I often wonder how Mary felt in the days leading up to Jesus’s birth. What did it feel like to nurture and carry the Messiah? What physical pain and spiritual peace did she experience? When she received news of her unexpected pregnancy, Luke tells us, “Mary treasured up all these… Read More

Leviticus is one of those books I used to skim over as I read through the Bible. I didn’t understand the laws—many of them felt arbitrary and bizarre. But as I read Psalm 119 I was struck by how the psalmist spoke of delighting in, longing for, and loving God’s… Read More

As a woman reading Scripture in the 21st century, I find myself torn over the Bible’s portrayal of women. Certain passages tell stories of agency, valor and hope through the inclusion of brave women, while others are laments over the abuse and neglect of women within the community of the… Read More

Think back over your morning or day. What steps did you take to arrive right where you are, in this moment? Did your alarm go off this morning? Did you wake up on time? Did you get kids to school? Did you commute to work? What conversations did you… Read More

I recently reached Senior Citizen status and was having a little trouble celebrating the event. It seemed a bit unreal—after all, wasn’t I just 35 a year or two ago? Then I remembered: Oh yeah, the kids are married with families of their own. My husband and I downsized our… Read More

The first time I heard Reverend Anne read Scripture, she stood in the elevated pulpit at the front of the church. A petite woman, she wore a thick linen robe and a colorful stole. She quietly opened a Bible, folded her hands, and took a long pause—longer than I was… Read More

Many people are interested in reading the Bible, but don’t know where to start. Maybe you read the article, “How the Bible Can Become Your Most Well Loved Book,” and picked just the right edition. You selected a Bible for your purpose—devotional reading, studying, bringing to a Bible study. Read More

I heard that Jesus would be here today. His name was spreading like locusts through the seaport villages of Galilee. It was accompanied by words like healer, teacher, prophet, some even said Messiah. For the first time in years I felt hope stirring inside me. For twelve years I have… Read More

Have you ever read a book at just the right time? Every now and again, I come across a piece of fiction that speaks directly to me. The themes and characters give me insight and wisdom. The writing challenges my presumptions, prompting me to take action. It answers my questions… Read More

“We each must die and disappear like water poured out on the ground. But God doesn’t take our lives. Instead, he figures out ways of bringing us back when we run away” (2 Sam 14:14 CEV). With these words, a woman courageously challenged King David to bring back his rebellious… Read More