https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections daily 0.75 2024-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1620075021639-8JL2E9T5PYLT4B92KLRV/road-210913.jpg Reflections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1620073255168-BA9MRSSDJN9NEQ1CMR7X/children-1149671.jpg Reflections - Resources. Reviews of books, podcasts, sermons I’ve found helpful. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/book-group-starting-oct-23-when-everythings-on-fire-by-brian-zahnd monthly 0.5 2024-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/d50963cd-487f-4b3a-a165-7c590d6ab048/When+everythings+on+fire+cover.jpg Reflections - Book Group Starting Oct 22 - “When Everything’s On Fire” by Brian Zahnd I first heard of pastor and author Brian Zahnd through a friend who was going through his own deconstruction process, and I found his book, “Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God” so encouraging a couple years ago. In 2021, in the midst of the chaos of Covid, Zahnd released “When Everything’s On Fire”, and I just found it at the library and devoured it. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/the-problem-of-biblical-assumptions monthly 0.5 2024-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/27a1364b-c676-4f90-9e53-5cd811d5658e/crossroads.jpg Reflections - The problem of Biblical assumptions - Make it stand out Image by Klaus from Pixabay https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/her-water-broke-in-a-barn monthly 0.5 2023-12-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/9705a0d5-e965-410a-8aa5-d19af712076d/sheep+feeding.jpg Reflections - Her water broke in a barn - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/gratitude monthly 0.5 2023-11-22 https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/the-only-thing-that-counts-part-two monthly 0.5 2023-10-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1696278828368-C98UG8HR47AW7EXFXQYG/2018-07-03+11.19.32.jpg Reflections - The only thing that counts (part 2) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/the-only-thing-that-counts monthly 0.5 2023-09-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/27626c29-d332-40f4-a374-e66f883a9b8b/green-forest-3840154_1280.jpg Reflections - The only thing that counts - Make it stand out Image courtesy of BGrote at Pixabay.com https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/faith-after-doubt-groups monthly 0.5 2023-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1694729429776-Q6XLDD3KKEOF8QLBCDX3/Faith+after+doubt+cover.jpg Reflections - Faith After Doubt Groups - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/a-more-beautiful-approach monthly 0.5 2023-08-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/5f989ef7-c9fd-4b19-83c1-4e5a272e4229/dirt+road.jpg Reflections - A more beautiful approach - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/what-gives-you-the-right monthly 0.5 2023-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/d34a3d7b-4659-404a-81d7-ff026e926c84/butterfly.jpg Reflections - What gives you the right? - Make it stand out A butterfly in flight https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/my-hope monthly 0.5 2022-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/b6bfc68a-e350-4000-be56-2c048538c2b7/flower+in+desert.jpg Reflections - My hope - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/7d5bc786-4b14-4cdb-9a5c-c3433f50fedb/IMG_2702.JPG Reflections - My hope So maybe if you have lost your hope that God will save the day You can hold onto hope that God could do it Change is possible, even if unlikely And maybe that will be enough for today Or tomorrow And maybe after many todays and tomorrows Eventually You will see new life too This is my hope https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/what-makes-the-gospel-offensive-1 monthly 0.5 2022-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1667935346674-2C257CNV30YDTMF8YU9D/milky+way+canyon.jpg Reflections - What makes the gospel offensive? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/a-more-beautiful-easter-story-part-2 monthly 0.5 2022-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/09818735-310d-4579-912c-26aee7ce16a1/empty-tomb-3326100_1280.jpg Reflections - A more beautiful Easter story - part 2 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/a-more-beautiful-easter-story-part-1 monthly 0.5 2022-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/4336ff28-37a2-43e2-a568-044d5058f947/crosses-2713356_1280.jpg Reflections - A more beautiful Easter story - part 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/how-partying-might-make-you-more-like-jesus monthly 0.5 2022-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/94d966f9-aae2-4d4b-b516-68813273bdf1/party.jpg Reflections - How partying might make you more like Jesus - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/how-far-away-is-god monthly 0.5 2022-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/95e065cc-8f6f-46af-8f18-f3058c4c8d40/earth+and+cosmos.jpg Reflections - How far away is God, anyway? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/amazing-power-of-gratefulness monthly 0.5 2022-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/c136ee39-a391-4fe6-8d87-96c6230ebb04/IMG_1089.JPEG Reflections - The amazing way gratefulness changes my brain - It’s simply unbelievable how many burgundy Honda CR-Vs there are on the road. Or haven’t you noticed? What car do you notice everywhere you go? Is it quite possibly the same type that you drive? https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/the-beautiful-art-of-asking-questions monthly 0.5 2022-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1601c568-c289-4ab9-9d04-86db2931ebfb/people+talking.jpg Reflections - The beautiful art of asking questions - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/sing-less-worship-songs monthly 0.5 2022-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/9f7bbc8b-1b4d-4ecc-a82d-9af18e60f585/worship+songs.jpg Reflections - Does God really want songs? - Since my professional ministry career ended in 2015 I’ve still spent a good amount of time on a worship band at my church, putting together 20-minute sets of worship songs. It’s really fun to be part of putting music together and having the congregation sing along with worshipful hearts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1641668937068-1N9SOZBBDIHIQCQLKZV3/helping+hand.jpg Reflections - Does God really want songs? - “No!” the answer comes. Micah then says to them, “God has shown you what God wants from you. If you really want to demonstrate your worship of God, do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” (see Micah 6:6-8) https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/evaluate-the-fruit-of-your-spiritual-practices monthly 0.5 2022-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/68ef6da6-8a41-4b9b-8351-285978572778/fruit.jpg Reflections - Evaluate the fruit of your spiritual practices - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/from-dream-to-reality-in-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/d60e6503-7369-4af0-be78-d639aeb86bd1/IMG_0749+%282%29.JPEG Reflections - From dream to reality in 2021 - Here I am with my beautiful wife Ann who has been my biggest fan for 30 years. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/the-tale-of-bugsy-the-entomologist monthly 0.5 2021-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/f36bfe33-71aa-4acf-a0c2-4032666722c8/ants.jpg Reflections - The tale of Bugsy the entomologist - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/quit-burying-your-doubts monthly 0.5 2022-01-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/a344e277-1707-4892-898e-ba09d4371f79/doubts.jpg Reflections - Quit burying your doubts - How do you think God reacts to your questions, doubts and confusion about your spiritual life? I think God says, “Bring it on!” It may come as a surprise to those who sat listening to my sermons for years, but I wrestled with doubts about God, the Bible, Christianity, Heaven, Hell, and the church for as long as I can remember. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/the-wonder-of-breathing monthly 0.5 2021-11-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/7ef75718-55f3-43de-8822-de245de8db3e/IMG_9574.JPG Reflections - The wonder of breathing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/imagining-jesus-wwjd monthly 0.5 2021-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/3964e564-a038-449f-9996-5aa3be24eb91/helping+hand.jpg Reflections - Imagining Jesus (wwjd, and wwjnd?) Some of you may remember the acronym WWJD from the 1990’s. It was splashed on bracelets, hats, t’shirts and bumper stickers, and it served a reminder to the initiated to ask themselves “What would Jesus do?” It’s a question I’ve been pondering in the wake of my friend’s experiences of Christian people during the campaign. Here’s two lists: “What would Jesus NOT do?” as well as “WWJD?” https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/letting-go-of-my-divine-expectations monthly 0.5 2021-11-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/d75dd819-1209-4d15-9625-899da8e56d10/youth+pastor+and+family+killed.JPG Reflections - Letting go of my divine expectations - Make it stand out John, Vanessa, and baby Hudson Ellis in 2015. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/who-are-gods-favorites monthly 0.5 2021-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1635456992255-IEVEC4DBKG4QR6PTKJ2F/who+are+special+ones.jpg Reflections - Who are God’s favorites (and am I one)? Knowing what I know now about the way I’m wired, which is to do whatever possible to please anyone in authority over me, as well as the fact that I was motivated to grow in my relationship to God, it is not too surprising that I walked to the front to take step seven that Saturday night. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/why-giving-up-hell-made-me-a-better-christian monthly 0.5 2021-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1634873287290-QYS4WWWPU7GC549LMGE0/gave+up+hell.jpg Reflections - Why giving up on Hell made me a better Christian Since I no longer fear they will be tormented literally forever if I don’t say the right thing at the right time, or invite that person to that evangelistic event, or memorize and use that little salvation diagram on the napkin at the restaurant, or try to manipulate that person into a debate about apologetics I can love that person better. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/feeling-safe-with-god-in-the-quiet monthly 0.5 2021-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1633070315672-2Y62LCT15SJG0TOY5PL6/reading-925589_1920.jpg Reflections - Feeling safe with God in the quiet - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/overcoming-my-fears-of-meditation monthly 0.5 2021-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1632580641329-DJWDL7Z0QHYTZCA7EUW6/woman-5779323_1920.jpg Reflections - Overcoming my fears of meditation - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/blog-post-but-could-it-be-wrong monthly 0.5 2021-07-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1620001949241-MRN3K555BN3GAY1JNWM3/could+it+be.jpg Reflections - But could it be wrong? My friend, a courageous LGBTQ advocate, posted about a musical she had attended a while ago and we discussed it. The musical was "Pray the Gay Away". It shares the experience of LGBTQ people as related to the Christian church. It has a scene depicting shock therapy to "correct" a gay man's improper sexual urges. My friend told me she wanted me to see the musical. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/blog-post-i-am-left-handed monthly 0.5 2021-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1620001935272-6DA9EXA6XCEAWUPZ095T/left+handed.jpg Reflections - I am left handed I am left handed. I always have been. Someday when I was 3 or perhaps 4 years old, a box of crayons was put in front of me and I was invited to draw a picture. I reached out and grabbed a crayon with my left hand. Most people in this first experience reached out with their right hand. But not me. I am left handed. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/blog-post-jesus-was-coming-soon monthly 0.5 2021-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1619680595384-XA2Z8FAFT7SBIWY9UON9/jesus+was+coming.jpg Reflections - Jesus was coming soon. In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus is quoted saying the current generation of people would not pass away before the end would come (Matt. 24:34). In The Revelation, John quotes Jesus saying he is coming “soon” (Rev. 3:11, 22:7, 22:12, 22:20). Peter writes, “The end of all things is near” (1 Peter 4:7). John writes “this is the last hour” (1 John 2:18). So the clear understanding of the writers of the New Testament is not only that Jesus would return, but he would return soon. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/blog-post-whats-it-all-for monthly 0.5 2021-07-09 https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/blog-post-god-must-have-been-just-fine-with-it monthly 0.5 2021-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1625699812698-MPBIXPJJMGVPEH89RYAY/The-Bible-Tells-Me-So.jpg Reflections - God must have been just fine with it. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/blog-post-theyll-know-we-are-christians monthly 0.5 2021-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1620003375746-CB38ZZZK21AAO5Q8497T/theyll+know+we+are+christians.jpg Reflections - They'll know we are Christians by our what? https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/blog-post-what-did-jesus-really-say monthly 0.5 2021-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1620003628193-PUJFAM7LWGZ8Q2C7LECP/what+did+jesus+say.jpg Reflections - What did Jesus really say? (And did he speak in red letters?) https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/blog-post-house-of-cards monthly 0.5 2021-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1620004031126-RD6A4Z6F8HVD3TOIJVID/house-of-cards.jpg Reflections - Is Biblical Inerrancy a House of Cards? https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/blog-post-eternity-and-hell monthly 0.5 2021-07-09 https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/tag/love+your+neighbor monthly 0.5 https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/tag/humility monthly 0.5 https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/tag/questions monthly 0.5 https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/tag/spiritual+gifts monthly 0.5 https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/tag/hope monthly 0.5 https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/tag/easter monthly 0.5 https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/tag/hell monthly 0.5 https://amorebeautifulstory.com/reflections/tag/missing+the+point monthly 0.5 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1619925806616-Y3TG7CPYTLTO258U0HBK/IMG_6220.jpg Home - Loving God with all my mind has long entailed wrestling with big questions about the story of Christianity I was taught and for many years taught others. This site shares my journey, my reflections on many topics, and resources that I hope will be helpful for you if you’ve found it more and more difficult to align with the Christian story you’ve been taught. I’ve got good news. God is not offended by your questions, doubts, and frustrations about the Bible and Christianity. I've found greater joy, deeper peace, and increased love for God and others as I've faced these issues head on. You too are invited into a more beautiful story. ~Don Jaques, site creator https://amorebeautifulstory.com/contact daily 0.75 2021-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/fec33199-5d00-42ab-8c7b-57dd29b051b3/IMG_6223.jpg Contact https://amorebeautifulstory.com/about daily 0.75 2021-05-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1619927578648-LI61EJJ3T4VGS5VOFBMU/IMG_6206.jpg About After nearly 20 years of professional ministry work in evangelical Christian churches, I resigned in 2015. I had no idea what I was going to do next. I just knew for multiple reasons I couldn’t be a pastor in an evangelical church any longer. Since 2015 I’ve worked as a real estate agent (surprise!) while finding ways to keep serving Jesus outside of being a church pastor. I live on Whidbey Island, WA, with my wife Ann and mini Australian Shepherd, providing long distance support to my 2 young adult children as they make their way in the world. I love cycling, playing guitar, taking beach and trail walks, and traveling to sunnier locations with Ann. I’m learning how to love Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. ~Don Jaques https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/1619926584049-NT8LTE8X1B562WK2KTVM/road-220058.jpg About https://amorebeautifulstory.com/thankyou daily 0.75 2021-11-21 https://amorebeautifulstory.com/subscribe daily 0.75 2022-10-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60230f85d0f6a61686be5c23/0fb912c2-d895-40af-988e-d7b09e33fbf7/15x15+bw+RTP-01.png