The crisp air of fall is in, and you know what that means – family gatherings are just around the corner. While these get-togethers can be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, let’s be real, they can also be a recipe for frustration and stress.

As the leaves change colors and the weather cools down, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. But as someone who’s been there, done that, and got the t-shirt (or in my case, the “You’re Player Two” hoodie), I want to remind you that you’re not alone.

Family can be complicated. Different opinions, old rivalries, and unresolved conflicts can simmer just below the surface, waiting to boil over at the most inopportune moments. And let’s not forget the pressure to create perfect memories, cook the perfect meal, and be the perfect host. It’s enough to make you want to retreat to a quiet corner with a good book (or a great video game).

But here’s the thing: Jesus knew a thing or two about family drama. He was born into a crazy family situation, to say the least. And yet, he showed up, loved fully, and taught us how to navigate the tough stuff.

One of my favorite teachings of Jesus is about loving our neighbors as ourselves. You know, the ones who drive you crazy and make you want to pull your hair out? Yeah, those ones. Jesus says to love them, not because they’re easy to love, but because they’re human beings worthy of love and respect.

So, how can we apply this teaching to our family gatherings? Here are a few thoughts:

• Take a deep breath and choose patience when tensions rise (and they will rise).
• Practice active listening and try to understand where the other person is coming from (even if you don’t agree with them).
• Show kindness and generosity, even to those who might not seem to deserve it (because, newsflash, we all deserve it).
• Remember that everyone has their own struggles and stressors, and it might not be about you (even when it feels like it is).

As you navigate the ups and downs of family gatherings this fall, I want to leave you with a verse that has gotten me through many a tough moment: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

May your fall be filled with faith, hope, and love – even in the midst of chaos. And if all else fails, just remember: Jesus is with you, and he’s got a great sense of humor.

As the director of technology at Prairie Alliance Church and the creator of You’re Player Two, a brand that seeks to blend faith and fashion, I’ve found myself at the intersection of spirituality and innovation. For me, technology isn’t just about coding and networks; it’s about crafting pathways for inspiration and connection.

The Intersection of Faith and Design

You’re Player Two was born from a desire to merge my passions for technology, design, and faith. I pull inspiration from two profound sources: my kids and God’s creations. In the simplicity of a child’s wonder and the complexity of nature’s beauty, I find sparks of creativity that fuel my work. The goal was to bring a bit of that inspiration into a world that often feels disconnected.

“Faith isn’t just about belief; it’s about expression – and technology can be a powerful medium for that expression.”

Inspiration in Unexpected Places

My journey in tech spans 18 years, with roles ranging from government IT manager to my current position in education IT, where I serve a small school with 260 students and 60 staff members in Manitoba, Canada. Each step has been about seeking ways to help people and change the world, however incrementally. I’ve come to realize that inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places – a sunrise over the prairies, the intricate design of a bicycle gear, or the narrative of a fantasy novel.

Technology as a Canvas for Faith

In my work with Prairie Alliance Church and You’re Player Two, I’ve seen how technology can serve as a canvas for expressing faith and values. Whether it’s designing apparel that communicates messages of hope or implementing security software to safeguard our school’s digital environment, tech offers us tools to weave threads of spirituality into the fabric of everyday life.

Key Themes in Code of Faith

1. Inspiration from Creation: God’s creations and the beauty around us can spark innovation and creativity in tech and design.
2. Expression through Technology: Digital tools and design can be powerful mediums for expressing faith and values.
3. Serving with Purpose: Technology, when aligned with faith, becomes a means to serve others and make a positive impact.
4. Blending Passion and Purpose: Combining personal passions (like fashion, tech, family) with spiritual purpose can lead to unique expressions like You’re Player Two.

Applying Faith in the Digital Age

As someone who’s single-handedly managing the tech department at my school, I understand the challenges and opportunities of working in solitude. Yet, even in the solo journey, there’s a community aspect to tech – connecting people, facilitating communication, and protecting digital spaces. For me, faith infuses these actions with meaning, turning technical tasks into acts of service.

Looking Forward

The blend of faith and technology is a dynamic space, full of potential for innovation and expression. As I continue to navigate my roles in tech and ministry, I’m excited to see how others will explore this intersection – whether through design, coding, digital art, or other forms of creative expression.

In the end, Code of Faith isn’t just about merging two worlds; it’s about finding harmony between inspiration, innovation, and spirituality – and letting that harmony touch others.

TL;DR

This blog post explores the intersection of faith and technology through the lens of You’re Player Two, a faith-inspired fashion brand, and the author’s work in education IT. It touches on themes of inspiration, expression, service, and the blending of passion with spiritual purpose.

In a world that often seems overwhelming and unpredictable, it’s easy to lose sight of the good that’s still present. But optimism is a choice, and it’s a choice that can change everything. When we choose to focus on the positive, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and opportunities. And one of the most powerful ways to cultivate optimism is by being true to ourselves.

As the saying goes, “be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” Being authentic and genuine is key to living a happy and fulfilling life. When we’re true to ourselves, we’re more confident, more resilient, and more likely to achieve our goals. And that’s exactly what our inspirational clothing is all about. Our motivational apparel is designed to help you express your values and personality, and to inspire you to be your best self.

At You’re Player Two, we believe that faith-based fashion can be a powerful way to share your values with others. Our Christian clothing is designed to be both stylish and meaningful, with messages that inspire and uplift. Whether you’re looking for motivational hoodies, inspirational tees, or faith-based clothing for kids, we’ve got you covered. Our clothing is perfect for anyone who wants to express their faith and values through fashion.

One of the best things about being yourself is that it’s infectious. When you’re confident and genuine, you inspire others to do the same. And that’s exactly what we hope to achieve with our clothing. We want to inspire people to be their best selves, and to live with purpose and passion. So why not start with a little inspiration? Check out our Cool Cat Earth Toddler T-Shirt, perfect for kids who love animals and the outdoors. This fun kids’ tee is not only adorable, but it’s also a great way to teach kids about the importance of being themselves and taking care of our planet.

Get your Cool Cat Earth Toddler T-Shirt today

In a world that often seems overwhelming and unpredictable, it’s easy to lose sight of the good that’s still present. We’re constantly bombarded with news of conflict, inequality, and suffering, and it’s natural to feel like the darkness is winning. But what if we told you that there’s a different way to look at it?

As Christians, we know that our faith can be a powerful source of inspiration and motivation. That’s why we love faith-based clothing that reminds us of God’s love and plan for our lives. Our inspirational clothing is designed to uplift and encourage, helping you to stay focused on the good in the world.

One of our favorite designs features a simple yet powerful message: “TRUST HIS PLAN.” This motivational apparel is more than just a piece of clothing – it’s a statement of faith and hope. It’s a reminder that even when we can’t see the bigger picture, we can still trust that everything is working out for our good.

Whether you’re looking for Christian clothing for yourself or a loved one, our faith-inspired fashion is a great way to express your values and inspire others. Our inspirational tees and motivational hoodies are designed to be comfortable and stylish, making them perfect for everyday wear.

At You’re Player Two, we believe that faith and fashion can go hand-in-hand. That’s why we’re dedicated to creating uplifting clothing that inspires and motivates. From Christian apparel for kids to faith-based fashion for adults, we have something for everyone.

So why not spread a little positivity and inspiration with our faith-based clothing? Click the link below to get your “TRUST HIS PLAN” t-shirt today and join the movement of people who are choosing to focus on the good in the world.

Get your “TRUST HIS PLAN” t-shirt now: Trust His Plan T-Shirt

Available in multiple colours, so you can choose the one that resonates with you the most. Spread the message of hope and faith, and let’s work together to create a more positive and uplifting community.