When I began to have a closer relationship with God and to study the Bible, these poems seemed to just start flowing; I had to get them down on paper before I forgot something. I became a Christian at the age of thirteen, and I know God has always been with me through all the ups, downs, and disasters of my life. But until I started wanting a deeper relationship with Him, He was just there when I called, waiting on me to want to be closer to Him. I can truly say with confidence that the cl...

Building communicate. Stained glass windows, high altars, multi-purpose worship/gymnasium spaces, Plexiglas pulpits, padded pews--these and all other architectural elements say something about a congregation's theology and mission. They point to a faith community's beliefs about worship, identity, purpose, and more. From the stark simplicity of a Quaker meetinghouse to the splendor of a Romanesque Revival building, sacred spaces speak loudly. What they say can either reinforce a congregati...