All in The Journey

Go Take a Hike...

Go Take a Hike...

Nathan Westwick
Being Present, The Journey

When I was a kid, people used to use that phrase as a send-off, getting rid of someone who was being difficult. At the time, it was considered a rude dismissal and people would get offended.

Funny how times change. When I think of the ways we dismiss people today, I think inviting someone to take a stroll through nature might be one of the kindest things we could do.

Here’s why: When I’m acting belligerent, it’s usually because I’m feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or I feel like life is out of control. I’m acting belligerent because I’m reaching for control of any situations that I might be able to influence—often because I’m feeling that I’ve lost all sense of agency to influence anything.

Can you relate?

What Themes are Finding You?

What Themes are Finding You?

Nathan Westwick
The Journey

I’ve been faced with an inordinate amount of “swtich-a-roos” recently. You know—those moments when the rug gets pulled out from under the plans you made, and everything is disrupted and you’re left scrambling trying to figure out what the best next-step is…

And then there have been times when I’ve tried to make plans, develop strategies, set a course of action, only to be waiting on someone else or something else, and I can’t do squat until I have that information, and so…I…wait.

It’s the classic switch-a-roo.

So rather than stay irritated at the change of circumstances or frustrated with the waiting, I’ve been trying to pay better attention to what’s beneath the irritation and frustration.

Full Book Excerpt: Introduction

Full Book Excerpt: Introduction

Nathan Westwick
Faith, Life Abundant, The Journey

Do you ever find yourself feeling like God is distant?

Maybe something deep inside tells you that there is more to be had from the Christian life. Maybe you’ve been doing all the right things (at least as best as you know how), genuinely trying your best to pursue God and yet find that He still feels distant, despite your best efforts.

[Read on for the full chapter]

Stepping Courageously Into Your Next Season

Stepping Courageously Into Your Next Season

Nathan Westwick
Faith, Overcoming Fears, The Journey

I was shopping recently when a decorative sign caught my eye and stopped me in my tracks. It said: The world needs who you were made to be.

Immediately, tears welled up in my eyes.

I couldn’t help but be made aware of my passion for seeing people realize their full, God-given potential, but that wasn’t what brought the emotion to the surface.

What got me was that the sign seemed to be speaking directly to me.

On Practicing Gratitude

On Practicing Gratitude

Nathan Westwick
The Journey

As we approach Thanksgiving 2021, how are you feeling?

Hopeful? Anxious? Excited? Sad?

Maybe some of you are seeing family members you haven’t seen in a long, long time, and so your heart is filled with a sense of fullness of finally being able to sit around the table together again.

Perhaps others of you are missing the company of loved ones this holiday – whether separated by actual death, geographical distance, or ideological disagreements.

Where Do You Go for Peace? (Part 2)

Where Do You Go for Peace? (Part 2)

Nathan Westwick
Family, Fighting for What's Good, Life Abundant, The Journey

There is a vacation home in the back woods of southern Utah where my family and I have gone nearly every January for the past 8 years.

We found it at a time when our lives were in major transition and upheaval. As we drove up to the house for the first time, we were all amazed at how incredible the place was. A large mountain home on 5 acres, this place became our sanctum after the busyness of the holidays.

And last week, we found out that the house sold and is no longer listed as a vacation rental.

For Joy's Sake

For Joy's Sake

Nathan Westwick
Fighting for What's Good, Life Abundant, The Journey

This morning I decided to hop on my bike for a ride. Now, let me first say that it was raining most of last night, and it was dreadfully cold outside (albeit dry) when I woke up. 36 degrees, to be specific.

A big part of me didn’t want to ride, but at the same time, I woke up with a peculiar energy to just get out, get some variety, and go for a good old-fashioned bike ride.

Now, for some quick context:

This was, I believe, the 3rd “real ride” I’ve taken since October 3rd, 2019. That was the day I ruptured my Achilles…

Where is your hope?

Where is your hope?

Nathan Westwick
Faith, Overcoming Fears, The Journey, The Stuff That Matters

Well here we are, a few days removed from the election, and no clear-cut winner. Personally, this comes as no surprise – something about 2020 just feels like this is right on par for everything else that’s happened this year.

But as I look around, I notice an interesting phenomenon: I see more people than ever before, genuinely fearful about what will happen if the other side wins.

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