The Bible records remarkable human stories. Rahab was a harlot living in Jericho. She had heard about the God of Israel and she believed what she heard. And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house… Continue reading A Story of Redemption
Category: Women
New Life in a Broken World
In the weeks preparing to visit our new grandson I spent evenings knitting—first a blanket and then a lovey. Knitting is a calming activity. It requires me to stay focused on counting stitches while following a pattern. In the heavy season of worldwide troubles, my mind rests while I knit. During the past couple weeks… Continue reading New Life in a Broken World
International Women’s Day
This post was originally posted in 2017. As women in the United States we can give thanks for the progress that has been made in women’s rights and opportunities. My maternal grandmother and paternal great-grandmothers immigrated to Michigan from Finland. With great effort they raised families while managing subsistence farms. My paternal grandmother wanted to… Continue reading International Women’s Day
Esteeming Women and the Family
On Sunday and Wednesday evenings the World Prayer Network meets on the internet. Prayers are raised for concerns around the world. This past Sunday prayers were offered in support of the 34 nations that have signed the Geneva Consensus Declaration. It was encouraging to learn about this document written in support of women’s health and… Continue reading Esteeming Women and the Family
Notable Women in the Bible
The last sentence in the book of Judges points to a time of disarray. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. There was no accountability. At critical moments in Israel’s history, women’s faithful prayers and actions made an impact on the future. During the period of the judges, the story of a family was… Continue reading Notable Women in the Bible
Herbs in a Nosegay
This summer I have had more time in the garden. The flowers and herbs are flourishing. I picked a nosegay including these herbs with their flowers: calendula, echinacea, feverfew, lavender, mint, lemon balm and marjoram. Some years ago, when I was working as maternity nurse and Lamaze instructor, I came across a book that fueled… Continue reading Herbs in a Nosegay
Women Establishing Order in a War Zone
In 1917 eighteen Smith College graduates went to France to provide relief measures and establish order in war torn villages. Lauren Willig has written a novel based on the reports about this group. The author read a memoir by one of the members of the Smith College Relief Unit and letters written by the young… Continue reading Women Establishing Order in a War Zone
Strong Women: Midwives and Nurses
As we look back through history, we come across women who demonstrated faith and courage. Their actions were based on convictions. Some are midwives, and some are nurses. The first book of Exodus records the confrontation between Pharoah and two midwives. Shiprah and Puah did not carry out the Pharoah’s orders. They saved the lives… Continue reading Strong Women: Midwives and Nurses
Immigrant Women and Midwives
A couple of books have stirred my thoughts and emotions. I read a lot—sometimes three books in a week. I don’t review many. These two books have touched me. The Children’s Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin is historical fiction based on a real event. In 1888 a blizzard came on suddenly in Nebraska and took the lives… Continue reading Immigrant Women and Midwives
Return to Me
In the middle of the week, I have a women’s Bible study. During the week each of us spends time reading a couple chapters and looking up cross references. On Wednesday morning we meet and discuss what we have learned. Currently we are studying the book of Amos, having already gone through Obadiah and Joel.… Continue reading Return to Me