The Cross Orlando is a congregation of people living under the reign of God. We gather together regularly, we're working in all sectors of our city and are always looking for ways to better care for each other. But a great first step in meeting us, is to check out these blogs that our folks manage.
Ben's Substack
This week I’m in psalm 34. Taste and see that the Lord is good. The psalmist suggests that a way to “taste” the Lord is to “take refuge in Him.” Refuge isn’t a word that I use a lot. But as I close my eyes and consider…”when have I taken refuge?” two different memories come to mind. Several months…
Read MoreBen's Substack
I’m spending the rest of the Church year in the psalms. This past week it’s been psalm 30. It’s a quick hit of a psalm, but with a pretty full spectrum of experience. The psalmist spends the first three verses promising praise. God’s been so good to them and they are grateful. The next two verses go…
Read MoreBen's Substack
Several years ago my friends had a relative die way too young, like middle twenties. Roughly the last third of his life was really hard: substance abuse, arrests, mental instability, unstable housing. When he passed, it was no less sad for not being a big surprise. When we gathered to remember his…
Read MoreBen's Substack
Rode my bike to work today. It’s been a while since I did that. I loved it. It feels like a little adventure, gotta pick out your route, watch out for traffic, get everything stowed away so it doesn’t fall out of your pockets, you feel the breeze and are less at the mercy of traffic and lights. It’s…
Read MoreBen's Substack
In college I had a pastor who was very influential in my life. There are several specific conversations I remember and a few phrases of his that have really stuck with me. One of those popped into my head today: “Ben, sometimes action precedes attitude.” I don’t remember exactly what prompted that…
Read MoreBen's Substack
A friend asked me how church was going last night. He’s not someone who I am church with, but I have known him for several years. It was a genuine question. He knows that church is a big part of my life, and he legitimately cares how things are going for me. I thought it was very cool that he asked.…
Read MoreBen's Substack
I’m solidly in mid-life. It’s nice to realize that I’m still learning things about myself. One of the things I’m realizing about me is how much I like hitting a goal. I think that kinda hid from be for a while because I’m not overly competitive. I’m usually just as happy to let you win, as to win…
Read MoreBen's Substack
It’s been a hot summer. I don’ t think that’s just my perception. I think it can be substantiated. hot. At our house, Megan has developed very strategic management of our thermostat. It seems like whenever I walk in the door the house feels cool. We have these classic Florida terrazzo floors, big…
Read MoreBen's Substack
The other day I took the dog for a long walk. It was around 5p but still super sweaty outside. I didn’t mind, I knew it was hot when I left and was prepared to sweat. It was just me and him walking, so I wasn’t worried about how I was looking, or smelling. It was a nice walk, took about an hour and…
Read MoreBen's Substack
If I remember correctly, I was in early elementary school when some neighborhood kids in middle school invited me to help them build a treehouse in the nearby woods. I felt so cool. The hideout was built between three trees and you had to know the right way to walk back into the woods and find it. I…
Read More