Intensity impresses, consistency is transformational

Ahoy! It's been a while since I last checked in, and I wanted to share some of the adventures and reflections I've had over the past year. Earlier this year, I set sail on a journey called Exodus 90. Imagine 90 days of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity – a spiritual retreat that took me away from the constant buzz of social media and into the calm waters of faith and personal growth.

During this time, I discovered just how much calmer the seas can be without the constant storm of updates and opinions. It was a time of peace and clarity, a chance to chart my own course without being tossed around by the waves of social media. I realized that if I don't take the time to create my own thoughts and write, I can easily be overwhelmed by the "wickedness and wiles" of the digital world.

Over the past year, I moved to the sunny shores of Pensacola, and navigated a lot of change. While change has been good, I've found that I need a steady anchor in my faith life. During a recent Circle, I heard a phrase that struck a chord: "Intensity impresses, consistency is transformational." This has become my guiding star as I sail through life's ups and downs.

While change is a constant, I've really had time to reflect and hone in on aspects that require my effort to change. For example, I've got to take better care of my health. Over the past couple years, I've gained back over 60 pounds, and I feel miserable. Either I can accept this miserable or take action to alter the course. I don't plan on taking a violent gybe to alter course, instead implementing an incrementally consistent turn of the tiller while holding the mainsheet to safeguard the boom. Once again the theme returns, consistency not intensity...

Now, as I return to writing, I feel more grounded and inspired. I want to share more about my journey, the insights I've gained, and how this experience has strengthened my faith. I hope my reflections can offer some encouragement and perhaps inspire you to find your own moments of peace and clarity.

Thank you for your patience and for sticking with me. I'm excited to reconnect with all of you and continue this journey together.

Fair winds and following seas,

Chris