Joseph was 17 when, out of jealousy and hatred, his half brothers stripped him of his multi-colored tunic and sold him to the Ishmaelites. The Ishmaelites were descendants of Abraham and Hagar, his wife’s Egyptian maid. They paid the brothers 20 sheckels of silver, but they knew a young, handsome man would bring a good price. Joseph’s father, Israel, had taught him about God since childhood. Joseph did not understand why he was sold into slavery, but he trusted the God of his fathers. The caravan arrived in Egypt. A noisy crowd, looking for spices, merchandise, and jewelry, gathered whenever Read More
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When You Feel Overwhelmed
My guest speaker for this month is my friend and one of my favorite authors of encouragement – Micah Maddox. Don’t be overwhelmed, but be encouraged, loved ones. We live in a world where we are challenged to simplify, organize, and compartmentalize our lives into cute planners with holiday stickers and journals for every occasion. I’m the first to confess I love an adorable planner with a fun pink pen and a place to keep my list of “have to’s” and “want to’s”. It gives me a sense of calm. Lately I’ve had little time to plan, prepare, or organize Read More
The Prodigal
Mariah stood at the wooden table kneading bread, and as the sun headed for the western horizon, she knew her husband and their two sons would be heading home from the fields for the evening meal. She served rich, lentil stew to her husband, the eldest son, then the younger son, before sitting down herself. Her husband prayed a blessing over the food. It was then she noticed the younger son seemed angry and defiant. What is troubling him? she wondered. “Father, ” the teen boy said, “give me my share of the estate.” Mariah and her husband exchanged quick Read More