Skip to content ↓

Prayer Request Update

As expected, Abby came through her surgery just fine. They found that the cyst was about the size of a pingpong ball, though it didn’t bounce quite as well (just kidding, of course – I’m sure they didn’t try bouncing it). She was in recovery for a couple of hours and was doing so well (no vomiting, no lingering effects from the anesthetic) they said we may as well just bring her home. That was an unexpected but pleasant surprise since we had been told she would have to stay overnight. Of course on the drive home she vomited in the car, but we won’t complain. She is a little sore in her throat from the breathing tube and on her bum from the stitches, but seems headed for a quick and complete recovery.

So thanks to all those who took the time to pray for my little girl. God is good!


  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (November 21)

    A La Carte: Lessons from Trump’s and Harris’s social media campaigns / What is my spiritual gift? / The messages we receive / 10 mistakes I’ve made in preaching / Big Kindle and book sales / and more.

  • Finn

    I’m a Grandfather!

    Yesterday Abby and Nathan welcomed their first child into the world: Finnegan Safir Nicholas Elfarrah. Because they live just minutes away, Aileen and I were able to be there shortly after his birth to rejoice with them and to meet our first grandchild. We are thrilled beyond measure. And he is cute beyond belief. They…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (November 20)

    A La Carte: Pray till you pray / Do children need to consent to puberty? / Pleading for Sodom / A thought experiment / 10 mistakes when reading the Bible / Kindle deals / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (November 19)

    A La Carte: Good night, my son / The longing for justice following sexual assault / Daughter of encouragement / Mistakes I made as a theological student / The dangers of disordered love / Kindle deals / and more.

  • What Grieves the Heart of God

    What Grieves the Heart of God?

    What pleases God? What delights his heart? And what displeases God? What grieves his heart? If asked, I think most of us would assume that if we ever grieve the heart of God it will be through denying the gospel or committing a grave moral scandal. Or if we do so as a local church,…