So much is happening in Hannah’s song. It is more than simple gratitude for God giving her a child. In fact, we see no direct mention of, “the child.” Instead, we see the language consistent with victory—victory over her enemy, over her hardship. Peninnah’s name is often understood to relate to “face” or “pearl,” and … Continue reading 1 Samuel 2:1–11 — Actions Are Weighed
“The Lord had closed Hannah’s womb.” Her barrenness was not accidental. Year after year she was provoked by Peninnah, her rival. She wept. She would not eat. She was deeply distressed and bitter in soul. How many times have I been warned about bitterness taking root in my heart — only to sink deeper into … Continue reading Bitter of Soul – I Samuel 1:1–11
In middle school, I was assigned to write a short story. I must have mentioned it to my dad. I remember him leading me into his bedroom — the room that was always locked, always shut. It felt forbidden. There was a bathroom no one was allowed to use, a secret closet with, a door … Continue reading The Opal Ring
Perhaps my children and family members don’t understand my need to write. When we argue, I send long text threads — pages of information, systematic logic, emotion carefully laid out in paragraphs. When my son was pledging a fraternity, I texted him daily with my fears and concerns. One day he replied,“Mom, it’s overwhelming and … Continue reading ADHD and Neurodiversity: A Different Way of Thinking About Differences
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 24:44 We come to the very end of Luke’s account of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Luke was … Continue reading Everything That Was Written — Luke 24
Our new neighbors live across the river from us. Between our small cottage and their blue‑tarped shanty runs a long, crooked river that leads to a deep, beautiful lake in New England. It wraps nearly 270 degrees around our . rolling green hills, tall maples, and sun‑dappled grasses. “It looks like a park,” my oldest … Continue reading The Shrill Loud Voice
In Luke 24, two disciples walked away from Jerusalem discussing the death of Jesus when the risen Christ joined them. These were men who had lived with Him, eaten with Him, and followed Him for three years—yet they did not recognize Him. Their eyes were kept from seeing who He was, and even His voice … Continue reading The Road Jesus Chose — Luke 24
“When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like … Continue reading Why the Women? – Luke 24:9-11
My nervous system is about to crack. I feel a deep, aching longing to be alone. Not in a dramatic way. Not to disappear.Just to hide away for a while.To close my door and lock it.To shut off my phone. I want to turn down the noise—the constant hum of to-do lists and shaming and … Continue reading Expectation – ADHD Burnout
My Faith Place 