Weariness

By Jane Thornton  

As I strolled around my classroom recently, talking about the significance of the themes in Lord of the Flies, I noticed a disturbingly frequent occurrence. Mark, the occupant of the last seat in the row, had scooted his desk back a few feet so that he could prop his head against the wall. His eyes were firmly shut.
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Run the Machine

By Rachael Sales  

Throughout the Bible there is evidence of the value of seeking God early. As Americans in a fast paced, technologically driven, appointment based society, the machine called our day runs relentlessly whether we want it to or not. I know that so often I have attempted to get my time before God throughout the day only to find that the machine is an unbridled beast. To slow down the tide of the day and get time before God in the midst of it all is a challenge — not an impossible one, but one all the same. In fact, so vicious was the machine even in Jesus’ day that we find our Lord and Savior himself plotting against the throes of life to prioritize his time with the Father in the early hours. In fact, it is documented that upon hearing of John the Baptist’s death, Jesus tries to pull away into a quiet place, but the demands of the crowd pulled him back into ministry. (King James Version, Matthew 14:13-14) So, throughout the scripture we find Jesus getting up before everyone else to pray. His time of ministering to others was during the day. His time of ministry to His Father was early in the morning and late at night.
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Choosing Contentment

By Sarah Onderdonk  

In the book of Ruth, we are given a rich and sentimental portrait of divine and human love. Bible interpreters point to themes of redemption and loyalty. There’s also a sustaining note of contentment.

Ruth, as you may recall, is the daughter-in-law of Naomi, who has lost both her husband and two sons. Ruth is encouraged by her mother-in-law to return to her original home to start life anew. Ruth, instead, has “clung” (Ruth 1:14) to Naomi and vowed:

“… Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

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Blessings

By Khristy Hullett  

Shoes piled on the counter, clothes outgrown beside them, a booster seat in the corner, toys lining the walls, books overflowing the bookcase, sippy cups taking over the fridge, the same fridge being swallowed by artwork & magnet toys & schedules….tonight I looked at it all and sighed heavily. I stood feeling as always the compulsion to tidy, to straighten, to sort. Some days just looking at my counters gives me a headache. Clean counters make me feel better. Did I mention that I can upon occasion be compulsive?
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A View on Empathy

By Sarah Onderdonk  

empathy (noun): 1. Identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives. The American Heritage Dictionary

What are the descriptors we typically use to describe Jesus? We might say He is gracious… merciful… compassionate… pure… holy… bold. The list could go on, of course. Having just explored an incredibly revealing verse in Hebrews, another word comes to mind. Jesus is empathetic.

"For since He himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted."  Hebrews 2:18 (Net Bible)
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