Recently, I spent a few days on a working horse ranch in the roughed hill country of Texas. As my husband and I begin a three-month sabbatical — our first in 15 years — we decided to begin by each taking a week to separate and draw near to God. Just six days. And I…
Spring Pots and Spring Steps
We had an unusually cold and long winter in Jerusalem. I felt like it was never going to get hot. I know that is strange. Of course, it was not as cold as living in Ukraine. The winters we spent there were indeed cold. Maybe I just can’t take the inclement weather like I used…
The Opportunity to Give a Reason…
Widely acclaimed by Church leaders and theologians, Pope Benedict the 16th has written a new book, published in seven languages and released on March 10th. The title, “Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week—From the Entrance Into Jerusalem to the Resurrection” speaks for itself—a scholarly analysis of the last days of Jesus. In writing the book, the…
It Takes an Earthquake…
I am so grieved to hear about the earthquake in Japan. Devastating. And I am praying that God will comfort, direct, and turn this into good for those who remain. Like any natural disaster, it would be unbelievably hard to pick up and go on if you had lost family and friends. But I believe…
You’re Not in Texas When…
… the roof tops are made of straw. … the tree tops are flat. … walking is the best form of transportation around. … you don’t have to worry about locking the door. … umbrellas are good in rain or shine. … Tom Sawyer hasn’t painted the fence white yet. … little girls play in…
Jerusalem Jaunt
I love a trip to the Arab market and the Jewish Quarter in the Old City. We hopped on a bus and took it to the Zion Gate and then walked around and finished with a great lunch in an outdoor cafe and a coffee and big cookie in a great coffee shop overlooking the…
Still on Trial
Although thousands of years have passed, Jesus of Nazareth is still on trial today. Like relentless winds pummeling a tiny ship in mid-ocean, strong and hard questions from the world assail the church. They still want to know who Jesus is exactly. Why He is still around, and why His disciples keep falling from grace….
Hope and the Almond Blossom
Yesterday as my husband and I drove through Jerusalem to a ministry planning meeting, we enjoyed the budding and blossoming almond trees dotted along the highways and scattered throughout the city. Every year I thrill when they come into color. These dainty flowers boost my faith. They represent a living sign planted within the earth…
SearchLight
This is not the exact quote, but I remember hearing something like this once, “Don’t seek the limelight until you have been under the searchlight.” You get the drift, especially if you are a believer and giving God free reign in your life to highlight things that need to change. The searchlight is in order!…
Bonnie Saul Wilks 