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.

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🕰️ 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

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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.”
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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!

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“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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