The Miracle of Healing

“The Night I Experienced God’s Promise of Healing”

There are moments on this faith journey where words seem too small, too simple, to capture what really happened. Healing is one of those moments.

When I think about healing, I don’t just think of it as something I’ve read about in the Bible, or something that happened long ago. I think of it as something I’ve lived, something I’ve seen with my own eyes, and something I’ve felt in my own body. Yes, I have experienced physical healings—real, unexplainable, miraculous healings.

One of the first times this happened was at the very beginning of my journey. There was a two-week seminar at William Duncan Memorial Church. Every night, people gathered for worship, teaching, and prayer. That week’s focus was healing.

At the time, I was so sick—a nasty chest cold, fever, sore throat, stuffed nose, the works. I could barely breathe and I honestly thought, I shouldn’t go. I’ll just stay home and rest. But something tugged at me. Maybe it was curiosity, maybe faith starting to take root, maybe just desperation. Whatever it was, I went.

I sat alone on purpose, not wanting to spread my sickness to anyone else. As the service went on, there came a time of prayer. Something in me rose up and thought, I want prayer. Maybe, just maybe, I can be healed.

And that’s when it happened.

An elder behind me began to pray. As she prayed, I suddenly felt heat flow through my chest—so real and so powerful I can still remember it vividly today. In an instant, my lungs cleared. My nose opened. My ears popped. My throat stopped hurting. The fever broke. Just like that—bam—I was healed!

I can’t explain it by science or logic. All I know is I walked into that church sick, and I walked out completely well.

Since then, I’ve experienced other healings in my own life and have witnessed others being touched in the same miraculous way. Each time, I’m reminded of what Scripture promises—that healing is not just a story from the past, but a reality that can still happen today.

Do I fully understand it? No. But I believe it. I’ve lived it. Healing is real, and it’s a gift that points us back to the One who still works miracles.

That night of healing marked a turning point for me. It wasn’t just about being physically well again—it was about learning firsthand that God is faithful to His promises. Ever since then, I’ve carried that memory with me, especially when I face struggles or pray for others. It strengthened my trust that God really does hear us, and that He still moves in ways we can’t explain. Today, when I pray for people who are sick or hurting, I do it with a quiet confidence, remembering what He did for me. That moment taught me that healing is more than just a miracle—it’s a reminder of His love, His presence, and His power at work in our everyday lives.

Scripture says, “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up” (James 5:15). I’ve seen that truth alive in my own life. Today, when I pray for people who are sick or hurting, I do it with a quiet confidence, remembering what He did for me. That moment taught me that healing is more than just a miracle—it’s a reminder of His love, His presence, and His power at work in our everyday lives.

August 16, 2025 0

“Where the Salmon Still Run”

Notes from Alex: Streams of Salmon and Stories of Generations

“A timeless cycle that connects streams, people, and history.”

“There’s something timeless about standing at the mouth of a stream and watching salmon return, as if witnessing history swim right before your eyes.”

The other day, I drove down to two different streams. One held a strong pink salmon run, just beginning to gather momentum, while the other was alive with chum and coho pushing upstream. At the mouths of the streams, schools of salmon shimmered and surged together, filling the water with life. I sat there for a moment, just watching, and found myself pondering the deeper story unfolding before me.

These runs have been happening for centuries—long before I was here, long before any of us. And to see it still going on today, against the odds, feels poetically beautiful. Nature’s persistence has a way of humbling us. The salmon return, generation after generation, as if carrying the heartbeat of this place.

Of course, things have changed. The salmon fisheries for commercial harvest are not what they once were. I can remember stories of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, when the runs were stronger, the harvests larger, and the docks busier. Will it ever return to those days? Probably not—or at least, I don’t know. What I do know is this: a handful of commercial boats, both gillnetters and seiners, still work these waters today. Their efforts provide jobs, income, and a thread of economic impact for the community.

This is a salmon-run community, through and through. Generations of fishermen and women have made their living on these runs, and that tradition continues, even if the scale looks different now. The sight of those salmon pressing upstream reminded me that while times change, the core of this place—its connection to the salmon—remains the same.

It’s more than just a run of fish. It’s history, tradition, and survival, all swimming together in the current.

For me, standing by those streams was more than just an afternoon stop. It was a reminder that I too am part of this cycle, part of this tradition. Even if I’m not on a boat, even if I’m not casting a net, I carry the stories, the memories, and the gratitude for what the salmon represent. Observing their return ties me back to my roots, to the community I belong to, and to the generations before me who lived by these same waters. In that way, the salmon’s journey upstream mirrors my own journey—returning, remembering, and carrying forward what truly matters.

August 16, 2025 0

Bitten by the Aviation Bug

How a Seaplane Spark Ignited My Aviation Journey

Some passions sneak up on you quietly. Mine roared in on the whine of propellers and the smell of saltwater spray. In a place where seaplanes are lifelines and the skies are our highways, I didn’t just see airplanes — I saw freedom, adventure, and a world waiting to be explored from above.

At a very early age, I was bitten by the aviation bug. In Southeast Alaska, the only way to get from town to town — and for the most part, this still holds true today — was either by boat or by plane. And around here, seaplanes aren’t just handy, they’re essential.

When I was a kid, my dad worked part-time at the local airport. Sometimes he’d take me along, and that’s where I first laid eyes on the Ellis Airway Grumman Goose. I was amazed by those birds — their graceful lines, their ability to land on both water and land. Back then, our small airport also saw Pan Am, TWA, and the U.S. Coast Guard come through. For a young boy already fascinated by flight, it was pure magic.

I knew, even then, that one day I would become a commercial pilot.

Years passed, but that dream never faded. Then in January 1987, I made it happen. I traveled to a flight school in Northern California with one mission: earn my Private Pilot’s License. I did that — and more. In just seven months, I had also earned my Commercial License, my Instrument Rating, and my Seaplane Rating.

During those months, I literally ate, slept, and breathed aviation. Every day was a deep dive into the world I loved, and each hour in the air only deepened my passion.

My very first flight was in a Cessna 172, and I can still remember the thrill of that moment — the hum of the engine, the lift as the wheels left the ground, the world shrinking below. That flight wasn’t just a beginning; it was the start of a lifelong career in aviation.

And so, the boy who once stood at the edge of a runway watching Grumman Gooses take off, became a pilot himself. The journey had begun.

Decades later, I still feel the same rush every time I step into a cockpit. The boy who once pressed his face against the airport fence, mesmerized by a Grumman Goose, has flown countless hours over some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Aviation didn’t just give me a career — it gave me a way of life. And every time I take off, I’m reminded of that first spark, and the dream it carried me into the sky.

August 8, 2025 0

A Powerful Founders Day in Metlakatla, Alaska

“The Power, Pride, and Healing of Founders Day”

There are days that simply pass by, and then there are days that etch themselves into your soul. Yesterday was one of those days here in Metlakatla, Alaska—a celebration of our roots, our people, and the heartbeat of our culture. Founders Day wasn’t just an event; it was a living reminder of where we come from, and a powerful glimpse of who we are.

Yesterday was Founders Day here in my hometown of Metlakatla, Alaska, and the history behind it all is truly amazing. This annual celebration honors our beginnings, and yesterday’s events were nothing short of honorable, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Last evening, the Git Leeksa AKS – People of the Rising Tide – hosted an event at the Town Hall, where the 4th Generation Dancers also performed. The songs sung and the dances shared carried a weight of tradition and pride that could be felt deep in the soul.

When the People of the Rising Tide began their final series of songs, the drumbeats and voices shook the very walls of the building—and they shook me just as deeply. I could do nothing but smile, even as tears streamed down my face. The power of that moment, the connection to culture and history, was overwhelming in the best way.

Mr. David Boxley spoke from his heart, delivering words filled with wisdom, truth, and healing. It was all good medicine—something our spirits needed.

Last night was the perfect ending to August 7th, a day of remembrance, celebration, and community in this incredible place I am proud to call home: Metlakatla, Alaska.

As the last drumbeats faded into the night, I walked away carrying more than just memories—I carried a renewed sense of pride, connection, and gratitude for this place and its people. Founders Day is not only about honoring the past; it’s about keeping our culture alive in the present and passing its heartbeat on to the future. In Metlakatla, that heartbeat is strong, and last night, it was felt by every soul in the room.

August 8, 2025 0

“Founders Day in Metlakatla: A Celebration of Heritage and Home”

By Alexander Atkinson Jr.

Founders Day in Metlakatla: Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present

Every August 7th, the heartbeat of our home—Metlakatla—beats a little louder, a little stronger. Founders Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a living story. A powerful reminder of who we are, where we came from, and the enduring spirit that carries us forward.

In 1887, nearly 800 Tsimshian people made an extraordinary journey. Guided by missionary William Duncan, they left Old Metlakatla in British Columbia, crossing treacherous waters to settle on Annette Island, Alaska. They sought a new beginning—one shaped by faith, self-governance, and unity. That bold migration gave birth to New Metlakatla, and with it, the only federally recognized Native reservation in Alaska.

A Day of Meaning and Memory

Founders Day isn’t just for remembering—it’s for reconnecting. Families come home. Friends reunite. The streets fill with laughter, stories, and the smell of fry bread and smoked salmon. There’s a certain kind of joy you can only feel when you’re surrounded by your people, your land, your culture.

We begin with a parade—a vibrant display of pride and creativity. Children wave from floats. Elders smile as they remember past celebrations. The rhythm of the drums and the beauty of regalia remind us that our traditions are not just preserved—they are thriving.

Field games follow: tug-of-war, races, relays. Booths line the streets with handmade crafts, traditional foods, and smiling faces. And when evening comes, the community gathers for a feast—a long table of abundance, laughter, and gratitude.

Reviving Our Roots

For many years, Tsimshian language, dances, and customs were silenced. But today, Founders Day stands as a vibrant testimony to our cultural revival. We are speaking the language of our ancestors again. We are dancing the dances passed down through generations. And we are doing it proudly, publicly, and together.

These expressions of culture are not just performance—they are acts of remembrance and resistance. They are our gift to the next generation.

More Than a Celebration—A Statement

Founders Day also reminds us of our unique place in Alaska and the nation. The Metlakatla Indian Community continues to govern itself with authority over its resources, maintaining a separate and sovereign identity. This autonomy—this legacy—is not just inherited; it is actively protected and lived.

As our community grows and visitors come to witness the beauty of our traditions, we open our arms in welcome—but we also stand firm in our identity. Tourism rises, but it is rooted in respect. People come to see our dances, our art, our land—but they also leave with a deeper understanding of our story.

A Day We Carry All Year

As we celebrate this year’s Founders Day, let’s remember: we are the descendants of resilience. We are the living continuation of that brave journey in 1887. This day belongs to all of us—past, present, and future.

So whether you’re standing in the parade, sharing a meal at the feast, or simply watching the sunset over Annette Bay, take a moment to honor what it means to be from Metlakatla.

Because on August 7th, and every day after, we are still here—strong, proud, and together.

“From the shorelines of Annette Island to the hearts of those who return—Founders Day reminds us: our roots run deep, and our spirit runs deeper.”

#MetlakatlaStrong #FoundersDay #NotesFromAlex #TsimshianPride

August 6, 2025 0

What to Expect When Beginning a New Journey as a Private Jet Charter Salesperson (and Working Dispatch in a Small Operation)

Notes from the Flight Deck

By Alex Atkinson, Jr.

Stepping into the world of private aviation can feel both thrilling and overwhelming—especially when you’re wearing two hats: charter sales and dispatch. In a small operation, these roles often overlap, demanding a unique combination of people skills, aviation knowledge, logistical savvy, and quick thinking. If you’re just beginning your journey in this niche, welcome aboard. Here’s what to expect—and how to prepare for takeoff.

1. Understand That Every Day Will Look Different

Unlike the rigid structure of scheduled commercial aviation, private jet charter is fluid and ever-changing. One day you’re planning a simple out-and-back mission for a local client; the next, you’re troubleshooting international permits and weather delays.

Key Tip: Flexibility is your best friend. Be ready to pivot and prioritize based on client needs, aircraft availability, weather, and operational limitations.

2. Sales Is Relationship-Based, Not Just Transactional

In private jet charter, you’re not just selling a flight—you’re building trust. Clients want to feel safe, seen, and taken care of. You’re dealing with high-net-worth individuals, business leaders, and sometimes celebrities, all of whom expect discretion, precision, and ease.

Key Tip: Be honest, responsive, and attentive. Learn your client’s preferences. Do they prefer a Gulfstream or a Challenger? Champagne or coffee? Window seat or aisle? Remember and personalize.

3. Learn the Basics of Aircraft Performance and Trip Feasibility

Even in sales, you need to understand the capabilities and limits of different aircraft. Can the jet land at that short airstrip in Telluride? How long is the flight from Aspen to Teterboro in a mid-size jet with winds aloft? Being able to answer these quickly sets you apart.

Key Tip: Create a quick reference guide of your fleet: aircraft range, runway requirements, passenger capacity, and baggage capacity. This helps you quote trips faster and with more confidence.

4. Time Management Is Crucial in Dispatch

If you’re also dispatching, you’re the bridge between the sales team, pilots, maintenance, and the client. You’ll be monitoring trip status, weather, NOTAMs, and coordinating ground transportation, catering, and FBO preferences.

Key Tip: Build a rhythm:

Check upcoming flights first thing in the morning
Confirm crew availability
Verify fuel orders and FBO reservations
Double-check permits and weather
Communicate clearly and early if anything changes

5. Expect to Be On-Call and On-Your-Toes

In a smaller operation, you’re likely part of a lean team. That means you might be working weekends, late nights, or holidays—especially when high season hits (hello, Super Bowl and Christmas in Aspen).

Key Tip: Set boundaries where you can, but embrace the lifestyle. It’s fast-paced, rewarding, and you’re never bored.

6. Tools You’ll Use Daily

Flight Planning Software (like ForeFlight, JetPlanner, or FOS)
CRM Systems for managing leads and repeat clients
Scheduling Tools like Avinode or Schedaero
Text, Email, and Phone – the personal touch still matters
Weather and NOTAM Briefing Sites

Key Tip: Get fast at toggling between systems. Speed and accuracy matter when quoting or updating a trip.

7. Keep a Log – Learn from Every Trip

Every trip has something to teach you: a missed catering order, a last-minute runway closure, a crew duty-time restriction. Don’t beat yourself up over mistakes—log them, debrief, and learn.

Key Tip: Keep a personal “Lessons Learned” notebook or file. It’ll become one of your best resources.

Final Thoughts from the Flight Deck

This industry isn’t for the faint of heart. But for those who love aviation, logistics, and people—it’s one of the most rewarding paths you can take. When you help a client get from A to B safely, smoothly, and with a smile on their face, it makes the long hours worth it.

So whether you’re in the dispatch room at 5 a.m. or closing a transatlantic charter deal at 10 p.m., remember—you’re now part of the engine that keeps private aviation moving.

Welcome to the team. Keep learning, keep flying.

August 5, 2025 0

Fall in Love With Writing Again

“Reigniting the Creative Fire, One Word at a Time”
By Alex Atkinson

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with a number of writers and content creators—some who’ve published books, others still dreaming, planning, or pushing through. What I’ve discovered is a community I didn’t even know I needed. A tribe of like-minded souls who love words as much as I do.

We understand the power behind both the written and spoken word. We know what it’s like to be moved by a sentence, to be wrecked by a paragraph, to find healing in a single phrase. And we also know what it’s like to hit that wall—to wrestle with writer’s block, or sit on ideas for months, maybe years, without taking action.

But something is shifting.

Now is the time to fall in love with writing again.
Not because the world is demanding it.
Not because it’s perfect or polished.
But because you are called to create.

Dust off the notebook. Reopen that manuscript. Type the first word of the blog you’ve been thinking about for far too long. Reignite the creative spark that once lit up your heart—and still can.

Love every word.
Even the messy ones.
Even the words that feel clumsy at first.
They’re yours, and they matter.

This is your sign.
Write the blog.
Start the book.
Let the creativity flow again.

There’s a community cheering you on—and I’m one of them.

Let’s do this.

August 3, 2025 0

🕰️ The Time to Journal Is Now: Begin to Document Your Life

Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future—One Journal Entry at a Time

There’s a quiet power in putting pen to paper—or fingertips to keys—and capturing the moments that shape us. Not just the milestones, but the in-betweens: the early morning thoughts, the fleeting emotions, the conversations that linger. These are the threads of our lives, and journaling is how we weave them into something lasting.

✍️ Why Now?

We live in a world that moves fast. Days blur into weeks, and before we know it, seasons have passed. But your story deserves more than a passing glance. It deserves to be remembered, reflected on, and shared. Whether you’re navigating a career shift, rediscovering your roots, or simply trying to make sense of the day-to-day—now is the time to start documenting.

Journaling isn’t just for writers. It’s for thinkers, dreamers, doers. It’s for anyone who wants to live with intention and remember the journey.

📚 What You Capture Matters

Your thoughts: Raw, unfiltered, and honest. They’re the blueprint of your inner world.
Your experiences: From the mundane to the extraordinary, they shape your perspective.
Your growth: Journals become a mirror, showing you how far you’ve come.
Your legacy: One day, these pages may speak for you—telling your story to those who come after.

🌿 A Personal Note

As someone who’s spent years in the skies and now finds grounding in storytelling, I’ve come to see journaling as a form of flight. It lifts the weight of unspoken thoughts and gives them space to breathe. It’s a way to honor the past, make sense of the present, and shape the future.

Lately, I’ve been researching the Tsimshian Nation and learning the stories carried along the Skeena River. The history is beautiful—layered with meaning, resilience, and spirit. Listening to video recordings of these stories being told in our language is deeply inspiring. It reminds me that journaling isn’t just personal—it’s cultural. It’s a way to preserve voices, honor ancestors, and keep traditions alive.

And speaking of new chapters—I’m about to begin a new role in aviation, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity. The onboarding process is underway, and I’m looking forward to the adventure ahead. It’s a fresh horizon, filled with possibility and purpose. A chance to grow, connect, and continue writing my story with intention.

So if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to start—this is it. The time to journal is now. Begin to document your life, one word at a time.

Your story matters. Let it unfold.

— Alex

August 3, 2025 0

A Stirring is happening right now!

Blog Post for “Notes by Alex”
By Alex Atkinson

A Stirring I Cannot Shake: The Weight of a Dangerous Anointing

Lately, I have sensed a stirring in my heart — one I haven’t felt in a long time. It’s persistent. Gentle, yet weighty. I can’t shake it, and truthfully, I don’t want to. This stirring is not born from emotion or circumstance; it’s deeper. It’s a holy unrest. A spiritual nudge from the One who sees all, knows all, and calls us forward.

Our Creator is on the move.

I found myself recently listening to the voice of a general of the faith — Kathryn Kuhlman. Her words didn’t just inspire me; they broke me. Her voice, her heart, her deep reverence for the Holy Spirit struck a place in me that I didn’t realize had grown quiet.

And then it hit me: everything she was declaring — about the cost, the calling, and the surrender — felt like it was aimed right at my heart. That’s when I heard this phrase, echoing in my spirit:

“You are dangerously anointed by God.”

At first, it sounded bold, maybe even dramatic. But the more I sat with it, the more I realized how weighty and true that phrase is for anyone chosen, called, and set apart by God.

What Does It Mean to Be Dangerously Anointed?

It’s not about platform, power, or prestige. Being dangerously anointed means your life has become a threat to the enemy’s plans. It means you carry something holy — not for your glory, but for God’s. And that comes with a cost.

Here’s what I’ve come to understand:

1. Chosen and Set Apart

The anointing begins with a divine choosing. You didn’t ask for it — it finds you. You’re pulled into something greater than yourself, something eternal.

2. Empowered by the Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers the anointed to fulfill their assignment. Not through talent or charisma, but through surrender and obedience.

3. Spiritual Warfare

That anointing draws fire. It attracts spiritual resistance. The enemy sees the threat and tries to neutralize it — through discouragement, distraction, and destruction.

4. Cost and Sacrifice

This journey is not glamorous. It’s lonely at times. You may be misunderstood, rejected, even attacked. But every step costs something — pride, comfort, reputation — and it’s all laid down for the sake of the call.

5. Atmosphere Shifter

Dangerously anointed people carry the presence of God in such a way that it shifts rooms, breaks chains, and awakens hearts. They carry light into darkness.

Signs You Might Be Dangerously Anointed

Unexplainable Attacks – Trouble seems to find you, even when you aren’t looking for it.
Spiritual Battles – You wrestle with fear, doubt, and pressure.
Opposition from Others – Even those close to you may not understand the weight you carry.
Deep Compassion – You feel burdened for others, interceding for them with intensity.
Holy Dissatisfaction – You crave more of God and less of this world.
Breaking and Refining – God brings you to the end of yourself so He can fill you fully.

This Anointing Is Not a Badge of Honor

Let’s be clear: this is not about elevating oneself. The anointing is a responsibility, not a reward. It demands humility, dependence, and discernment.

Sometimes the most anointed people are the quietest ones — praying behind the scenes, obeying God in obscurity, carrying burdens only He sees.

My Takeaway in This Stirring Season

I don’t fully understand everything God is doing. But I sense the shift. I feel the breaking and the reordering. The Spirit is moving again in my life in a way I can’t deny. And I believe He’s doing it in others too — maybe in you.

If you feel the pressure, the hunger, the burden — don’t run from it. Let it drive you to the One who is calling. Let it humble you. Let it refine you.

This stirring is holy.

And our Creator is not finished with you yet.

Pull Quotes for Sharing

“The stirring in your spirit may be the signal that God is calling you deeper.”
“Being dangerously anointed means your life is a threat to darkness — not a trophy for men.”
“God doesn’t anoint the comfortable. He anoints the surrendered.”
“There’s a cost to the anointing — but the presence of God is worth it all.”

August 3, 2025 1

What Makes a Leader? Good, Bad, and Growing in Grace

From Faults to Faith: My Journey to Understanding Grace in Leadership

Hey everyone, and welcome back to Notes by Alex!

For as long as I can remember, leadership has been a topic that utterly fascinates me. I’ve spent years observing, reflecting, and trying to understand what truly makes a good leader, and just as importantly, what contributes to a bad one. It’s a journey of discernment that has, over time, led me to a deeper understanding, particularly when viewed through a Christian lens.

The Reality of Leadership, Christian or Not

One of the most profound realizations I’ve had is this: Christians are not exempt from faults and failures. This might sound obvious, but sometimes we, myself included, can fall into the trap of expecting perfection from those in Christian leadership roles. The truth is, we’re all human. We all make mistakes, we all stumble, and yes, even leaders in the Christian world have their shortcomings.

It’s precisely in these moments of human frailty that the incredible power of grace truly comes into focus. We hear about grace, we talk about grace, but experiencing it – both as the one who extends it and the one who desperately needs it – is an entirely different matter.

My Own Journey with Failure and Grace

I can personally attest to this. There have been times in my own life, in various capacities of leadership, where I have failed. And let me tell you, those moments are humbling. They’re raw. But they’re also incredibly formative. It was through one such period of personal failure that the lyrics of the hymn “Amazing Grace” stopped being just words and became a profound, personal reality. “I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.” It was in that brokenness that I truly began to grasp the boundless love and forgiveness that grace offers.

Learning and Growing from Our Flaws

This brings me to a crucial point about leadership: when a leader fails and has faults, it’s not necessarily the end. In fact, it’s often a profound opportunity to learn and to grow.

Think about it:

Humility: Failure often breeds humility, which is an essential characteristic of a good leader. It reminds us that we are not infallible and that we need God’s guidance and the support of others.
Empathy: Having experienced failure or shortcomings can cultivate a deeper empathy for those we lead who are struggling. It helps us to approach situations with compassion rather than judgment.
Resilience: Overcoming setbacks builds resilience. A leader who has navigated difficult personal waters is often better equipped to lead others through challenges.
Authenticity: When a leader is transparent about their struggles and how they’ve learned from them, it builds trust and allows others to see them as a real, relatable person, not just a figurehead.

Of course, there’s a distinction to be made between a leader who makes a mistake and genuinely learns from it, and one who repeatedly acts out of character or demonstrates a consistent pattern of harmful behavior without accountability. But for those who are truly committed to growth, failure can be a powerful teacher.

What are your thoughts on leadership, both good and bad, particularly from a perspective that embraces human imperfection and the transformative power of grace? I’d love to hear your insights in the comments below!

August 2, 2025 0