life in bible times – Signora Sheila

Clash of Two Kingdoms: A Lame Beggar Healed

A white chess pawn faces a taller black chess piece on a blurred board, creating a dramatic, contemplative mood through strong contrast.

He was just a humble beggar. Sick, bedraggled, and impoverished, he had endured 38 long years of suffering. Every day, he went to lie near the healing waters of the Pool of Bethesda. Always hoping for a miracle or a cure. Hoping that someone, anyone, would notice him. That someone would see his need andContinueContinue reading “Clash of Two Kingdoms: A Lame Beggar Healed”

God Comes Softly, Building in Silence

Illustrated reconstruction of ancient Jerusalem, showing a grand temple, fortified stone walls, dense city streets, and olive groves beneath hazy hills.

From start to finish, God’s temple was a peculiar building. It was the Lord’s own house, designed by Him and built according to His specifications. King Solomon built this first earthly building for God’s glory, dedicating it totally to His honor. This granted it a special sort of beauty. “Solomon’s temple is the most wonderfulContinueContinue reading “God Comes Softly, Building in Silence”

Forever Changed: A Short Story

Worried woman in a rust-colored robe and head covering clutches a rope outdoors by a stone wall and clay water jar, conveying urgency and attentiveness.

She walked a lonely road, a water jar on her shoulder, that Samaritan woman. In the hottest part of the day she made the way, her solitary way, to the village well. Only after the others had returned to their own homes did she venture out. They did not welcome her company. No more than she,ContinueContinue reading “Forever Changed: A Short Story”

Raising Kids for Such a Time as This {Queen Esther}

Classical painting of three women in an ornate ancient interior: a seated woman in cream, flanked by attendants, conveys quiet solemnity.

That palace, it struck both fear and awe into the heart of the young woman who was passing near its gates. The opulence and grandeur of its halls were known throughout the land. Not that she would ever see inside, of course. Nor did she wish to. For she’d heard tales of the evil, capriciousContinueContinue reading “Raising Kids for Such a Time as This {Queen Esther}”

Healed By One Touch: A Short Story

Young woman in traditional clothing of Bible days works with yarn beside a loom in a rustic stone workshop, surrounded by woven baskets and textiles.

Wiping her hot brow, Tamar adjusted her scarf to better cover her pale skin, and wondered, “Why I am so different? Why can’t I look like the other girls?” Then she promptly bit her tongue for even thinking such a thing! For if she’d heard it once, she’d heard it a thousand times. “Remember theContinueContinue reading “Healed By One Touch: A Short Story”

The Soldier Who Killed a King: Book Review

Illustration of three figures on crosses above a sorrowful crowd, beneath stormy blue skies; a bearded man in purple stands in the foreground.

David Kitz’s masterfully written book, The Soldier Who Killed a King, had me hooked from the beginning. In it, a fictional centurion named Marcus Longinus recounts his involvement in the Passion of Christ. And how he came to see who Christ really is. The Gospel comes alive Sometimes we become so familiar with the storiesContinueContinue reading “The Soldier Who Killed a King: Book Review”