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For three weeks, we’ve examined the account of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah in Genesis 29-30. Today, let’s look at some what-ifs.  What if Jacob had led spiritually? What if Jacob had accepted Leah and had honored her as the mother of his children? What if Rachel had empathized with her sister instead of blaming her,…

If anyone’s story gives hope, it’s Leah’s.  Dominated by her father.  Unloved by her husband. Resented by her sister. Leah had been given a tough row to hoe. She continually hit the wall of Jacob’s rejection. Her heart bruised, we see Leah’s spiritual journey through her children. Their names walk us through her struggle: Leah…

Rachel. The chosen one. Jacob’s beloved. So beloved that Genesis 29:20 tells us, “So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.” (My husband and I also dated seven years. It did not seem like only a few days.) Genesis 29:30 says,…

This story had the makings for the perfect romance. A son on the run from a murderous brother in search of his extended family. A beautiful girl on the horizon. An answer to his prayers. Love at first sight. The young man worked seven years for his true love. Finally, the wedding night arrived. It…

Connection. Sometimes it’s the difference between failing or hanging tough to fight another day. In the first part of Navy SEAL training, the guys have timed runs. If a trainee doesn’t consistently hit the required time, he’s dropped from the program. If a guy performs well overall, but struggles to hit his times, his fellow…

Pacing. Not my strength. I had filled my plate of commitments to overflowing this semester and I am spent. I’m the puppy that plays full tilt then collapses in a heap on the floor.  I need to recharge. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. Spiritually.  I wish I could recharge quickly. I ended the spring semester on Weds.…

A name in a program. A bronze plaque by the door. A shout-out at the monthly meeting. Credit. It dangles like a carrot in front of us. The acknowledgment of good deeds, hard work, or generous donations. The pat on the back feels good. It speaks of approval, respect, and value. The question becomes, would…

“I want all your moments to be punctuated with thanksgiving.” Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, April 16 Punctuation marks. Like chalky erasers, you probably haven’t thought about them since grade school. Punctuation directs the reader. Road signs without the flash of color. Quotation marks designate dialogue. Periods command a full stop while commas mark a simple pause.…

The crowd at the tomb. Not a crowd really, but a small gathering. A bevy of ladies. A group of gals. A mass of Marys. Between the Gospel writers, we compile this list:  Mary Magdalene Joanna the wife of Cuza who managed Herod’s household  Mary the mother of James and Joses  Salome the wife of…

           The whisper brushed through the crowd on a breeze. “He’s coming.” Palm branches rustled as the throng of people lined the streets from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem. Heads craned to see Lazarus, the disciples, and finally, the prophet from Nazareth. Fathers hoisted children onto their shoulders as their wives stood on tiptoe. Children…