With Christmas in less than a week, it is only fitting that this month’s Moms in the Bible episode focuses on Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her life was changed in an instant, yet she handled it with such grace. Beginning with humble acceptance, the Lord brought her to a place of rejoicing at what he had invited her into. Allow her story to move you to a place of rejoicing at what God has invited you into as well.
Author Archives: lstoyko
Moms in the Bible–Hannah
Hannah’s story is a familiar story to us, especially for those of us who have wrestled with fertlity. Yet, while her story is similar to previous moms that we have studied there is one key difference–her relationship with God. Hannah learned to bring the Lord her anguish and despair and lean in to his sovereignty. Her story invites all of us to do the same.
Living in the And
Our lives are filled with, lived in, the “and”. Some of those we like. Sometimes though, our “ands” feel oppositional, as though they should not go together, yet in our lives they do. Grief AND joy. Hurt AND healing. Regret AND hope. We struggle to acknowledge both in our lives. It can be confusing. It can cause tension. Yet, both must be acknowledged to truly live.
Moms in the Bible–Naomi and Ruth
In Naomi and Ruth’s story, we see the power of God at work in our pain. He does not leave us to bear it alone but journeys with us in the heartache.
I Am Not Ashamed Of My Child
My son was not someone to be ashamed of. He was someone to be loved, encouraged and celebrated.
Moms in the Bible–Leah and Rachel
How much better to live in the pleasant places of God than in the throes of envy and competition. When we take refuge in God and establish him as Lord of our lives, everything changes. The bones that were rotting become strong and healthy.
Summer with Encanto–What Else Can I Do?
The question “What else can I do?” takes our children on a journey of discovery, of failure and success, of experimentation, of creativity and imagination, of mind work and heart work. What a wonderful question to teach our children!
Moms in the Bible–Jochebed
The narration of Jochebed’s story is short, only ten verses. Yet they are full of faith, strength, courage, and hope. Her life and actions set in motion the rescue of God’s people from Egypt and the creation of the nation of Israel.
Getting Out of the Crazy Cycle
I recognized early on that I was screwing things up. But instead of stopping or correcting myself, I just kept going in a glorious display of poor parenting leading us straight onto the crazy cycle.
Moms in the Bible–Samson’s Mother
A woman of simple faith. That is who I think Mother was. Simple in the sense that she did not require all the details that so many of us seek in order to believe
Lyssa Stoyko 