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Who is the Lowly Herald?

Podcast (coming soon..)

thelowlyherald

Pastor + Husband + Dad to 3 littles + Encourager + Writer + Musician
Refreshing modern pilgrims with ancient wisdom.

Grateful to Legacy Icons @legacyicons for my first

Grateful to Legacy Icons @legacyicons for my first icons, which now adorn my personal altar for worship. Their exquisite beauty and outstanding craftsmanship leave me in awe.

In David’s great psalm of repentance, Psalm 51,

In David’s great psalm of repentance, Psalm 51, notice the verbs he uses: wash, cleanse, purify, create, renew, restore. Each of these speaks to God’s transformative power. Sin is not merely forgiven; the sinner is transformed.

St. Gregory of Nyssa writes, “The work of God is the fashioning of an image that resembles God’s beauty.” This is the miracle of repentance—not merely the cancellation of debt, but transformation into Christ’s likeness.

📸: Alex Shute (faithgiant.com)

Family worship time

Family worship time

Really looking forward to reading “Room for Good

Really looking forward to reading “Room for Good Things to Run Wild” by Josh Nadeau @swordandpencil

📷: Wren

Jesus is saddened when we focus on tiny details wh

Jesus is saddened when we focus on tiny details while missing what truly matters - when we get caught up in religious rules but forget about faith, kindness, and love. The Pharisees carefully counted herbs for their offerings while ignoring the suffering around them. Their mistake wasn’t being careful, but caring about the wrong things first.

We still make this same mistake today. We argue about small points of belief online instead of making peace with people we’ve hurt. We judge how others worship while our own hearts remain unchanged. We follow religious practices perfectly while looking down on those who do things differently.

As Saint Ignatius taught us: real faith shows itself through a changed life, not just through following religious customs. True devotion isn’t about doing everything perfectly, but about letting God’s justice and love grow deep in our hearts.

Reflection: Luke 11:37-52
📸: priscilladupreez

Link in bio for full story Recently, my wife Beka

Link in bio for full story

Recently, my wife Bekah made a lighthearted observation: “People are going to start to think you’re Catholic.” I responded with a laugh, saying, “I don’t care what people think.” But as I reflected on that moment, I realized this wasn’t entirely true. How can one genuinely care for people while simultaneously dismissing their thoughts and concerns? This reflection has prompted me to share my recent spiritual journey—one that has led me deeper into the heart of Christ and the richness of His Church’s history.

📷: Bill Gullo

When your soul recoils from sin as naturally as a

When your soul recoils from sin as naturally as a hand withdraws from flame, you’ve found freedom’s beginning. Remember the bitter fruits that await those who stray, yet know the the Lord Jesus stands ready beside you. Guard your actions and pray with a contrite spirit: ‘Have mercy, Lord, for without Your guidance, I am lost in life’s raging storms.’ Keep vigilant watch over your inner garden, and the Master will protect it from every harmful thing. (Inspired by St. Isaiah the Solitary)

This morning my almost 5-year-old was crying. When

This morning my almost 5-year-old was crying. When I asked what was wrong, she explained through tears that she had lost her prayer beads and thought she wouldn’t get to pray with me. Her distress quickly turned to joy when I told her she could use my beads while I grabbed another set.

We recently started a simple morning prayer routine before I leave for work:
* Reading from the Psalms
* Second Psalm reading
* Making the sign of the Cross
* Reading from the New Testament
* Sharing our personal prayers
* Reciting the Lord’s Prayer
* Closing with a pre-written prayer

I share this for two reasons:

First, to my fellow parents: Please don’t let the search for the perfect devotional routine prevent you from starting somewhere. Family worship and spiritual formation can feel overwhelming with endless options and no clear script to follow. But this entire routine takes just six minutes, and as you can see, it clearly makes a profound impact.

Second, my daughter’s genuine distress at potentially missing our prayer time serves as a powerful reminder - I want to thirst for God like that. I want to feel that same sense of loss at the thought of missing communion with my heavenly Father. May we all cultivate such a deep desire for God’s presence. And may God have mercy on us and help us develop this childlike longing for Him. Amen.

“Can we watch football and eat cheese and cracke

“Can we watch football and eat cheese and crackers and some kind of meat?” - Wren

Instagram post 18025185338303828

Instagram post 18025185338303828

Love my family 📷: @milywildandwell

Love my family

📷: @milywildandwell

From the throne of eternity to a manger of straw,

From the throne of eternity to a manger of straw, this crystalline ice carving at Opryland seeks to capture the divine humility. Here, frost whispers grace, behold the warmth of salvation. Praise be to God.

What are you reading? At the moment, I’m immers

What are you reading?

At the moment, I’m immersed in “The Orthodox Way,” which serves as a foundational introduction to Eastern Orthodox theology, and “The Care of Souls,” a profoundly insightful guide on shepherding, penned by a devoted Lutheran pastor.

”Grateful” is the perfect word today. I’m so

”Grateful” is the perfect word today. I’m so thankful to everyone who reached out with birthday wishes and encouraging messages. I’m beyond grateful for my family, who are so easy to love and serve, and who make life so fun.

(Pictured) My 4-year-old daughter was so excited to make me a birthday breakfast. She grabbed a stool, rummaged through the fridge, and prepared a wonderful meal of cold leftover pizza and two strawberries.

I’m also deeply grateful for my precious flock, who love and honor me so well. Pastoring them is a joy. I was given a slice of cheesecake with a birthday candle, and with tears in my eyes, I realized I had no need to make a wish—I already have everything I’ve ever dreamed of.

And most of all, I’m grateful to the Lord Jesus for His abundant grace in my life.

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