Live. Love. Lead.

     In only a few hours I begin a new chapter in my life.  I am excited for the opportunity, honored to have been chosen by G-D, and so humbled to be in this position for "such a time as this."  Yet, as I got closer to turning "this page" my heart and mind got cluttered with fear.  The "what ifs" began to pile up and the fears transformed into frustrations.  This morning I emptied my heart before the L-RD. Here's the Word He so graciously gave me (Man, we serve a G-D that loves us so. May we know the depths of it).      The book of Deuteronomy speaks about how HaShem readied the Children of Israel to go into the Promised Land and "take possession" of the Land.  He tells them "not to fear."  He promises to go before them.  Further, Moses reminds them of all the times He has been faithful throughout their wilderness journey.  As I went back and meditated on chapters 1-12, the Holy Spirit refreshed and strengthened my...

     This past week, we completed the celebration of the Hannukah holidays! This Hannukah season was and continues to be so pivotal for me in this particular season of my life.      One Rabbi said this regarding the Hannukah season, "At the time of the Maccabees somebody could have said 'That is only one jar of oil! Look at our situation! What can one jar of oil do? But, it was that first person who chose to ignore despair and choose hope that re-kindled hope for generations to come."  It only took one jar of oil that kindled the light of the menorah that HaShem miraculously allowed to last 8 days!      When considering this, I thought about the current circumstances that many people I know are engaged in right now. Too often, it is expedient to say or think, "That's just one little good thing. Look at all the other bad things around us. What can one little act, word, thought, or gesture do?"  I believe this is one of the biggest ...

     Recently, I have had several conversations with friends where we have wrestled with the question of, "Are we where we are supposed to be?"  Often we have a tendency to paint of picture of where we should be based purely on the fact that we are a certain age, have accomplished a certain task, or have a certain amount of knowledge.  In this vein, the sole determinant of what chapter in the journey we "should" be living are milestones that we have set; instead of being based primarily on where G-D's presence resides.  This style of life only leads to frustration by creating a glare so that we cannot see the miracles that HaShem is daily weaving for us.        Just weeks ago I struggled, professionally, with where I was supposed to be.  During that same time, I "happened" to be reading Numbers 9:15-23, where HaShem granted the specificity of His direction to His people.  It says, "According to the word of HaShem would the Ch...

     We live in a society of "bottom lines."  Bottom lines are pursued, prepared for, and presented many times as the sole determining factor of success.  Granted, many of us know that success is not merely determined in "nickels and noses," but at times the temptation to settle for such a shallow definition is at times heavy.        As of late, I have had the blessed and frustrating trial of putting forth my level best at something and not achieving the results I am seeking.  This happens in so many arenas of life.  And with this occurrence comes the temptation to stop, to just give up, give in, and stop grinding.        With this backdrop the L-RD encouraged me this morning with a familiar story, but now with a new lens.  The book of Esther.  This month all around the world Jews and non-Jews are celebrating a holiday called Purim. It is a festive time that did not begin so happy go lucky; however th...

     It's getting that time of year where I acutely feel there is wayyyyy more to do than seemingly time to do it.  This morning I was reminded by an amazing teacher that G-D is often building patience in us when we are in positions where we are carrying what feels like much more than we can bear.  It is during these times of carrying much that we want to stop...we want to put the carried items down...our arms and legs are shaking under the weight (so to speak)...and we're exhausted.  But, these are also the times where we CAN'T STOP! We cannot stop and run away.  HaShem is making us stronger.  Essentially, He's putting us through "cross fit" for our spirit.  When we, by His grace, keep going and refuse to stop, He is building endurance in us.        We must draw on His strength every day because this journey is more than our strength alone can endure. How do we draw on His strength?--start getting into the Word more, se...

     Today began a new school year for so many people (and it's getting close for those who have yet to start).  It is exciting and thrilling to begin again! At the same time, this year even in the midst of my excitement, I found myself getting apprehensive and anxious.  Questions about how to connect all the amazing and motivating things I learned this past summer to what I do in my work pervades my thoughts.  So I ask, "when we come to a new chapter, how do we take what we've learned and use that learning to infuse the right now?"        First, we must consistently place what we've learned before our face.  Think on it.  Meditate on the miracles G-D has done in our lives.  How he has lovingly brought us to where we are today and where we will go by His grace.        Second, intentionally use those times of "stuttering" in faith as fulcrums for transformation.  Yes, believe it or not, those time...

     Lately it seems like so many people I know have been going through some serious challenges.  Challenges with health, family illness, job security, workplace concerns, financial duress, family members passing away, disappointments, and more.  And it does not help when we live in a world that constantly threatens our faith, scorns the G-D we serve, and yet makes ample room for leaders who mishandle our trust. All of these are times in which we toggle between strong faith that G-D has a purpose and then swing back into the notion of complacency asking why even bother trying to live obediently.        We live in a world when at times, we even question ourselves as to why we should follow that old adage of, "Keep your head up!"      This week as I was struggling, asking G-D, "What difference does it make to try and do the right thing; when it always seems that the wrong side is winning?"  This is the verse that I "happen...