Share a prayer for these days in the comments. Your own or an existing one. In the stillness, Sandy
Between the Lines
Stories often hide between the lines even in old cookbooks. Like this well-used one that belonged to my mother-in-law and holds many ink-altered recipes. Mom loved to entertain and often had small groups in her (now our) home. In fact, she had two kitchens because the family lived in the basement for a year while […]
Breaking The Border of Self
I shook my head and sighed as I folded yet another frayed towel. We’ve had these light mocha (now practically cream) towels for what seems like forever, and to replace them is low on the needs list. But the other day I used a Target gift card to buy just one big, fluffy, white bath […]
Laughing At The Fire
The big house across the road was on fire. Our house. Well, not really “our” house. But a piece of our history. My husband’s great-great grandfather built it in 1870. My inlaws sold the property back in the late 1970s, and I think I was more sad to see it go than they were. […]
Sacred Sod
“I need to go plant flowers at the cemetery this weekend,” I said. “When you and Dad are gone, will I have to do that?” My daughter brushes a blond strand off her forehead. “You don’t have to,” I smile. “I mean, is it my job, my responsibility?” I shrug. “I like to […]
My House Is On Fire
I’d just set down bowls of chicken and rice kibble mixed with canned lamb dinner when my phone rang. I’m used to not being able to understand the grandgirl because of giggling and commotion in the background. But tonight (Monday–the day after Mother’s Day) was different. Through her panic, I finally understood her screams. “My house […]
Nursing School Memories (Repost for National Nurses Week)
I graduated from Saginaw General Hospital’s diploma nursing program in 1969, a member of the last class. Most programs lasted three years, but this one packed all the work in two. We went year around. The hospital staffed around the students, and some of us also worked as aides on the weekends for a little […]
On Jumping Tandem, Grace, and Glue
They said the drive to Nebraska and Jumping Tandem: The Retreat would be long and boring. They were wrong. A week ago I’d messaged my prayer warriors, “I’m having a little trouble holding it together right now. Could use a little glue prayer.” And they were on it like bees on crabapple blossoms. One […]
Could You Be Faithful To The End?
She was young, just a teen. He waved his weapon in her face. “Are you a Christian?” he hissed. She paused. Would she choose life or death? She straightened her shoulders, and her eyes locked on his. “Yes. Yes, I’m a Christian.” He pulled the trigger. It seems we hear stories like this more […]
God On His Knees
I spoke once, maybe twice that day during an Emmaus Walk. I’d given my best, and what energy remained leaked through the cold metal of the folding chair and pooled on the floor. I sat towards the back of the conference room, and I wanted to be engaged with what the next speaker shared. But […]
