Alan Fadling's Blog, page 11

Immanuel, God With Us

Blog by Gem Fadling

As we approach Christmas, I find myself reflecting on the quiet beauty of this season. The lights, the carols, and the festive gatherings all point to the birth of Jesus.

 

Christmas is a time to pause, to step out of the shuffle of life and remember the One who changed the world.

 

Isaiah spoke of this hope long before Christ’s arrival:

 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

 

It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activities and miss the quiet invitation at the center of it all: to enjoy Immanuel, God with us.

 

This week, I invite you to take time to reflect on this incredible gift. As you gather with loved ones, as you exchange gifts and share meals, remember the one who gave us the greatest gift of all—himself.

 

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

 

May your heart be filled with the peace and joy that comes from knowing Christ. Let the light of God’s love guide you, and may you experience God’s presence in a new and deeper way.

 

Blessings to you and your loved ones and may you have a very Merry Christmas. May the Prince of Peace accompany you in the coming days.

UL 321: You Are Not a Machine

 

Do you ever feel like you’re caught in an endless cycle of production, performance, and pressure to keep going as if you’re a machine? Here’s the truth: you’re not a machine—you’re a beloved son or daughter of God, designed with rhythms, limits, and an invitation to rest as well as work. In this episode, we unpack what it means to live as God intended—rooted, unhurried, and attuned to the gift of being human.

Highlights from today’s conversation include:

Embracing the Gift of Limits: Why honoring your God-given boundaries leads to true freedom and flourishing.
Living Like Trees, Not Machines: How rootedness and abiding in God sustain a fruitful, abundant life.
Recalibrating for Health: Moving beyond burnout to a sustainable, life-giving rhythm of rest and work.

We’ll also explore how acknowledging seasons, valuing slow growth, and embracing your identity as a beloved child of God can reframe your purpose and renew your energy. Let’s lean into the good news that you were made to flourish, not to constantly perform.

Listen in and take a step toward a life marked by fruitfulness, rest, and joy—a life grounded in God’s love and presence.

Embracing the Mystery of Advent

Blog by Alan Fadling

Advent is a season of waiting and a time to dwell in a sacred mystery. This season draws us back to a story that remains as relevant as it is ancient. It’s the story of God appearing in the flesh—of Immanuel, "God with us." In his first letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul calls this story “the mystery from which true godliness springs (1 Timothy 3:16).” Advent calls us to slow down, to consider the great wonder of this divine mystery, and to ask, Who is Jesus, truly?

 

In that same passage, Paul speaks about the mystery of Jesus’ arrival as a list of remarkable qualities. These lines read like an ancient creed, reminding us of the solid foundation of the church, the "household of God." Paul lists these truths not as arguments but as declarations of the wondrous reality of Jesus:

 

The Incarnate One – “He appeared in the flesh”
The Spirit-Endorsed One – “was vindicated by the Spirit”
The Angel-Witnessed One – “was seen by angels”
The Preached-Among-the-Nations One – “was preached among the nations”
The World-Trusted One – “was believed on in the world”
The Glorified One – “was taken up in glory”

 

Each phrase is a call to remember that our faith is built not on religious ideas but on a Person—one who walked among us and embodies all of what it means to be fully alive. Advent invites us to let go of the tendency to flatten Jesus into mere doctrines, formulas, or distant historical truths. He is not an abstraction or a distant figure. He is the living, breathing embodiment of God’s love and life among us.

 

Paul’s words remind us that the church is not a building or a program but a people—a household of those living in the light of these truths. The beauty and mystery of Jesus, the foundation of our faith, can infuse our daily lives. How we live as the “church of the living God” is shaped by what we believe about Jesus. Our lives, our actions, and our words flow from our encounter with him.

 

The word “mystery” as it’s used here is not a riddle to be solved but a reality to be explored and savored. Paul doesn’t break down each phrase in analytical detail but leaves us with the sense of awe and reverence. Like a melody that stirs something deep within, the mystery of Jesus invites us to live not simply with our heads but with our hearts. The incarnation of Jesus Christ is the mystery we celebrate in Advent: God stepping into our world, inviting us into a life beyond our understanding.

 

As we reflect on these words of Paul, let’s feel the weight and wonder of these truths. Let’s be reminded of how God moves in the world through the Spirit and through us, carrying the story of Jesus to the nations, to our neighborhoods, and to our hearts. Advent is a time to remember, to be amazed, and to invite others to encounter Jesus as he truly is—the incarnate, Spirit-endorsed, angel-witnessed, world-trusted, and glorified Son of God.

 

Be encouraged this Advent to live in the presence of the mystery of Christ, carrying his story into the world with humility, reverence, and joy.

 

For Reflection: 

How does the mystery of Jesus appearing in the flesh challenge or deepen my understanding of who he is?
What practices help me to pause and enter into the wonder of Advent instead of rushing through this season?
How can I embody the truth and beauty of Christ’s presence in my relationships and actions this Advent?

UL #320: Living the Fruit of the Spirit

 

In this episode, we reflect on the idea of "vibe"—the way our presence leaves an impression on others. A recent discovery in Petra, Jordan, along with memories of joyful Bedouins and the hospitality of Father Albert Haase, inspired us to consider how our interactions reflect who we are at our core. Whether bubbly or reserved, introverted or extroverted, each of us exudes something that others feel when they encounter us. What if, at our best, that "vibe" could mirror the Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and kindness?

Through communion with God, we can allow the Spirit to transform our way of being, shaping the essence we carry into the world. Jesus modeled this beautifully: fully present, compassionate, and deeply connected to the Father. His “vibe” drew people in and brought healing and hope. How might we create space for the Holy Spirit to move in and through us, allowing the fullness of God’s love to flow naturally in our daily lives? Join us as we explore how to embody this life-giving presence in a world longing for peace, joy, and love.

The Simple Truth About Your Identity

Blog by Gem Fadling

“Your identity is a gift to be received, not a paycheck to be earned.” I (Gem) love this profound insight that echoes throughout Alan’s writings. This insight resonates with a truth we often overlook. It captures the essence of grace—a grace that defines our existence not by what we achieve, but by who we are as God’s beloved.

 

Our lives are gifts, and yet how often do we find ourselves caught in the trap of earning mode? We measure our worth by what we do, by how much we accomplish, and by the approval we receive from others. This striving can become exhausting, leaving us empty and disconnected from the truth that our identity is not something to be earned but something to be received and embraced.

 

The Trap of Earning 

Consider these invasive thoughts: 

 

I must do more to be more. 

I must impress others to be valued. 

Striving is the only way to get what I need.

I must prove to God that I am worthy.

 

Any one of these beliefs might be ingrained in us from a young age. Our culture equates worth with productivity. But what if we dared to step off this treadmill of endless striving? What if we embraced the truth that our identity does not depend on what we do but on who we are in Christ?

 

The reality is this: You do not earn being loved. You are not measured by your productivity. Your identity is a gift, and your value is unchanging. This is the essence of grace—unconditional love, freely given by a heavenly Parent who loves you just as you are.

 

What Holds You Back? 

Many of us still struggle to fully believe and live from this place of love. What keeps you from embracing this reality? What stops you from living out of your true belovedness, where your worth is grounded in God’s love and not in your accomplishments?

 

Past experiences can make embracing this kingdom reality very difficult. A good question to ask is this: What might it take for me to break free from past ingrained beliefs and into the spacious and gracious place of unearned love?

 

A Simple Story 

Many years ago, I engaged a teachable moment with one of my young sons. During an ongoing conversation, I asked him a question to see if he understood the truth about my love for him. I inquired, “Do I love you because you are smart and handsome?” Without hesitation, he said, “No.” I was curious to learn why he knew I loved him. So, I asked. He responded with a truth so simple and yet so profound: “Because I’m your son.”

 

He was right. I love him because he is mine. And, of course, my mama heart was glad he knew my love was not dependent on anything external. He didn’t have to earn my love. I love him because he exists, because he is a gift from God, and because he’s my son.

 

This interaction led me to reflect: How could you not love something that came from your very self? Immediately, I thought of my relationship with God. If I, with all my imperfections, can love my child unconditionally simply because he is mine, how much more does God, who is perfect love, love me because I came from Him? I am made in God’s image, and that is everything.

 

I am loved because I am his.

 

Here are three ideas to help you move toward embracing your true belovedness:

Practice receiving God’s love. Begin with a simple prayer similar to my son’s response: “God, you love me because I am yours. I receive your love right now. Thank you!” This is not manifesting or wishful thinking. You are simply stating out loud what is true. You may not feel it at first, but hearing this truth in your own voice helps you internalize it. Over time, this practice can begin to reshape how you see yourself, grounding your identity in God’s love rather than in your achievements.


Sit in love. I learned this practice from my friend Mary. I sit in my office easy chair. I put my feet up on the ottoman and I allow the full weight of my body to rest completely on the chair. I then imagine that I’m being held by my loving God. Deuteronomy 33:27 says, “The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms.” I simply enter into this reality. The experience of my body can lead my heart to the reality of being loved without striving.


Take time to reflect on where your sense of identity comes from. Are you living from a place of striving or from a place of resting in God’s grace? Journaling can be a helpful tool here. Ponder this question and then jot down the thoughts and feelings that drive your actions. Open to the idea of receiving God’s love right in the center of where you are.

 

Reflection 

Try on at least one of the ideas listed above.
Choose the one that leaps out at you and make space, even now.
What difference might this make in your life today?

 

Blessings to you as you make your way forward.

UL #319: Why Community Is Key to Navigating Suffering (Curt Thompson, MD)

 

 

In this transformative conversation, Dr. Curt Thompson, psychiatrist and author of The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope, joins us to explore the neuroscience of suffering and the profound ways connection can heal.

Drawing from his expertise in interpersonal neurobiology, Curt shares practical wisdom on how our greatest pains can become places of resilience, character growth, and deepened hope. We discuss how meaningful relationships, rather than solitary endurance, can rewire our brains and open us to healing. Through scripture, science, and personal reflection, Curt invites us to embrace vulnerability as a path to wholeness, transforming our pain into connection.

In this episode, you’ll hear Curt discuss:

The Science of Suffering: How our brains are wired for healing through meaningful relationships, not just enduring pain alone.
The Role of Connection in Resilience: How authentic connections with others can help us navigate suffering, rewire our minds, and deepen our hope.
Scriptural Insights on Suffering and Hope: Exploring Paul’s reflections in Romans 5 and how suffering can produce perseverance, character, and hope in the Christian journey.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion on how God’s peace and love can shape our emotional and spiritual lives, and discover the power of connection in transforming pain into healing.

Episode Links:

Curt Thompson, MD website
The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope
The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves
Being Known Podcast with Curt Thompson, MD

Reclaiming Thanksgiving: Cultivating Gratitude in the Midst of Hardship

Blog by Alan Fadling

The past few years have been filled with difficulty and uncertainty for many of us. It’s tempting to look back and see only the loss, stress, and scarcity we’ve experienced. But what if, especially in such seasons, we need to remind ourselves of the deeper reality of God’s present goodness? This Thanksgiving, what if we paused to see through the lens of gratitude instead of scarcity?

 

Psalm 103:1-5 offers us a timely and transformative perspective. In these verses, David models what it looks like to cultivate a grateful heart, even when life is hard. He begins by speaking directly to his own soul: “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” David calls himself to remember, to linger, and to let the truth of God’s goodness penetrate every part of his being.

 

This passage is more than just a list of spiritual benefits; it’s a litany of reasons to choose gratitude, no matter the circumstances. David’s reminder to “forget not all his benefits” hints at how easy it is to lose track of what God has already done and is continuing to do in our lives. David counters this forgetfulness by rehearsing the many ways God is good: he forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, satisfies, and renews. Each phrase is a gift worth recalling in the light of prayerful reflection.

 

As Christian leaders, we often focus on what’s broken and needs fixing—whether in our congregations, our companies, our communities, or our personal lives. But David invites us to pause and shift our focus to God’s goodness. Thanksgiving is not about denying the reality of hardship; it’s about remembering that hardship is not the only reality. God’s presence, love, and mercy are just as real—maybe even more real—in times of struggle.

 

As you enter this Thanksgiving season, take time to linger in the richness of these verses. Let them be more than words on a page. Allow them to shape your heart’s posture, moving you from weariness to worship. Start by considering the benefits David lists: forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, satisfaction, and renewal. How have you experienced these in your life, even in recent months?

 

When we cultivate the discipline of gratitude, we begin to see God’s hand more clearly in our past and present. Praise becomes a natural overflow when we’re captured by the beauty of his benefits. We’re reminded that no matter what challenges we face, God is at work—healing, restoring, and renewing us.

 

This Thanksgiving, instead of getting caught up in what has been hard, let’s choose to remember how God has been good. Let’s remember the benefits we’ve received and continue to receive. Like David, let’s talk to our own souls, reminding them to “forget not all his benefits” and allowing the goodness of God to be our focus. This is the kind of thanksgiving that fosters deep trust and unhurried joy.

 

Reflection Questions: 

Which of God’s benefits in Psalm 103:1-5 resonates most deeply with you in this season? Why?
How can you practice gratitude for these benefits in a tangible way this Thanksgiving?

UL #318: Engaging with God in a Tech Saturated World (Carlos Whittaker)

 

In today’s episode, Gem sits down with author, speaker, and podcaster Carlos Whitaker to discuss his new book Reconnected. After realizing the toll technology had taken on his connection with God, his community, and even himself, Carlos took radical steps to disconnect in order to reconnect. He spent nearly two months living screen-free at a monastery, an Amish farm, and his own home, experiencing profound transformation along the way.

Carlos shares the powerful lessons from his time in solitude, offering us a much-needed perspective on how technology and the fast pace of modern life are affecting our souls. He dives into the challenges and surprises of his digital detox, from grappling with the fear of his own thoughts to discovering the importance of intentionality, presence, and community.

If you're feeling disconnected in a tech-saturated world, this conversation will inspire you to hit reset and consider the practices that can restore balance and meaningful connection in your life. Whether you're seeking wisdom on solitude, slowing down, or learning from community, Carlos offers insights that are as engaging as they are transformative.

Tune in for a conversation full of heart, wisdom, and practical tips for reclaiming your life in a digital age.

 

Episode Links:

Carlos Whittaker
Reconnected by Carlos Whittaker

Gratitude: Preparing Our Hearts for Thanksgiving

Blog by Gem Fadling

My earliest memories of Thanksgiving are, of course, all about the food. My mom liked to cook ahead, so the day before Thanksgiving was our prep day. She did all the heavy lifting and I would get the safer, easier jobs—stuffing celery with cream cheese, opening the cans of cranberry sauce, making mashed potatoes from flakes that came in a box.

 

Fast-forward to the present and my own family. Awhile back we decided we did not prefer turkey and regular Thanksgiving side dishes, so we switched to ribeye steaks and mashed potatoes. It is certainly not traditional, but for us it makes for a much more enjoyable meal.

 

Whether or not you feel nostalgic about food this time of year , one dynamic is always welcome: a heart of gratitude.

 

Gratitude is a spiritual practice that draws us closer to God. It’s not merely acknowledging the good in our lives but recognizing the Giver of all good things. The Psalms are full of expressions of gratitude, even amid life’s challenges.

 

Psalm 118:24 reminds us, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (NRSV). The psalmist invites us to a posture of joy and gratitude, regardless of our circumstances.

 

How do we prepare our hearts to genuinely live out this posture of gratitude as Thanksgiving nears? Here are some practical steps to ponder:

 

Start with Reflection

 Before the busyness of the holiday begins, set aside some time for quiet reflection. Consider keeping a gratitude journal where you can daily write down things you are thankful for. Reflect on Psalm 103:2, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Writing down our blessings helps us to remember them, especially those we might otherwise overlook.

 

Think about the past year. What moments stand out? Where have you seen God’s faithfulness, even in small ways? Maybe you engaged challenges that led to growth, or unexpected blessings that brought joy. In reflection, we pivot our hearts to recognize God’s ongoing work in our lives.

 

Practice Intentional Gratitude

 Gratitude is a muscle that grows stronger with use. It’s easy to be grateful when things are going well, but the real test comes when we choose gratitude during difficult times. Psalm 34:1 says, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” This verse invites us to cultivate a heart of gratitude, regardless of our situation.

 

 

One practical way to do this is by setting aside moments throughout the day to pause and give thanks. It could be as simple as offering a prayer of gratitude before a meal, thanking God for the food and for the people who prepared it. Or, as you go about your daily routine, take a moment to thank God for a few little things: the warmth of the sun, the sound of laughter, the kindness of a friend.

 

Express Gratitude to Others

 Thanksgiving can often be a double-edged sword. It is a time for gathering with family and friends, but it can also be a time of stress and unmet expectations. One way to build healthier connections is by expressing gratitude to those around you.

 

Take the opportunity to speak words of appreciation to those with whom you gather. A handwritten note, a kind word, or a simple thank-you can help knit hearts together. This Thanksgiving, accept the invitation to express gratitude often.

 

Give Back in Gratitude

 Gratitude can often overflow into acts of generosity. When we remember how much we have been given, our natural response could be to share openhandedly with others. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

 

Give thought to how you might give back this season. Maybe you could volunteer at a local food bank, help an elderly neighbor, or invite someone who might be alone to share in your Thanksgiving meal. These acts of kindness not only bless others but also deepen our own sense of gratitude and purpose.

 

Prepare Your Heart Through Worship

 Finally, you might want to make some time for personal or corporate worship. Worship is a wonderful way to foster a heart of gratitude because it shifts our focus from our circumstances to the greatness of God.

 

Psalm 100:4-5 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

 

Feel free to get creative in your worship. If you’re musical, play and sing aloud. Or simply listen to your favorite songs on your phone playlist. You can also spend some time praying, looking up psalms of thanksgiving to read aloud. In whatever way you choose to worship, let your heart fill with gratitude and spill out in words or songs of thanks.

 

Let the words of Psalm 136:1 help you: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” And may you be blessed as you express your gratitude to God and to those around you, especially as we enter Thanksgiving week.

 

Reflection

Which one of these sounds the most doable to you? Find the invitation within and make a plan to engage. 

Start with Reflection
Practice Intentional Gratitude
Express Gratitude to Others
Give Back in Gratitude
Prepare Your Heart Through Worship

UL #317: Love Makes Us Real

 

What if love was the truest measure of who we are—not our achievements or titles, but the way we love and are loved? In today’s episode, we’re diving into this profound question through the lens of Thomas Merton, a contemplative writer whose reflections on love invite us into a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be “real.” Merton wrote that love is what breathes life into us, a force that, when shared, grows and fills the world. As we uncover his insights, we’ll explore how this love transforms us, forging a connection not only to each other but also to the heart of God.

Drawing from Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation, we explore his belief that God’s love flows uniquely through each of us, creating a beautiful mosaic of divine presence. “Because God’s love is in me, it can come to you from a different and special direction… And because it is in both of us, God has greater glory.” In this vision, love becomes a profound and personal exchange, as the divine presence moves through us, offering something precious to one another that no one else can replicate.

Join us as we reflect on this life-giving love that makes us real, opening us to both a unique connection with each other and to a fuller experience of God’s glory.

 

Links

New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton
From Head Knowledge to Heart Knowledge (UL Podcast episode)