Welcome

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

a realistic picture

by Ben Hoyer

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…

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Ben's Substack

after the fact

by Ben Hoyer

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…

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Ben's Substack

Good Question

by Ben Hoyer

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.…

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Ben's Substack

more to learn

by Ben Hoyer

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…

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Ben's Substack

still hot.

by Ben Hoyer

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…

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Ben's Substack

sixteen years

by Ben Hoyer

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…

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Ben's Substack

love and serve

by Ben Hoyer

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…

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Ben's Substack

Yard Work and Right Things

by Ben Hoyer

Sometimes I think about starting a lawn maintenance business. Not to get rich, just to spend my days tidying up yards. I borrowed my neighbor’s edger the other day. Whoa! A good edger is a game changer. crisp little cut lines along the sidewalks and patio boarders look great. It’s odd that I get…

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Ben's Substack

Fine Wine

by Ben Hoyer

It occurred to me this week that Jesus doesn’t really talk about building an “army.” Some of us may have grown up singing songs about serving in the Lord’s army or marching onward as christian soldiers. But it’s not a metaphor that is used much for Israel or the church in our scriptures. It’s…

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Ben's Substack

uniquely

by Ben Hoyer

This past sunday we considered Psalm 8 together. It’s a pretty well known psalm: Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe…

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