The book of Esther opens with the swift and forced exit of Queen Vashti, followed by a country-wide search for a new Queen. The King selects a young Jewish orphan named Esther. Just as she is settling into palace life, an enemy of the Jewish people has cleverly manipulated the King to issue a royal … Continue reading Where do I find God in a desperate situation? Psalm 22
What’s Good? Psalm 21
As I write this in October of 2022, Union Jack flags flutter in the breeze all over Britain. Many were first displayed in June to honor Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee and continue to testify of the queen’s longstanding popularity. After 75 years of faithful service, Queen Elizabeth died in September. I arrived in Manchester just … Continue reading What’s Good? Psalm 21
What is Happiness? Psalm 20
*Writer Kendra Cherry defines happiness as, an emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. While happiness has many different definitions, it is often described as involving positive emotions and life satisfaction. How often can you expect to be happy? About half the time. When I heard this recently, I confess that … Continue reading What is Happiness? Psalm 20
Do You Have a Cluttered Heart and Soul? Psalm 15
Drowning in stuff Some days my house could be featured on one of those shows where they share the before and after home organization transformation. Mostly, I would be a great candidate for before pics. I’ve practiced that Marie Kondo method, joined some groups on social media, and even did one of those “40 bags … Continue reading Do You Have a Cluttered Heart and Soul? Psalm 15
Flammable Foolishness – Psalm 14
Years ago, we sold a home, and a few weeks after closing got a call from our realtor. She explained that the home buyer had reported that the gas logs in the house we sold were not working correctly. There had been an incident, and she had been burned. The buyer wanted to know who … Continue reading Flammable Foolishness – Psalm 14
What do you choose in the waiting? Psalm 13
The printed factory recall letter slipped out between two pieces of junk mail. Typically, it can be rather tricky to open the multipage document with perforations along the side. As the owner of an older car, this is not my first notification. I slipped it open and read the fine print indicating the need to … Continue reading What do you choose in the waiting? Psalm 13
Up and Vanished – Psalm 12
Many of us spend hours gathering clues, watching for evidence, and hearing interviews from our favorite true crime podcasts and documentaries. What draws people to listen to this content that continues to grow in popularity? Mysteries grab our attention, and we all have a desire to solve puzzles. It is thrilling to dive into a … Continue reading Up and Vanished – Psalm 12
Fight or Flight – Psalm 11
(a bird flying away) Anxiety I have always known the stranglehold of anxiety in my life. This unwelcome guest bullied our family at every event and gathering for as long as I can remember. Looking back, I realize how both my parents struggled with the burden of anxiety. My mother shared her list of worst-case … Continue reading Fight or Flight – Psalm 11
Can Forgiveness Set Me Free? Psalm 10
(Prison cell) During World War II, Louis Zamperini survived 47 days at sea in a raft after his plane crashed and then tragically became a prisoner of war for two long years. While being held captive, he experienced terrible abuse and almost daily beatings at the hands of some ruthless guards. As I have been … Continue reading Can Forgiveness Set Me Free? Psalm 10
Do you have time for a conversation? Psalm 9b
During my season of parenting teenagers, there was one thing I could always count on -- inconvenient conversations. Just as I was nodding off or felt beyond exhausted, one of my teens chose to begin a meaningful conversation. Suddenly, words poured forth freely, and the opportunity to truly connect arrived. These conversation opportunities opened up … Continue reading Do you have time for a conversation? Psalm 9b
Anthea Kotlan 