October 5, 2026
Just Passing Through: Our Home Is in Heaven
As I begin this Monday morning, I am reflecting on a truth that can change how we face the week ahead: this world is part of our journey, but it is…
The Blog
Reflections From the Balcony
Tom’s ongoing writings on faith, loss, and hope — 35 reflections and counting.
October 4, 2026
Three Reflections for Life’s Difficult Seasons
Sunday mornings often invite us to slow down, quiet our hearts, and consider where God has been present during the week behind us. Life does not…
October 3, 2026
“You’ve Changed.” “We’re Supposed To.”
Sometimes a simple picture carries a message that stays with us. A caterpillar and a butterfly are sitting together at a table. The caterpillar looks…
October 1, 2026
When God Holds Your Hand
There is a simple story about a man crossing a bridge. The bridge was high, the wind was strong, and the man was frightened. As he looked at the…
September 28, 2026
The Will to Prepare
There is an old saying: “The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win. Everybody wants to win, but not everybody wants to…
September 27, 2026
The Pastor and the Bus
Being a pastor is sometimes a little like being a bus driver. People get on the bus at different stops and for different reasons. Some are searching…
September 26, 2026
The Proof of Your Desire Is in Your Pursuit
We often say we desire a closer relationship with Christ. We say we want stronger faith, a deeper prayer life, a better understanding of Scripture…
September 25, 2026
When the Answer to Prayer Is Different Than We Hoped
Yesterday at Bible study, we talked about the power of prayer—and the painful question that often follows: What about the prayers that seem to go…
September 23, 2026
Beyond Our Failures
As I sat reflecting on one of the most beautiful encounters in Scripture, my thoughts settled on Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4…
September 18, 2026
“ARE YOU INTERESTED OR ARE YOU COMMITTED?”
Years ago, during a Christian retreat, a gentleman shared a story from his time in the military. He tried to live openly and consistently as a…
September 17, 2026
“ARE YOU INTERESTED OR ARE YOU COMMITTED?”
Imagine a man announcing, “I am completely committed to becoming a basketball player.” He has watched hundreds of games, studied offensive and…
September 16, 2026
“ARE YOU INTERESTED OR ARE YOU COMMITTED?”
A few weeks ago, Rhonda asked if I would lead the devotion for our Sunday evening service. Without giving it much thought, I said, “I would love to.”…
September 14, 2026
Be Still and Know That I Am God
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 In a world filled with noise, worry, and uncertainty, God invites us to pause and rest in His…
July 30, 2026
Beyond Our Failures
A View from the Balcony Beyond Time — Wednesday Morning – Beyond Our Failures As I reflected this morning in preparation for our Thursday Bible…
July 19, 2026
Pray for Discernment.
"A View from the Balcony Beyond Time" Sunday Morning — Pray for Discernment. Last week in our Bible study, we talked about sowing seeds. Jesus called…
July 15, 2026
Born Again
🌅 Thursday Morning – A View from the Balcony Beyond Time This morning, our Thursday Bible Study is in John 3:1–15, where we read about Nicodemus'…
June 14, 2026
Sunday Morning Reflection
"A View from the Balcony Beyond Time" Sunday Morning Reflection This picture says more than just “authors with a book.” To me, it is a reminder of a…
June 7, 2026
Kneel Before You Carry
"A View from the Balcony Beyond Time" Sunday Morning — Kneel Before You Carry Sometimes we spend so much time talking to everyone else about our…
June 4, 2026
Trusting the Captain
"A View from the Balcony Beyond Time" Thursday Morning- Trusting the Captain One of the most striking details in the story of Noah’s Ark isn’t the…
June 2, 2026
God is Still Changing Lives
"A View from the Balcony Beyond Time" Monday Evening — “The Grace of God” Monday night was a powerful reminder of what God can do in a surrendered…
June 1, 2026
🌅 Monday Morning — “Why?”
There comes a time in our faith journey when we begin to ask a different kind of question. For many years, when life became hard, my first question…
May 29, 2026
Living a Sermon People Can See
There is an old saying that has stayed with me: “You can preach a better sermon with your life than you can with your lips.” That thought feels…
May 16, 2026
“Superman outfit”
Sometimes I wonder how many Christians walk into church wearing their “Superman outfit” — full of faith, worship, smiles, and the right words. But…
May 4, 2026
Leaving Baggage at the Altar: Embracing Freedom and Trust in Christ
Sometimes, life feels heavy. We carry worries, regrets, pain, and fears that weigh down our hearts. These burdens often follow us even when we come…
April 29, 2026
Best Christian Self-Help Books for Youth-Focused Christian Self-Help
Finding the right guidance during youth can be a transformative experience. Books that combine faith and practical advice offer a unique source of…
April 20, 2026
Harnessing Faith and Adversity Solutions to Overcome Challenges
Life often brings moments that test strength and spirit. Challenges can feel overwhelming, but faith offers a steady light in the darkness. It…
April 20, 2026
Finding Strength in the Fire: Embracing God's Presence Amidst Trials
Life often places us in situations that feel like walking through fire. These moments test our faith, resilience, and hope. The story of Shadrach…
April 12, 2026
The Lord Is Close to the Brokenhearted
The Lord Is Close to the Brokenhearted Sunday mornings often carry a quiet stillness. For some, it’s a time of joy, worship, and gratitude. For…
March 23, 2026
Harnessing Faith in Adversity Solutions to Overcome Life's Challenges
Life often brings unexpected challenges. These moments can feel overwhelming and isolating. Yet, faith offers a steady light in the darkness. It…
March 11, 2026
The book of Obadiah
"A View from the Balcony Beyond Time" Wednesday Morning — The book of Obadiah As we look ahead to our Thursday morning Bible study, we’ll be opening…
March 8, 2026
Grief reminds us how deeply we loved.
Sunday Morning — Grief reminds us how deeply we loved. This picture was taken two years ago on a simple date night with my wife, Lynn. At the time…
March 6, 2026
Friday Morning Reflection
Friday Morning Reflection Serving Like Martha, Sitting Like Mary As Friday morning arrives and the week begins to wind down, many of us are finishing…
March 2, 2026
The Church's Calling: To Transform Culture or Conform to It?
The Church was never meant to be a place where people simply feel comfortable. It was not designed to be a religious club or a social gathering that…
February 28, 2026
Power of Faith to Overcome Adversity
🌆 Friday Night — "A View from the Balcony Beyond Time" As Friday night settles in and the week winds down, it’s a natural time to reflect. Some weeks…
February 25, 2026
Welcome to Balcony Beyond Time Join Our Rewarding Journey Together
I’m excited to welcome you to Balcony Beyond Time. This space is designed to be more than just a blog or a community—it’s a journey we will take…