State of the Bookshelf 2023
Reflecting on my past year as a reader (and the 51 books I enjoyed!)
Room for one more
Precious family memories can become an idol—or they can be the means by which we bear witness to God’s kingdom coming.
Feasting in time of war
In the same way that he joined himself to our questions when he took on flesh, Jesus has joined us to his life by his own death and victorious rising.
A door to another world
Eventually, we grown-up sorts stop looking for wardrobes that lead to snowy pine forests. But there is still a door to another world.
The myth of a life we don’t have to heal from
We cannot have a “life we don’t have to heal from.” But we can know that healing is possible.
Dreaming: Our 8th House-iversary
Eight years in this old house have brought many dreams fulfilled and new dreams shaped by the kingdom.
Failed peonies, tiny tomatoes, and God’s invitation into joy
God invites us into his joy through the things he has made.
God’s faithfulness through his saints: A tribute to Tim Keller
A reflection on the gift of Tim Keller’s life, written on the day of his death
Made to feast
If the fasting of Lent is meant to prepare us for the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection, then the feasting of Eastertide is meant to prepare us for life in the new creation where we will experience the fullness of the never-ending abundance and joy of God’s presence.
A birthday reflection
I’ve been anticipating this particular birthday since I was 6 years old. It’s not quite what 6-year-old me expected.
Materialism and the need to belong
At its core, materialism is a soul-cry for belonging. It’s a symptom of a good, God-given desire of our hearts that hasn’t found its fulfillment in Jesus. Sin always seems to work this way. | Lent 2023
Abundant in power: A reflection on Psalm 147
God’s power isn’t all seas parting in a matter of hours and death angels passing over in a night. Sometimes it’s forty years of daily manna in the desert. | Lent 2023
When bread turns into a snake
In Christ, we have a Companion who has plumbed the depths of disappointment, who can say to our raw hearts, “My child, I know.” | Lent 2023
Anxiety and the God of peace: A Reflection on Phil. 4
Are we reaching for the peace of God or the God of Peace? | Lent 2023
Preparing for Lent
A few books and practices that help me enter into this season of preparation with gentleness and an unhurried look at Jesus.
As “tov” as it seems
In God’s mercy, some things, even with their inherent imperfections and difficulties, really are as truly good as they seem, as wonderful as you hope they’ll be.
Unimaginable Delight
What if God not only loves me, but also likes me? I am learning to receive and trust in his delight in me.