Conversation Group #1: “Which one is Ruth? You’re kidding, right? She’s one who doesn’t look at all like the rest of us.” “Can you believe that accent—you can’t understand a word she’s saying, and she walks around Bethlehem as if she thinks she belongs here. I don’t like it.” “Poor Naomi—to have a woman like… Read More
anticipatory anxiety
Anticipation. Hearing that word, many of you in my generation will think of the Carly Simon song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67oN0YQVgdo). I’m humming the chorus right now. But if I’m honest, for much of my life anticipation was all about worrying–“preparing” as I liked to call it. “What should I wear? What will I say? What will they think? What if he gets… Read More
Who was this audacious immigrant?
Philanthropy was practiced in ancient Israel—it was a part of their laws and traditions. Hebrew laws actually provided options to women who had fallen on hard times. Allowing gleaning during harvest is one such law—the corners of fields were to be left for the poor as well as any leavings in the fields after reaping… Read More
pre-fixed attitude affects behavior
Attitude is a state of mind, and your attitude influences your behavior. “I can’t do it.” “I’m dumb at math.” “I always make a fool of myself.” “I don’t have any talents.” “What if I make a mistake?” Does the idea of a pre-fixed attitude make sense to you? Some examples: Are you trusting or… Read More
Salma endured
An extended drought brought about a famine in the land, and food became a precious commodity. Salma, a prince of his people, took the hunger of his people personally. When his son Boaz expressed concern that their wealth and health would vanish before the famine was over, Salma said, “As famine strips us of flesh,… Read More
something has to change
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 2:2 (NLT)
light sources: eclipse
Can anyone see you are a Christian? Or, when they look at you, do they see a lunar eclipse? Does the shadow of the earth blanket you, not allowing the sun’s light to reach you so that you can reflect its rays? Don’t you know that, as a Christian, the sun shines within you and… Read More
Kathleen S Evenhouse 