She knew who she was; she knew what she’d done; she knew how she’d lived. Entering the home of a Pharisee would have been uncomfortable, to say the least. Add on to that the fact that the Messiah himself was visiting the Pharisee’s home and her appearance there seems even more unlikely. Yet, she …
Martha, Martha — Losing Sight of that One Thing
I wish I could say I have this Mary thing down pat. I don’t, but I’m really trying. Trying to carve out time – every single day – for what’s truly important. Trying to live more focused on the people surrounding me rather than the things distracting me. Because I’m task oriented, this doesn’t …
Unwavering Hope, Unfolding Freedom: The Bent Woman in All of Us
My (in)courage Devotional Bible refers to her as “the Bent Woman”. Her story is brief, consisting of a mere eight verses. But it’s a story worth reading, a message worth hearing. This precious woman had been crippled for more than eighteen years. Eighteen long years of bent over walking, unable to straighten up at …
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Learning to Trust Like Sarah
He calls to me. Once, then twice. Possibly more. Okay, okay, God. I’m listening now. Yes, I know. I’ve messed up. I said something I shouldn’t have said; did something I shouldn’t have done; ran ahead of You when I should have waited; taken matters into my own hands. Again. I think Sarah struggled much …
A Look at Hagar, A Look at Hope
Some called her servant. Others called her slave. Looked down upon by those she served. Looked down upon by society in general. Unimportant. Nothing special. Considered a nobody by the day’s standards. Yet, her story is one we find recorded within the pages of God’s word. Her name was Hagar. Hagar’s circumstances were bleak. …
If Eve Were Here
Some days I’m known as the one who messed up. Usually I place this label on myself, feeling heartbroken over harsh words I’ve spoken or insensitive actions I’ve taken. But what if my mistake is a really big one? One that people will remember? One that will go along with me into each new relationship …
Moving through Loss with Ruth and Naomi
Their names were Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah; three strangers who became family. All three suffered great loss. All three faced an uncertain future. It must have been hard for Naomi to suggest that she complete her journey alone. It must have been hard for Orpah to say goodbye and stay behind. It must have been …
Everyday is a Gift
The house, noiseless. The room, dimly lit by a single table-top lamp. Throughout our home, everyone is resting comfortably, unmindful of anything but the hush of the night. All is as it should be – a seemingly quiet, peaceful night. I hold a precious baby girl in my arms as she sleeps soundly on my …
Handling the Hard Times
I’ve been mostly silent these past few months. Pulling back, withdrawing, keeping to myself more than usual. That’s what I do when life gets hard, and right now, life is hard. My grandson, Elijah, has been in the hospital nearly three months. This precious blonde headed, blue-eyed, energetic two year old boy needs a new …
