Month: July 2025

“Wings of Responsibility: A Bush Pilot’s Truth in Southeast Alaska”

The Weight of the Wings: Reflections from a Southeast Alaska Bush Pilot
Notes by Alex

At a young age, flying commercially in the rugged and raw beauty of Southeast Alaska, I learned something that would stay with me for life: Mother Nature demands respect. She doesn’t ask politely—she insists. And if you don’t pay attention, she’ll teach you the hard way.

Flying seaplanes in this region isn’t just a job—it’s a calling, a deep and constant awareness that every takeoff and landing could write a new story. Some days, it’s smooth skies over glistening fjords. Other days, it’s sudden wind shear, low ceilings, or an unexpected fog bank rolling in like a ghost.

As bush pilots, we’re not just flying aircraft—we’re guardians of life. Whether it’s a single passenger heading home or a full load of ten, those souls are trusting you with everything. It’s not just about keeping the plane aloft. It’s about judgment, skill, humility, and the instinct that only comes from experience—and mistakes you never want to repeat.

Even now, years later, that responsibility hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s grown deeper. Every time I step into a cockpit, I carry the same respect for the forces around me and the people behind me. That weight? It never gets lighter. And honestly, it shouldn’t.

Because in the skies of Southeast Alaska, the margin for error is slim—and the value of life is immeasurable.

“A good pilot is always learning. A great one is always listening—to the weather, the machine, and the silence in between.”
— Alex Atkinson Jr.

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Signs in the Heavens, Stirring on the Earth

Blog Post for Notes by Alex
“A Call to Awareness in a World That’s Shifting Beneath Our Feet”

Is anybody else having this thought lately? Maybe it’s just a quiet nudge in the back of your mind, or maybe it’s loud and right at the front—either way, there’s no denying it: something is happening. The atmosphere feels charged. The heavens are active, and the earth seems to be responding.

We’ve seen earthquakes shaking regions around the world. Tsunami warnings issued with alarming regularity. And even the animals are responding—have you seen what’s happening in Yellowstone? Wildlife is leaving the area, migrating in strange patterns as if they sense something we can’t. It’s as though all creation is on the move.

The Bible speaks of times like this. In Matthew 24 and Romans 8, we are told of birth pangs—signs that something is coming, that the world is groaning in anticipation of a shift. And right now, it feels like the earth is contracting, getting ready to give birth to something new, something significant.

There’s also a very real spiritual activity taking place. You can feel it in the atmosphere—in prayer, in dreams, in moments of stillness. There is movement in unseen places. What we’re witnessing in the natural may be reflecting deeper shifts in the spiritual.

And I don’t think I’m alone in sensing this.

This isn’t a time to panic—but it is a time to pay attention. To slow down. To ask deeper questions. To press into prayer, into Scripture, into quiet moments of listening. Now is a good time to ask God, “What are You doing in this hour?” and “What would You have me do?”

Seasons like this aren’t just about watching events unfold—they’re about readiness. About being grounded in faith, awake in spirit, and available for whatever comes next.

If you’ve been sensing this stirring, I encourage you to take it seriously. Let it lead you closer to truth, not into fear. Let it deepen your awareness, not distract your peace. God has a history of moving in the middle of the mystery—and we might just be standing at the edge of something new.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” — Matthew 25:13

🔹 Spiritual & Reflective

  • “All creation is on the move—are we paying attention?”
  • “The heavens are stirring, and the earth is responding.”
  • “Now is not the time to fear—it’s time to stay awake.”
  • “The Bible speaks of birth pangs. I think we’re feeling them.”

🔹 Engaging Questions

  • “Is anyone else sensing this shift in the atmosphere?”
  • “What if what’s happening in the natural is mirroring a deeper spiritual reality?”
  • “Could we be standing on the edge of something new—and holy?”

🔹 Prophetic & Current Events Focused

  • “Earthquakes. Tsunami warnings. Animals migrating. The world is shifting.”
  • “Even Yellowstone’s wildlife seems to know—something is coming.”
  • “When the natural world reacts, it may be time for us to respond spiritually.”
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Leading from the Pew: What It Takes to Guide a Church as a Layperson

“Guiding with Grace, Not a Title”

By Alexander Atkinson Jr.

Leadership in the church isn’t reserved for those with a title or theological degree. Throughout Scripture and history, God has consistently raised up faithful men and women—shepherds, tentmakers, fishermen, and elders—to lead His people. In many small or rural communities, especially, the church is often led not by a full-time pastor, but by lay leaders—faithful elders who carry the burden and blessing of guiding the body of Christ.

So what does it take to lead a church as a layperson?

Let’s explore some key elements:

1. A Life Anchored in Prayer and the Word

You can’t lead spiritually if you’re not being led spiritually.

An elder doesn’t need to preach every Sunday, but they do need to be immersed in the Scriptures and sensitive to the voice of God. Leading others begins with your own walk. This includes a disciplined life of prayer—not just for yourself, but for the church, its future, and each member. Leading without the Holy Spirit is like steering a ship without a compass.

“Spiritual authority flows from spiritual intimacy.”

2. Servant Leadership over Position

Jesus made it clear: “The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)

As a lay leader, you’re not above anyone else. You’re called to model humility, to serve with open hands and a willing heart. Leadership in the church looks like listening more than speaking, stepping in when things need to be done, and mentoring the next generation of believers with grace and patience.

3. Unity and Vision

One of the main roles of an elder or lay leader is to help preserve unity and direction.

Without a clear sense of purpose, a church can become divided or stagnant. Lay leaders often serve as bridge-builders—bringing people together, resolving tensions, and reminding the body of its mission. Whether it’s organizing outreach, fostering discipleship, or planning services, the goal is always the same: to keep the church aligned with God’s heart and Word.

4. Spiritual Maturity and Accountability

A lay leader should be someone others look to—not because they’re perfect, but because they’re growing.

Paul’s instructions to Timothy about elders include being “above reproach,” self-controlled, hospitable, and not a lover of money. These qualities matter. Lay leaders must be willing to be accountable, to correct in love, and to accept correction themselves. The weight of leadership is not light—but it is rewarding when handled with integrity.

5. Relational Strength and Emotional Availability

Pastoral care isn’t just for pastors.

People in the church need to be seen, heard, and loved. Lay leaders often fill in the gaps—visiting the sick, counseling the struggling, checking in on the hurting. It’s less about having all the answers and more about being present, being real, and being consistent.

6. Faithfulness in the Small Things

Much of church leadership happens behind the scenes.

Setting up chairs. Opening the doors. Preparing communion. Calling someone who’s been absent. These aren’t glamorous tasks, but they matter deeply. Faithfulness in the small builds credibility in the big. Elders who are steady and dependable—even when no one is watching—create a culture of service and trust.

Final Thoughts

To lead a church as a layperson is no small calling. It demands prayerfulness, humility, vision, maturity, and love. It’s not about having a pulpit, but about carrying a cross. Not about titles, but about testimony. And the beauty is—God honors it. He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things in His name.

If you’re a lay leader, or stepping into that role, take heart. You don’t have to do it perfectly—just faithfully. And remember: you’re not leading alone. Christ is the true Shepherd. You’re simply walking in step with Him, helping others do the same.

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you… not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” — 1 Peter 5:2-3

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“The Night I Discovered What My Heart Had Been Searching For”

What the Gospel Means to Me
By Alexander Atkinson Jr.

I’ve been sitting with this thought for quite some time: What does the Gospel mean to you?

For me, the Gospel isn’t just a message—it’s a journey. A love story, really. One that started way back when I was just a child attending Sunday school at the William Duncan Memorial Church, back when it was still a Methodist church. That’s where I first heard the name Jesus. There were good lessons—stories about kindness, miracles, and this man who loved people deeply. But as a kid, I didn’t fully grasp it. I heard the stories, but I didn’t feel them yet.

Years passed, and when I was 18, my family—Mom, Dad, and my sister—started attending the same church again. Only now, it had become an Assembly of God church. And wow… it was different. The place felt alive. I mean really alive. The music, the energy, the joy—it was contagious. I remember seeing the youth group around town, and something inside me stirred. I couldn’t explain it then, but it was like my heart whispered, They’ve got something I need.

I felt the same thing watching my parents. A kind of peace. A light. A quiet strength. I wanted that.

Then one cold October evening, everything changed.

My cousin, best friend, and I were walking near the Duncan Church when we heard music spilling out the front doors. Guitars, singing, voices full of life. The church was packed. I felt this strong pull, like something—or Someone—was calling me in. I said, “Hey, let’s go inside. It might be warm in there.” (That was the excuse I gave, anyway.)

So we walked in and found a seat near the back. I felt a little awkward but strangely at home. The singing was electric. The preacher was full of fire and joy. I don’t remember the message or what he preached that night—but I do remember the moment that came next.

He gave what’s called an altar call, an invitation for anyone who wanted prayer or to make a decision to follow Jesus. And in that moment, I knew: This is it. This is what I’ve been searching for.
My hand went up. I thought I’d just get prayed for from afar.

But then came the challenge: “If you raised your hand, come forward.”

My heart was racing. My palms were sweaty. But I went.

I knelt down at the front pew, completely unsure of what to do. I didn’t know how to pray. I didn’t even have the words. And then—tap on my shoulder. A man with a big smile knelt next to me. He was the youth pastor. “Can I pray with you?” he asked. I nodded, a bit nervous. “I don’t know what to say,” I admitted.

He just smiled and said, “That’s okay. I’ll help.” And he led me through a simple, honest prayer.

That night, something changed in me. It wasn’t about religion. It wasn’t about tradition. It was about love. Real, overwhelming, unconditional love. A kind of love I didn’t earn—but was offered freely.

That’s what the Gospel means to me.

It’s the kindness of a youth pastor.
The warmth of a crowded church on a cold night.
The way music can stir something deep in your soul.
It’s hope when you feel lost.
It’s grace when you feel unsure.
It’s a fresh start when you didn’t know you needed one.

The Gospel isn’t just something I believe—it’s something I experienced. A love that found me, called me in, and changed everything.

And I’m still on that journey.

“The Gospel is not just good news—it’s the greatest invitation ever given, whispered straight to the heart.”

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“The Potholes of Life and the Tune-Ups We Need”

Freeswrite Thoughts and reflections:

“When life knocks you out of alignment, visit your Spiritual Mechanic.”
by Alexander Atkinson

We live in a world where many of us love to drive—getting from point A to point B, always on a mission of some sort. Our vehicle is simply a means to move us forward, much like our own lives. We’re all on a mission, striving to reach the next destination on this journey we call life.

But every now and then, as we drive, we hit a pothole. They’re out there—waiting—and when we hit one hard enough, it can throw our vehicle out of alignment. After a few thousand miles, our car needs an oil change, maybe even a tune-up.

Life is no different. Along the way, we take hits, we get out of alignment, and our spiritual “engine” starts to run rough. Every now and then, we need to visit our Spiritual Mechanic—to realign, refresh, and recharge. Sometimes that means prayer, reflection, rest, or simply letting God work on the parts of our heart that have grown weary.

Because just like a car, we can’t keep running on fumes. We need those tune-ups if we want to keep moving forward—strong, steady, and aligned with the road ahead.

“When life knocks you out of alignment, visit your Spiritual Mechanic.”

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What Does It Mean to “REST”?

Notes by Alex – by Alex Atkinson

“The Quiet Invitation to Rest”
Finding Soul-Deep Renewal in the Midst of Life’s Burdens

I woke up at 4:30 a.m. this morning with this thought on my heart: What does it really mean to “REST”?

The phrase “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” is a well-known verse from the Bible, specifically Matthew 11:28. It’s an invitation from Jesus to those who are feeling overwhelmed, burdened, or exhausted—offering them a kind of rest that goes beyond simply stopping and sleeping.

This verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus contrasts his gentle and humble approach with the heavy, often exhausting burdens of religious legalism of his time. He invites us to find solace, renewal, and true rest in him, suggesting that his teachings and way of life are far lighter and more freeing than the weight of expectations and struggles we often carry.

The phrase “weary and burdened” resonates deeply because it can speak to so many forms of suffering we face in life:

  • Physical toil: The exhaustion from endless work and effort.
  • Spiritual burdens: The guilt, anxiety, or shame that weighs heavy on the soul.
  • The burden of law and expectation: The crushing feeling of never measuring up to rules or standards.
  • Emotional exhaustion: The heaviness that comes from life’s constant challenges.

Jesus’s invitation is simple yet profound. It’s not only about finding physical rest but about experiencing a deeper, spiritual renewal—a rest for the soul. It’s an open invitation to anyone who feels the weight of life pressing down, reminding us that rest is not always about stopping—it’s about surrendering.

Moving to Tennessee, and now Alaska…
Small-town life has been healing to my heart. I’ve thought a lot about how stepping away from the busyness of city life, into the quiet rhythm of the country, has given me room to slow down, reflect, and let God work on the wounds I once carried. Alaska, with its wide-open spaces and wild beauty, has been a teacher of rest—reminding me that sometimes God calls us away so He can restore what was broken.

“Rest is not found in running from the storm but in trusting the One who calms it.”

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“Finding Light in the Dark Night”

Notes by Alex – By Alexander Atkinson

Through the Dark Night of the Soul

Today, I found myself slowing down—taking a real, honest look inward. It’s been a season of self-evaluation, reflection, and growth. But let me tell you, growth isn’t always beautiful. Sometimes, it feels like a storm, like wandering through a tunnel with no light in sight. I’ve come to call that time in my life “the dark night of the soul.”

It was rough—probably one of the hardest things I’ve walked through. But the biggest takeaway I have from it is this: YOU CAN GET THROUGH IT.

When you’re in the thick of mental and emotional struggle, it’s easy to believe it will last forever. But growth often begins in the moments when we choose to take one small step forward, even when it’s hard. For me, that has meant actively working on my mental well-being, choosing not to sit in the darkness but to walk toward the light.

Growing through mental health isn’t just about surviving—it’s about actively nurturing ourselves, seeking connection, and using the resources available to us. Here’s what I’ve been learning:

1. Self-Care and Well-being

  • Mindfulness and Meditation:
    Even a few minutes a day of slowing down and just being present can make a difference. Mindfulness has helped me quiet the chaos inside and tune in to what’s real and true.
  • Physical Activity:
    A simple walk, moving my body, getting outside—it’s surprising how much it shifts my perspective and mood.
  • Sleep Hygiene:
    I’ve learned to value rest. Without it, the mind struggles to heal and reset.
  • Healthy Diet:
    Eating well isn’t just for the body—it impacts the mind. Balanced meals, less processed junk, and being intentional with what I put into my body have helped me feel more stable and energized.
  • Limit Substance Use:
    Letting go of things that numb me has allowed me to feel again—and feeling, though hard at times, is part of true healing.
  • Practice Gratitude:
    Gratitude has been my anchor. Some days it’s as simple as saying, “I’m thankful I woke up today,” and other days it’s a long list of blessings.

2. Building Connections and Support

  • Social Connections:
    We are not meant to walk this life alone. Spending time with friends, family, or just being around people who bring light helps chip away at the loneliness.
  • Support Groups:
    Finding people who understand—who get the struggle—has been powerful. There’s strength in knowing you’re not the only one fighting this battle.
  • Volunteering:
    Helping others, even in small ways, shifts my focus outward. It gives me purpose, and purpose is a powerful antidote to darkness.

The truth is, mental health isn’t just something we “fix” once. It’s something we cultivate—through small, daily practices, through seeking help when we need it, and through being gentle with ourselves in the process.

If you’re in that dark night of the soul, I want you to know that you are not alone. The road through it may not be easy, but there is a way through. And on the other side? Growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of who you are.

“Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise. Healing begins the moment you believe you are worth the light.”

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A Moment to Freewrite: The Beat of Our Culture

“Our stories were never lost—just waiting to be revived. Last night, the drumbeat echoed through the Longhouse, and with it, the spirit of our people.”
— Notes by Alex

Last night, I was moved in a way that’s hard to put into words—but I’ll try.

I’m just taking a moment to freewrite, letting my thoughts flow and my fingers type as they wish. Sometimes, we need that—a space to just be and create without boundaries. Last evening, we gathered at the Longhouse as two of our local dance groups performed: People of the Rising Tide and the 4th Generation Dancers. They danced and sang for a group visiting our community, and what they shared was nothing short of beautiful.

There’s something powerful—unshakably powerful—about watching young people commit so fully to something so meaningful. You can see the dedication in their movements, feel the conviction in their voices. And then there’s the drumbeat—steady, sacred, and alive. It resonates deep in your chest, almost like your heartbeat syncing with something ancient.

Some songs bring tears to my eyes. They’re sung in our Native language—words that carry more than just meaning. They carry memory, identity, history. They carry us.

The storytelling through song and dance is incredible. And what strikes me the most is that when I was growing up here, much of this wasn’t around. These traditions had been set aside… not lost, not forgotten—but buried beneath years of silence. Now, a new generation is unearthing them. Reviving them. Living them. It’s beautiful.

It gives me hope. It gives me pride.

My prayer is that this revival continues, that the stories keep being told, that the songs keep being sung, and that our dances keep shaking the ground beneath our feet. So that generation after generation can share in this sacred gift.

Let the drums echo. Let the stories live on.

— Alex

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Thank You, Grandpa Harold

by Alexander Atkinson Jr.
Notes by Alex

Harold C. Hudson — my grandfather, my mom’s dad — was an amazing man.

He had that kind of quiet strength you never forget. A soul anchored in purpose. A presence that made an impression.

He loved to fish. It wasn’t just a hobby — it was who he was. A commercial fisherman, he spent much of his life on the water. But his talents didn’t stop there. Grandpa was also a gifted carver. He made some of the best cedar wooden spoons you’d ever see — all smoothed by hand, each with his unique touch. He’d carve deer calls, too. Many of those spoons and calls were given away to family — shared with love, with no fanfare. That’s just the kind of man he was.

He also loved sports. Never missed a basketball game. Baseball on TV? That was his rhythm during the season.

But if you really wanted to see Grandpa light up, let him sing.

One of his favorite hymns was:
“I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked.”

That song came to life in a very real way when Grandpa was in his 80s. He joined a group from our hometown of Metlakatla on a trip to Israel — a journey that deeply touched his heart.

I remember how proudly and joyfully he’d say:

“Yes, I walked where Jesus walked.”

He’d show us the Polaroid photos he took — Jerusalem, Jacob’s Well, the Garden of Gethsemane. That trip meant the world to him. You could see it in his eyes when he talked about it. You could hear it in his voice.

One time, while I was home from college, I was playing the guitar in the living room. Grandpa came out and sat with me. He began to sing. That moment — singing with Grandpa Harold, who was in his 90s — is one I’ll never forget. It was simple, but it was sacred.

He left a mark on my life.
I remember him reading the Bible.
I remember hearing him pray from his room.
I miss that so much.

Looking back, I realize just how much of a foundation he helped lay for my own faith — my own walk with the Creator.

So today, I simply want to say:

Thank you, Grandpa.

Your faith lives on in me.

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What inspires you to write?

Notes by Alex – What Inspires Me to Write


What stirs something inside you enough to create?

For me—it could be anything. Honestly, many things. I’ve found inspiration in the simplest details and in the grandest moments. A quiet morning, a song lyric, a powerful movie quote. Even a glance out the window that catches the light just right. I try to pay attention to it all.

Music moves me—it tells stories without words or brings depth to the ones already written. Writings and poems open up unseen doors in my heart and mind. Uplifting news articles remind me that there’s still good happening in the world. People, in all their complexity, inspire me. A heartfelt conversation, a shared laugh, even a stranger’s kind gesture—I carry those with me.

A pet’s loyalty. A moment of peace. A line from a film. An airplane soaring overhead—especially that. Being someone who grew up around aviation, that sound alone can take me places emotionally. It brings back memories, dreams, goals.

All of it, to me, is fuel. I try to document those little flashes of inspiration—capture them, wrestle with them, and share what I find through my blogs and the book I’m writing. Writing, for me, is a way to make sense of what I see, feel, and believe. It’s how I process and share the beauty, mystery, and meaning of life.

So I ask again—what inspires you?

Let’s keep asking, keep creating, and keep sharing. You never know what spark might light the next fire.

—Alex

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