Economy

  • Home values have surged, but so have property taxes and mortgage rates (now triple what they were five years ago).
  • Credit card interest rates average over 20%.
  • Savings accounts barely beat inflation.
  • The cost of living—groceries, rent, gas—is far higher than it was in the late ’90s.

If you earned $50K back then, you’d need $100K today to match it. Don’t let outdated benchmarks mislead your financial decisions.

🧠 Health Is Wealth

Financial freedom means nothing without physical, mental, and spiritual health.

  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat clean
  • Stay hydrated
  • Rest well
  • Manage stress intentionally

🗣️ Why I’m Sharing This

I’ve lived through recessions, inflation, market crashes, and personal setbacks. I’ve been a banker, a tech geek, a researcher, and a VP of Business Banking during the real estate bubble. I’ve bought and sold homes, studied trends, and helped others navigate financial storms.

This isn’t theory—it’s lived experience.
Cash is king. Liquidity is power. Be like water.

If anything here resonates—or if you’re unsure how to apply it—reach out. I’d be honored to help you think through your next steps.

Read this again. Let it sink in. Then act.
Your future self will thank you.

DW

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Cave Time Top 5

Posted on October 1, 2023 by DW

🛑 Sunday Reflections: Cave Time and Clarity

It’s Sunday evening, and I’ve spent this weekend investing in something we often overlook: rest and reflection.

I didn’t skip the gym Friday or Saturday. I got in some motorcycle riding, tackled schoolwork, read, slept well, wrote a bit, caught a few football highlights, and even sparked a few casual conversations with strangers—just enough to share a laugh or a smile.

I call this “cave time.”
A sacred pause. A reset. A moment to breathe.

🧠 When the Mind Is Full

There’s been a lot on my mind lately—and I know I’m not alone.
Many of my loved ones are carrying heavy burdens too.
Maybe you’ve felt it: the weight of uncertainty, the sting of past hurts, the distraction of noise, and the frustration of others’ arrogance or ignorance.

Sometimes, it rubs off on us.
But God never intended for us to live in that space.

Scripture reminds us of this truth again and again.

📖 A Biblical Lens for Mental Clarity

So how do we respond—especially as critical thinkers grounded in a biblical worldview?

We start by taking inventory of what we’re seeing, hearing, and doing.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:8:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise—think about these things.”

And in 2 Timothy 1:7:

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

🔄 My Personal Reset: 5 Commitments

Here are five things I’m recommitting to—starting now:

1. Let Go of the Past

I can’t change what’s behind me.
But I can shape the present and influence the future—through what I think, say, and do.

2. Forgive More Freely

If God can forgive me, I must strive to forgive others.
Unforgiveness breeds bitterness—and bitterness is a prison.
Let’s stop watering those roots.

3. Be Present with People

Phones don’t belong on the dinner table.
I’m making it a point to silence or put away my smartphone—especially when I’m with loved ones.
Time is priceless. People are irreplaceable.

4. Return to Daily Spiritual and Physical Discipline

Back to daily time in the Word.
Back to prayer.
Back to Christian music that uplifts.
Back to movement—whether it’s hiking, walking, biking, or lifting.
Seven days a week, not just four to six.

5. Pause and Apply Discernment

When something stirs anger or conflict in my spirit, I’ll pause.
I’ll ask: What would Jesus have me do?
James 1:19–21 reminds us:

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger… for human anger doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.”

What About You?

What are your top 3–5 commitments?
What helps you reset, refocus, and realign?

Let’s share.
Because when we open up about healthy habits and spiritual disciplines, we help others grow too.
And that’s one of the best ways to use platforms like this—to encourage, uplift, and inspire.

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It’s that simple…

Posted on June 11, 2023 by DW

Why do we as human beings have a tendency to make religion, faith, the bible, and Christian life so complicated and complex?

The Gospel message is quite simple, and it is not about religion it is about a relationship in which all humans were designed for; with God and others.

God cannot accept sin, and the fall of humanity happened in the Garden of Eden which causes separation from God. A great divide. The wages of sin is death. God so loved humanity they he suffered and died on the cross in Jesus Christ for payment of humanities sin. Jesus is the bridge of the great divide.

This is the gift of eternal life with God by accepting this gift, confessing with your mouth, believing in your heart, repenting, and moving forward to strive to love, lead, teach, serve and live a life as Christ did. To live a life worthy of his horrific crucifixion and death for you.

It is that simple. Really.

Acceptance of Christ, you become an adopted son of the Kingdom of God. You become an apprentice of Jesus Christ. You are a new person through and with Him. You appreciate, enjoy, honor and respect that relationship by gathering with others, learning/worshiping/repenting/serving in church, learning and growing by reading and studying the bible and applying those principles in your life. You share this Good News, the Gospel with others by teaching what Christ taught, striving to live as He did, baptizing others in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And you are never alone as He is always with you.

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Manning Up. How to be a better man in today’s society and digital world.

Posted on November 30, 2022 by DW

Manning Up: An Introduction

Manning Up is a multi-part series sharing what I’ve learned—and continue to learn—about what it means to be a good man, father, friend, and husband. Not perfect—because there is no perfect man, father, friend, or husband. We’re all human. We make mistakes. We fail.

The key is to strive—to grow, to learn from failures, and to gain wisdom along the way. Then, to pass that wisdom on to others—especially those we love and those who genuinely seek it.

My Journey

Looking back on my life—from boyhood to manhood—I’ve always had a mindset of growth. I wanted to be the best version of myself. Later, as my faith deepened through church and ministry, I aspired to be a better man of God.

Raising two daughters and one son has been one of my greatest honors and blessings. Most of that time was as a divorced dad under the “Standard Order of Parenting”—about four days a month, a few hours on Wednesdays, and half the summer. It wasn’t easy, but I made every moment count: attentive, engaging, educational, fun, and nurturing.

I wanted to be the example my daughters would look for in a future husband and the example my son would strive to become. Did I get it right every time? No. But I did my best and trusted God with the rest. When I failed, I owned it, sought forgiveness, and learned from it. That’s a lesson I’ve taught my children too.

Why It Matters

Fatherlessness is an epidemic that erodes families and society. The statistics are alarming—linked to crime, addiction, mental illness, and suicide. (Here’s a great resource: Fatherhood.org).

This is why I prioritize quality time with my kids above almost everything else. Divorce doesn’t mean children divorce their parents. It’s not their fault. They deserve both parents actively engaged in their lives.

Friendship and Time

As I matured, I sought to be the best friend I could be—honorable, loyal, and respectful. Some friends valued that; others didn’t. Over time, I learned that friendship isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

Time is precious. You can’t buy more, and you can’t get it back. Large circles of friends often mean shallow relationships. True friends stand by you through ups and downs, offering encouragement, inspiration, and accountability. Others? They disappear when life gets hard—or worse, betray your trust.

Today, my circle is small—and intentional. Remember: you become the average of your five closest friends. Choose wisely.

Marriage and Relationships

Dating and marriage aren’t what they used to be. Many rush into marriage based on fleeting emotions, looks, or image—without understanding the covenant of marriage.

Before a man considers marriage, he must know who he is, where he’s going, what he stands for, and Whom he serves.

Some may ask, “What makes you an expert—especially since you’ve been divorced?” My answer: experience, mistakes, and growth. Years of working with men’s groups, divorce recovery programs, studying relationships, earning mental health certifications, and deep self-discovery have taught me invaluable lessons.

If you don’t learn from mistakes, you’re doomed to repeat them. Wisdom comes from reflection, humility, and discernment.

What’s Next

This series will explore what I believe are the 10 Marks of a Great Man (below)—qualities every man should strive for. These ideas draw from authors like Brian Tome (The 5 Marks of a Man) and John Eldredge (Wild at Heart), but also from my own life experiences.

Boys begin seeking their masculine identity as early as age 10. If they don’t find it at home, they’ll look elsewhere. As men, fathers, and followers of Christ, we must model what true masculinity looks like.

“A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be.” – Frank A. Clark

Being a man isn’t about dominance, wealth, or status—it’s about character, responsibility, and love. It’s about showing up when it matters most, leading with humility, and leaving a legacy that outlives you. The world needs men who will rise above mediocrity and embrace the calling to be protectors, providers, and servant leaders. The question is: will you answer that call?

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  1. A good man is a man of his word. His word is his bond. He exudes integrity in all that he says and does. “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” — Proverbs 11:3. “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” — Proverbs 12:22.
  2. A good man is not a harmless man, a good man is a very dangerous man that has it all under voluntary control. “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;” — Psalm 144:1. “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe” — Luke 11:21. “When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people: “Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.” — Nehemiah 4:14
  3. A good loves his wife and children in words, actions & deed. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” — Ephesians 5:25. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4–8. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” — Romans 12:9
  4. A good man can admit where and when he was wrong, apologize & seek forgiveness with humility. “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” Proverbs 28:13. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” — James 5:16.
  5. A good man strives to learn from his mistakes and improve. “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity” – Proverbs 24:16. “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,” — Philippines 3:13
  6. A good man takes a minority position for what is honorable, true, and right even if he has to stand alone. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” — Deuteronomy 31:6
  7. A good man has a vision. He regularly sets goals, strives to achieve them. “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”- Psalm 20:4. “Where there is no vision, the people perish” — Proverbs 29:18
  8. A good man is a provider and a protector. “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” — 1 Timothy 5:8
  9. A good man is a team player. He realizes to be the best he looks to not only a core team, a close and wise circle of influence, but thinks more of those around him, and the team, than he does himself only, be encouraging, inspiring and helping one another with accountability. “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” — Proverbs 27:17. “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” — Proverbs 18:24
  10. A good man works and takes pride in what he does as it is good to work, no matter what job, career or position, he works hard as to the Lord and not unto mankind. He ardently pursues excellence in his work, at home, and whatever he lays his hands to, but not perfectionism. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going” — Ecclesiastes 9:10. “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,[a] serve the Lord.” — Romans 12:11.  “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” – Colossians 3:23

My hope is that this introduction sets the stage for what will be an honest, challenging, and inspiring journey through this series. I may refine and expand this section over time, so check back often.

In the chapters ahead, I’ll dive deeper into topics like fatherhood, authentic friendship, relationships, dating, and marriage—exploring what these look like through a lens of true masculinity. I’ll share what I believe a good man should strive to be, and what masculinity truly is (and isn’t).

Expect guest contributions—both men and women—for diverse perspectives. I’ll also include audio podcasts and video content along the way. So bookmark this page, subscribe to the blog, podcast, and YouTube channel, and let’s walk this journey together.

Ready for the next step? Part 2 (Chapter 1) is available here: https://purposeprinciplespassion.com/2022/12/15/manning-up-how-to-be-a-better-man-in-todays-society-and-digital-world-part-2-chapter-1-what-is-a-man/

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Get In The Game…

Posted on May 28, 2020 by DW
April 17th, 2019

Are You in the Game?

If you spend any time around me, you’ll eventually notice something: I love sports analogies, old movie lines, and the occasional sports cliché. I’ve played, coached, and followed all kinds of sports, and I’m also a movie buff, so those worlds often show up in my everyday conversations.

One term you hear a lot in sports is “benchwarmer.” That’s the player who never gets into the game. It makes me wonder: Are there people who are benchwarmers when it comes to their faith, their calling, or God’s purpose for their life?

When we come to Christ, we’re given the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and the seeds of the fruit of the Spirit. We weren’t saved to sit on the sidelines. God didn’t call us to be spectators or fans. He calls us to follow Him; to pick up our cross, not a cushion.

Church Isn’t a Theater

Church was never designed to be a comfortable place where we sit back and watch a show. No matter the size, the church is meant to be a gathering place to:

  • Learn
  • Serve
  • Praise
  • Worship
  • Get equipped
  • And then GO

Before Jesus ascended, He didn’t say, “You’re saved, now relax.” Instead, He gave His followers their mission:
Go. Teach. Make disciples. Baptize. Live out everything He taught.
And He promised to be with us every step of the way.

Learning From the Disciples

My goal in writing this is to help connect the dots between our lives and the lives of the disciples; those fishermen, the tax collector, the doctor, and even the one who betrayed Him. They weren’t flawless. They weren’t chosen because they already measured up.
God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

I’ve achieved a lot in my life, and I’ve also lost a lot. Life throws curveballs whether you’re a believer or not. What matters is perseverance. That’s one reason Hebrews 12:1–3 has always meant so much to me—running the race with endurance.

When I trained sales teams, I often told them:
“Anything worth having takes work. If it’s worth having, it’s worth working for.”
Same message when I coached. Same message I give my kids.

Dive Into Their Stories

I want to encourage you: over the next several weeks or months, spend time in the New Testament learning about the twelve disciples. Read about who they were. Study how Jesus:

  • Spoke to them
  • Taught them
  • Corrected them
  • Served them
  • Loved them

If you want to grow as a disciple of Jesus, and learn how to disciple others. Start there. Don’t rush it. Don’t skip past the journey.

Remember when Peter was eager to be “first” among the disciples? Jesus basically told him, in today’s terms:
“Slow down. Greatness in My kingdom starts with serving. The greatest are the ones who humble themselves.”

We Make Time for What We Value

Scripture teaches that where your treasure is, your heart will follow. In other words, we invest our time, money, and talents into what we value most. I’ll be the first to admit, mine hasn’t always been invested wisely or in ways that advance God’s Kingdom.

Faith Is a Team Sport

If you’ve ever played to win, really played to win, you know it takes:

  • Training
  • Hard work
  • Teamwork
  • Discipline
  • Good coaching
  • Commitment
  • Playing by the rules
  • Early mornings and long hours
  • Off‑season conditioning

Professional athletes don’t reach that level by accident. They do the work, year after year. They have a vision, a mission, and a purpose that drives them.

Success in faith is similar. It takes time. It takes effort. It takes learning from mistakes and getting back up again.

You’re Not Alone

As I write this, I pray the Spirit connects these analogies and truths to your heart. Living out your calling isn’t easy. It requires commitment and discipline. But you’re not walking alone. You’ll form brotherhood or sisterhood along the way. You’ll have mentors. And above all, you have God and your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Paul encouraged Timothy to pursue righteousness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness, to fight the good fight and hold tightly to eternal life. That same encouragement applies to you and me today.

So… Which One Are You?

Are you a benchwarmer, watching the game from the sidelines?
Or are you a player in the arena, fighting the good fight, running your race, and helping lead others into God’s Kingdom?

Do the work.
Make the time.
Push through discouragement.

Get in the game. Stay in the game. And play to win—because in Christ, we’re already on the winning side

~ DW
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