New Blog!

Hi friends! I’m moving this longterm beloved blog, Faith Activators, which I did for many years with my good friend Paul Richardson, to my new blog: mikeoquin.com. I’ve got a new book coming out, Unearthing Heaven, and I figured it was a good time for a blog refresh. Faith Activators will stay right here and …

Continue reading ‘New Blog!’ »

Fret Not

When our daughter Naomi was a toddler, and it was time for a family outing, I would often let her play on the front porch until it was time to go. The family would pile into the car and buckle up, while I went back and forth to gather up our stuff from inside the …

Continue reading ‘Fret Not’ »

The Hurried Samaritan

I blew past someone in the need the other day on the way to a church meeting. They were on the side of the road with car trouble just ahead of me, obviously in distress, and I was running late. Sorry, no time to help. I didn’t think twice about leaving them stranded and un-helped, …

Continue reading ‘The Hurried Samaritan’ »

The White Welcome Chicken of Purity

Lucky for that chicken, Duane was the one vegan on the team. We’re sitting cross-legged and tightly-packed on a straw mat inside a tiny house in this remote village of Flores, Indonesia. Our team of 12 has been warmly welcomed by Pak Bomas, the kind-hearted village chief. Bare bones infrastructure. No running water. But what these people …

Continue reading ‘The White Welcome Chicken of Purity’ »

Just Jump

“Are my straps on tight enough?” “Yes, they’re fine,” Robby answers calmly, not seeming to really check.  “The important thing to remember is just relax.” “And what do I do with my hands?  Do I leave them out or fold them across my chest?” “Either way is fine.  The important thing to remember is just …

Continue reading ‘Just Jump’ »

The Decision

How We See Changes Everything   By Faith Wilson, Guest Contributor   I glanced over at the student sitting next to me. Drawing with ease, a perfectly beautiful image was emerging onto her sketch pad. She hummed contentedly as her skilled hand began to deftly shade in her masterpiece. I looked at my own sketch pad. It …

Continue reading ‘The Decision’ »

Its Rare. Its Beautiful. Its the Secret to Living a Brilliant Life

I’ve heard the word a thousand times in a thousand different contexts. It takes many different meanings and nuances. Certain furniture is said to have it. Schools claim to teach it. We hear people lament that they can't find it any more.   Character.   What is character and why is it so essential in our quest to raise up a generation …

Continue reading ‘Its Rare. Its Beautiful. Its the Secret to Living a Brilliant Life’ »

Honor – Part Three

Recently I was trying to wedge my motorcycle into the tight bike parking area of our local grocery store’s parking lot. There was a tree one one side, a car on the other, and in the middle an older lady trying to get on back of a motorcycle which her daughter was driving. Before she could get …

Continue reading ‘Honor – Part Three’ »

I Can Make You Happy…Right Now

By Paul Richardson Just saw a blurb on TV about a new book called “God Wants You Happy” by Father Jonathan Morris. Well, I’ve got GREAT news. I can save you the cost of the book, as well as the cost of a self-help seminar, or an hourly fee with a psych. Right here, right …

Continue reading ‘I Can Make You Happy…Right Now’ »

Take A Walk

On the south coast of Java this past weekend, I played on a beach that is accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles or motorcycles that dare.  I guess the other way would be if you happened to be born in one of the nearby fishing villages and could walk there.   The beach is of course …

Continue reading ‘Take A Walk’ »