“When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.” -John 11:20 As we track with Mary and Martha through the gospel accounts we see the dance of relationship. Sometimes in conflict, other times in alignment. Gifted in with different skills and interest, but both with aContinue reading “Practice of Joy: Soul Sisters (based on John 11)”
Category Archives: May Series: Women in the Bible
Comfort: Sisters in solidarity (John 11:21)
“‘Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know even now God will give you whatever you ask.’” John 11:21 NIV Mary and Martha were sisters who lived in the same house. They worked side by side each day completing a myriad of tasks. TheContinue reading “Comfort: Sisters in solidarity (John 11:21)”
Reflection of Joy: Deep breathing
I often find the everyday small things the hardest to maintain. The big projects and important things, the things I feel passionate about, are easier to accomplish with a joyful heart. The dishes, reminding my children without losing patience, weeding, and vacuuming I do with less happiness. It has been helpful to find small, repetitiveContinue reading “Reflection of Joy: Deep breathing”
Comfort: How Can This Be? (Reflection on Luke 1)
“Mary said to the angel, “How can this be?” -Luke 1:34 After the shepherds arrive and share with the new parents the angelic message they received, Mary ponders. It’s striking to me that her response is not rejoicing but reflection. She is beginning to understand the complexity of how can this be. When Joseph andContinue reading “Comfort: How Can This Be? (Reflection on Luke 1)”
Practice of Joy: Walking by Water (Genesis 13)
“I have now seen the One who sees me.” -Genesis 16:13b The Bible (particularly the Old Testament) has lots of stories that don’t seem “church appropriate.” What do we do with hard and complex stories of suffering? While Hagar faces many hardships in her life, she is also the first person in scripture to giveContinue reading “Practice of Joy: Walking by Water (Genesis 13)”
Comfort: Hagar, seen by God (Genesis 16:13)
“She answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, ‘You’re the God who sees me!’” Genesis 16:13 The Message Each of us has beautiful qualities, just like all women throughout time. And we each have those ugly moments, character flaws, and circumstances beyond our control, that raise their heads. Not unlikeContinue reading “Comfort: Hagar, seen by God (Genesis 16:13)”
some comfort and joy 