God moved in Hannah’s pain and turned her heart toward His presence and grace. Hannah left this intimate time with her God, refueled and energized to face Peninnah and…

When Peninnah takes great delight in reminding Hannah that God has forgotten to fill her womb with life, I imagine…

As soon as their family meal ended, Hannah found a private corner of the temple where the desire of her heart drove her to the arms…

Year after year Hannah traveled to Shiloh with her family to praise and worship God for all His blessings. No doubt Peninnah’s torment began…

Every year, Elkanah took his family to worship and sacrifice at Shiloh out of obedience to God’s call to go to the tabernacle for…

Two wives, one husband. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children because the Lord closed Hannah’s womb. Hannah’s rival provoked her…

Every time I study Hannah’s life or read her story, my stomach clenches a little. For many years Hannah lived with not only a broken heart, but also a sister-wife who…

What is your default system when life comes crashing down? What systems are in place that will act as weight bearing walls, so that life…

We meet Anna when she is at least eighty-four years old, some think she is 105! Little did she know that when her husband died and left her as a young widow, that her perseverance…

For over eight decades Anna persevered in her pursuit of intimacy with her God and sacrificial service that displayed her complete reliance on God’s love and character. On this particular day…

In keeping with the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought their little baby boy to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. Like Anna, Simeon was…

God created us to need one another. That is certainly clear way back in Genesis 2:18 when God declared that Adam should not be alone. God made a…

Anna’s name means grace, favor and beautiful. In Luke’s brief description of this elderly widow, we recognize a woman who reflects all of the characteristics of…

Though Luke uses few words to describe Anna the Prophetess, each one gives us insights into her life and creates teaching moments that encourage us…

A few years ago I read an article that smart business people were building storage rental units in preparation for all the stuff that baby boomers had collected. These business people…

Glenn, my sister’s husband, learned that cancer would soon take his life. Six weeks later Gayle called and cried those two simple words, “He’s gone.” All their well made plans to enjoy…

“He’s perfect!” my friend exclaimed and continued, “A couple years ago I made a list of all the character qualities I wanted in a husband and he has every one!” “So what’s the problem,” I asked…

After our son Mark’s death, I struggled to find joy and purpose in living. I wasn’t finished mothering Mark. I never wanted an empty nest. Mark had two more…

Whether you agree with theologians who believe Anna was 105 or 84, Anna is old when Luke introduces her. Nevertheless, his description of Anna…

Luke’s comments about Anna are packed with information, but brief and lacking on details of Anna’s personal life. Luke writes only the words that serve…