Life Made Manifest

White Dogwood tree with a Pink Dogwood branch grafted in.
Stories

It's A Marvel

One particular Dogwood tree became a metaphor for my acceptance in a small town. It's a metaphor for the Life-Vine we have been grafted into. And it's a metaphor for the continuing work of Jesus's Church in the world. Friendship across difference.

Hania Rani at the piano.
Observations

Practicing Our Scales

Just imagine if our walk with Christ ⏤ representing his kingdom in the world ⏤ were as practiced and pure as Hania Rani’s fingers on the piano keys.

A multicolored glass bowl.
Observations

What's In The Bowl?

During a spring trip, my wife and I purchased a glass bowl. It's colorful and handmade. When I turn the bowl upside down, nothing falls out. Does that make it empty?

A Little Manual for Knowing, by Esther Lightcap Meek

A Little Manual for Knowing

If eternal life is knowing the only true God and the Son, then what does it mean to know? The question led to a book recommendation made by Makoto Fujimura, an acclaimed artist, writer, and speaker. The book is A Little Manual for Knowing, by Esther Lightcap Meek.

Rick Shafer Resources
White Dogwood tree with a Pink Dogwood branch grafted in.
Featured

It's A Marvel

One particular Dogwood tree became a metaphor for my acceptance in a small town. It's a metaphor for the Life-Vine we have been grafted into. And it's a metaphor for the continuing work of Jesus's Church in the world. Friendship across difference.

Rick Shafer Stories
A path in a verdant forest.

The Loop

The life of believers is an endless loop of gathering, including, and thriving as a holy, called-out community.

Rick Shafer Passages
A modernist depiction of a futuristic city.

Mannapolis

Mannapolis™ is a little-bit-silly-made-up name for the Kingdom of God— the seat of 'with Christ' culture. The name's parts, manna and polis, illustrate three features of God’s kingdom.

Rick Shafer Passages
A multicolored glass bowl.
Featured

What's In The Bowl?

During a spring trip, my wife and I purchased a glass bowl. It's colorful and handmade. When I turn the bowl upside down, nothing falls out. Does that make it empty?

Rick Shafer Observations