The Cross Orlando is a congregation of people living under the reign of God. We gather together regularly, we're working in all sectors of our city and are always looking for ways to better care for each other. But a great first step in meeting us, is to check out these blogs that our folks manage.

terazzo, coffee, and kids

meta-narrative

by Ben

I was explaining “post-christian culture” to a good friend the other day. I mentioned the term, somewhat off-hand, and he paused me for clarification on what I meant. It’s one of those ideas that is obvious, at first, then grows in depth and complexity the more you think about it. There are many ways the … Continue reading meta-narrative

Read More

terazzo, coffee, and kids

On your Marks…

by Ben

Some things are worth preparing for: thinking, planning, organizing, strategizing, discussing, prioritizing, buying, selling. The work is, sometimes, worth the effort. But not always. This time of year there always seems like a lot of preparing. For presents and people and parties and new years and end of year and in-laws and long lost friends … Continue reading On your Marks…

Read More

terazzo, coffee, and kids

patterns

by Ben

We put up a real Christmas tree this year. We’ve had an artificial one for the last several years, but it was kind of worn out. It’s a fun change. We have some patterns/traditions around how the tree goes up. The family decorates it together. We each have ornaments from all the previous years of … Continue reading patterns

Read More

terazzo, coffee, and kids

Keep Going

by Ben

Keep going. I was reading chapter six of The Story (the synopsis of the scriptures that we’re working through together as a church) this morning. It covers the desert wandering and finishes with the death of Moses. Reading through the narrative arc of the scriptures as fast as this book frames it, different things become … Continue reading Keep Going

Read More

terazzo, coffee, and kids

going quick

by Ben

Of course it’s cliche to say that the days are long but the years go quick. But, cliche’s emerge for a reason; they resonate with a lot of folks. It’s often hard to make sense of life walking through it, to know how things will resolve, what purpose events will serve. We often find ourselves … Continue reading going quick

Read More

terazzo, coffee, and kids

Forgotten God

by Ben

This week we’ve been reading chapter 4 of The Story. It covers the Israelites in Egypt, Moses, plagues and Red Sea. It’s a very formative section of Israel’s history. I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with it. The God, as experienced by Israel, is so powerful and so personal. It’s a compelling juxtaposition. God both connects with individuals … Continue reading Forgotten God

Read More

terazzo, coffee, and kids

productivity

by Ben

There are so many little things that change as the weather finally cools off. I notice a drop in the mosquitos that attack me in the back yard or front porch swing. I notice the dog just lounging around on the grass in the backyard. The grass even grows slower. This morning it was actually … Continue reading productivity

Read More

terazzo, coffee, and kids

Idea and Reality

by Ben

I like bookstores and libraries. I like being around the books, I like exploring what I might learn more about or what adventure I might read about. But I really love used book stores. A good used books store is worth driving for and almost always worth walking into if you happen upon it. To … Continue reading Idea and Reality

Read More

terazzo, coffee, and kids

walk a mile

by Ben

If you had to walk out your door for a mile, what might you pass? I’ve got several running loops that I will take depending on mood and weather. Each of them is a little different. Some have walled neighborhoods, others have restaurants and bars, a couple have little ponds or lakes, one has an … Continue reading walk a mile

Read More

terazzo, coffee, and kids

a waterskiing grandpa

by Ben

My grandpa taught me to water ski, he climbed trees with me and gave me my first car. He was a very encouraging presence in my life, I know that’s not always the case…so I’m very grateful for the time I had with him. He died toward the tail end of pandemic days. We could … Continue reading a waterskiing grandpa

Read More