Reflections

This week has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I had the privilege of taking my 82-year-old mother to the Holy Land—her very first time walking where the Scriptures unfolded. She amazed everyone on the trip, averaging 3.8 miles a day on foot. It was taxing at times, but absolutely heart-filling . Watching her take it all in brought the Bible to life in a way I will cherish forever. Where Jesus Walked — A Journey Through the Galilee Our adventure we “set sail” on the Sea of Galilee , where we enjoyed a peaceful boat ride with worship and reflection. To glide across those waters—the same waters Jesus calmed—was unforgettable (Mark 4:39). We visited the Mount of Beatitudes , standing where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). Then at Capernaum , we walked among the ruins of Peter’s mother-in-law’s house (Luke 4:38–39) and saw the synagogue where Jesus taught. One of the most powerful moments came at the Jordan River , where several of us experience...

  En Gedi — Springs in the Desert One of the unforgettable stops on our journey was En Gedi, the desert oasis where David hid from King Saul. Standing among the waterfalls and lush greenery tucked inside the Judean wilderness, it was easy to understand why David fled here for refuge. It was in this very place that David spared Saul’s life, choosing mercy over revenge: “Then David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe… And David said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’” — 1 Samuel 24:4–6 As we walked the paths beside the springs, we were reminded that God provides refreshment even in the driest seasons of life. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.” — Psalm 42:1 En Gedi was a beautiful picture of God’s sustaining grace — living water in the middle of the wilderness. Then,  we visited Qumran, the desert site where the Dead Sea Scrolls—some of the oldest biblical manuscripts ...

Today was another full, unforgettable day in the Holy Land—layer upon layer of Scripture coming alive right beneath our feet. Caesarea Maritima — Where Kings Fell and Paul Stood Firm We began at Caesarea Maritima, the Roman masterpiece along the Mediterranean coast. This is the very place where King Herod Agrippa I strutted in pride—and God humbled him. Acts 12 tells the dramatic story: “Immediately, an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.” — Acts 12:23 Standing in the theater where this event unfolded gives the passage a whole new weight. This is also where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned for two years, held under Felix and Festus until he appealed to Caesar: “I appeal to Caesar!” — Acts 25:11 “And he stayed two whole years in his own rented quarters…” — Acts 28:30 Caesarea reminds us that kingdoms rise, kings boast, rulers oppress—but God’s Word marches on, unstoppable. ⸻ Mount Carmel — Wher...

  What a great day in the Holy Land! Today’s journey was one of those rare experiences where Scripture moves from the page to the ground beneath your feet. Each stop was a reminder of God’s unfolding story—and the privilege of witnessing it with Mom made it all the more meaningful. Tel Dan — Where the Waters Flow and History Speaks We began our morning in Tel Dan, taking a peaceful walk along the lush river that feeds the Jordan. It’s hard to stand by those flowing waters without thinking of the promise of the land and the tribes who settled here. From there, we visited the unauthorized tabernacle site established by King Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:28–30)—a decision that marked the beginning of Israel’s spiritual decline. Standing in that place, you feel the weight of how choices shape generations. Then came one of the most extraordinary discoveries: the ancient Dan Gate, a mudbrick archway dating back to the time of Abraham (Genesis 14:14). Archaeologists believe the patriar...