By all accounts I was a bright kid. But math was always my downfall. The problem was, I understood it as a zero sum game. And that works great it you need to divide the last pizza into equal parts or allocate funds to different budget categories. But that math has it’s limits, because it’s […]
“Give Me the Body”
He held the slight form with uncharacteristic gentleness, his eyes locked on her tiny face. I’ve learned to expect the unexpected from this kid. But it still caught me by surprise when he said, “I don’t mean to insult you, but why do we have to wait for her to be beautiful? Tikva (his […]
The Gospel isn’t a Thing Anymore
Recently we sat down with a ministry couple we have a deep appreciation for. We all expressed concern that the gospel we were taught isn’t the same gospel Jesus preached. Then a few days ago, I was invited to speak on the urgency of the gospel. Those words “urgency of the gospel” instantly sparked this […]
For the Love of Pickled Limes
Two years ago our family spent a month in Jerusalem. It was the longest stretch I’d spent there since my infancy, the fulfillment of a life-long dream, and a tragic disappointment. We arrived just as a new wave of violence erupted. We heard the sirens when a nearby synagogue was attacked. The door of our […]
My Father’s Well
Come with me to the Negev desert to visit a relative of mine. Issac has just inherited all of his father’s wealth. He’s heir to a blessing that extends across continents and across generations. Still, it’s a tenuous inheritance, and all the promises hang by a thread. That thread is water. If there’s no water, […]
Why Your Greatest Contribution Isn’t Someone You Raise
Dear Mom, Forgive me if you liked and shared this on Facebook when it was making the rounds. I don’t mean to be argumentative. I’m for you and for your kids. And that’s why I have to disagree with this popular quote. “Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you […]
Redemption, Deliverance, and Crumbs in the Corner
Have you ever noticed that some scriptures don’t get much airtime? There are verses that get spoken and written about sooooo often (you know the ones) and those that barely get touched. I’m excited to share one of those with you today, especially since it’s so timely. Let’s get started in Ex. 12:15. God is […]
I Cried (Happy Tears) When I Saw This:
After the new year’s resolutions or word for the year have lost their luster, or even been forgotten, we’re left feeling a bit hollow. Maybe even bereft. Craving a do over. That’s when my heart feels most at home. Because this spiritual cycle God placed us in, and placed in us, is in harmony with […]
Does God Ovulate?
It’s safe for me to talk about this here, right? Look, I know it’s a bizarre question, and it may sound irreverent. But let me try to explain what I’m getting at this way: Imagine a bride and groom, very much in love. She wants their love to multiply, to impact as many lives as […]
This is Dedicated to the One I Love
There’s a faint buzz of excitement in our household. I have yet to buy, bake, wrap, or decorate anything, but our preparations are well underway for eight nights of celebration. We’re preparing for חֲנֻכָּה (Hanukkah, Chanukah, Chanukkah, or Hanukah) Most people think of it as a consolation prize for people who don’t celebrate Christmas. But […]