WELCOME TO RESTORATION LIVING
I recently read a passage in scripture that describes our life in Christ as whole and holy. I love that image… I picture beauty and joy, deep friendships and purposeful days. I am inspired by that image – it speaks to my soul. Still, I have a growing sense that this lifestyle isn’t always a reality in our world.
We were created to be bright, awake, alive, loving, passionate and purposeful. We were created for an intimate relationship with our God and with one another. How is it that so many of us are living lives of isolation, exhaustion and aimlessness – seemingly hopeless despite the living hope inside of us?
When sin entered the world all those ages ago everything changed. God’s whole and holy world was altered and our relationship with him marred. As Christians our relationship with God has been restored. Still, the world remains broken and our daily lives are often left untouched by this transforming power.
Most Christians try to attend church, live by a set moral code and spend time with God. Quite often though our faith holds little influence over the details of our daily life. It’s not uncommon for issues of diet, resources, beauty and the environment to be relegated to the status of ‘physical’ while missing the central truth that everything is spiritual.
When we neglect this truth it is easy for life to become listless. Anything that isn’t ‘religious’ is approached with little thought or care as our lives become unhealthy, exhausting and aimless. We sleepwalk through much of our daily routine and wonder where is our energy? Where is our joy?
A holistic Christian worldview sees every part of life through the lens of our faith. It digs and discusses, trying to understand all of life in terms of God’s original desire. What is God’s intent for your health, your pace, your relationships? How you approach creation, respond to beauty, and open your home? Our faith isn’t silent on any of these issues – even if we, as believers, tend to be.
Restoration Living seeks to draw closer to God and to his original design for our lives. Restoration living is continually healing, repairing what was lost. It aims to inspire others as it serves as a restorative force in the world.
Restoration living is holy and beautiful, inside and out.
I invite you to join us throughout your week as we strive to engage every moment towards God’s restorative purpose. Broaden your outlook with unique perspectives on holistic faith from artists, pastors, health experts and more. Be inspired by a refreshing approach to every day life and snag our free, downloadable resources to enhance your journey.
I’m so excited to walk together,
Jen Wise | Managing Editor
Jen is a compassionate theologian, obsessive foodie, constant hostess and voracious reader. She attended Cornerstone University and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary earning a MA in Theology. As a freelance writer Jen has written articles and curriculum for various ministries and organizations. Jen lives with her husband and their two sons in the Twin Cities. Catch up with her on twitter @jenlwise.
RESTORATION LIVING CONTRIBUTORS
Brad is currently the pastor of formation at Church of Hope in Ocala, Florida and served on the pastoral staff at Mars Hill Bible Church, Grandville, Michigan for 8 years. A speaker, writer, and student at Western Theological Seminary (MDiv), he and his wife Trisha are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Braylen and Clara. To see more of Brad's writing check out his websitebleedingoutloud.com or follow him on twitter@bradnelson19801. Contact Brad at nelson.bradleyj@me.com.
Troy is Lead Worship Pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, MI, where he’s been on staff since 2004. A musician, Anglophile, voracious reader and owner of more black clothing than anyone he knows, Troy has also recently married Lis, a violinist and lover of every member of the animal kingdom. Follow Troy on twitter @tr0yisbald.
Carissa Woodwyk is a writer, speaker, counselor/marriage and family therapist, wife, mom, advocate for the human heart. In each of these roles, she offers her story and voice in ways that invite people to connect with themselves, with others, with God. She is a co-author of Before You Were Mine: Discovering Your Adopted Child's Lifestory. She and her husband have two children and live near Grand Rapids, MI. Read more from Carissa on her blog, catch up with her on facebook and twitter.
Andy Soper is the Project Coordinator of the Manasseh Project. After earning a Master’s Degree in Popular Culture from Bowling Green State University, he taught at BGSU and Cornerstone University before beginning work with abused and neglected children in both Residential and Community Programs at Wedgwood Christian Services. He currently develops programming to address the commercial sexual exploitation of minors.
