The Contemplative Dad

So grateful as I begin my 39th trip around the sun.

This past year hasn’t been easy. Getting laid off was not a highlight.

But if that hadn’t happened, I probably wouldn’t have started my YouTube channel.

So in a strange way, what felt like a setback became an invitation to a new adventure.

If you’re here for this journey, I’m grateful for you. I’m looking forward to another year of creating with God and seeing where the path leads.

Blessings, friends.

1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 185

The Contemplative Dad

So much to be grateful for in this past year. Looking forward to going deeper into God's creative call with you in 2026... Thank you all!

1 month ago | [YT] | 88

The Contemplative Dad

“The artist's life cannot be otherwise than full of conflicts, for two forces are at war within him; on the one hand, the common human longing for happiness, satisfaction and security in life and on the other, a ruthless passion for creation.” - Carl Jung

4 months ago | [YT] | 152

The Contemplative Dad

Not everyone is going to support your God given dream.

In fact sometimes the closest people to you will be the most resistant.

There are two temptations here...

Number 1:
You don’t want to disappoint them. You care too much about what they think. So you give up on God’s calling.

Number 2:
You view them as the enemy. You assume the worst. So you demonize them.

Don’t aim to please men and ignore God.
But also, be patient with those who don’t get your vision.
Most of all be bold and trust God.

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Gal. 1:10

5 months ago | [YT] | 141

The Contemplative Dad

As many of you know, I have a not-so-secret affection for coffee, which I often nod to in my videos with a pause and a sip (“But first, coffee…”).

The good folks at Torch Coffee noticed and kindly sent me a few samples of their blends, along with some great swag. I was inspired to learn about their innovative business model — they prioritize education and collaboration with coffee producers around the world in some really creative ways.

You might see me sipping their experimental Black Sheep blend in upcoming videos. This isn’t a paid plug, but if someone sends me free coffee, there’s a good chance I’ll talk about it.

5 months ago | [YT] | 101

The Contemplative Dad

We don’t realize how necessary art is until we encounter profound suffering and evil.

There are no words. Logic falls short. Pain needs more than an explanation.

This is why it’s such a tragedy when the world tells young artists to do something “useful” for a living.

Engineering might be more useful for paying the bills.

But art is more than useful.

It’s transcendent.

And encountering the transcendent is the only we can stand before darkness, evil, and grief without collapsing into despair.

If we silence God’s artists, we silence the healers of the soul.

So make your art.

5 months ago | [YT] | 253

The Contemplative Dad

Welcome to all the new subscribers—I’m glad you’re here.

This morning I sat down in my favorite coffee shop, Monday coffee in hand, and just felt… grateful.

There were years when my Monday morning felt like shackles—heading into a stale office where the work didn’t match the gifts God had given me.

Today was different.

I get to walk into this space that energizes my mind, body, and spirit.

I get to do work that feels aligned with my calling.

Work that lets me glorify God and show up more fully as myself.

And I really believe that’s possible for all of us.

But first, more coffee. Cheers!

6 months ago | [YT] | 368

The Contemplative Dad

if God is calling you to create, it’s because he wants you to be more like him.

God is a Creator.

He made us co-creators.

So why do we treat 9–5 management jobs as more important than writers, painters, or musicians?

6 months ago | [YT] | 311

The Contemplative Dad

The point of building a business isn’t to maximize success

It’s freedom.

Spiritual freedom
Creative freedom
Financial freedom
Lifestyle freedom

But when you finally get it, you’ll be tempted to go back.
The Israelites said, “Maybe we’d be better off back in Egypt.”

As your business grows, the old masters start calling.

Spiritual Bondage
Lack of creativity
Overspending
Workaholism

The whole point was to escape those chains.

Note to self: Don’t go back.

6 months ago | [YT] | 178

The Contemplative Dad

If you're feeling called to start your thing but need some inspiration ... watch my new video.

Enjoy.

7 months ago | [YT] | 9