Her 50th

November, 2025. A Monday morning. As usual at this time, I chat with Kat in Crofton, 8000 miles away. “Mom, would you come to help me celebrate my 50th birthday?” My mind races. Such a trip, although six months away, requires finances, packing, and care for things lift behind–like Sammy and a storage unit. “Yes,” […]

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MEANT FOR YOU

Tuesday afternoon, June second, Plover, Wisconsin   After packing two medium-sized, check-in suitcases, I labor to pack a rather small duffel bag, my carry-on allowance. Three o’clock. Tammy, who will drive me to the airport, waits for me while visiting with Heidi. I wrestle to pack an accessory case, holding jewelry, toiletries, and medications; a zippered bag […]

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They Don’t Have a Mountain

During my first week in Wisconsin, I toured many small towns on well maintained county roads. I learned their names and numbers from my driver, Heidi. She told me where they led and pointed out significant sites along the way. “County roads are designated with letters. “H” is the one that we are on right […]

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Smelling for Two

During my first three days in Wisconsin, Heidi and I drove through the early summer countryside. Under clear skies, the trees bloomed, the temperatures reached into the 60’s, and the breeze blew gently. “Oh, it’s a perfect day,” Heidi exclaimed. “for all the farmers to spread manure all over their fields! The smell! Can you […]

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Between Sundays

Sunday, May 10: I worshipped in two different churches, Resurrection Lutheran and Hinson Baptist. Sunday, May 17: Once more, I worshipped in two different churches, St. Paul’s Lutheran and the Free Evangelical. Between those Sundays, I led a Monday book discussion on Theo of Golden, an excellent story with surprising twists and a subtle but […]

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Sparkling Teeth

Nineteen years ago, while watching The Great Debaters, a super, historic movie released on Christmas day, 2007, I was truly impressed by all the actors teeth. The teeth in everyone’s mouth were straight and sparkling white. Even now, I am amazed that regardless of character, economic standing, or cultural placement, all actors appear with blazingly […]

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My Announcement

The Holy Spirit’s outworking in my life over the last 25 years has been confirmed and encouraged by Brian D. McLaren. Over the last couple of years in a weekly Bible study, his books have been read and discussed. We Make the Road by Walking (2014) and Do I Stay Christian? (2022) serve as a […]

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80 Asks

Preparing for my upcoming, four month absence from my cozy little home, I decided to deal with my mail differently than I did a year ago. In 2025, a good friend collected my mail weekly and saved it in shopping bags. When I returned in June, I spent six weeks going through three bags of […]

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Recognizing 79

On Friday the 13th, I spent six hours with Shirley in Salem. Hours in conversation, lunch in the large dining room, dinner at Black Bear, and a birthday bag of small, sweet gifts–all because . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . […]

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Patiently Waiting

I wrote about Sammy’s waiting on me as I make stop-and-go exits from the house to the car. You can read about it on Day Nine of Doggie Devotionals. Ever since I wrote about his waiting, I have grown more aware of the quality of his waiting. I play Rummikub four afternoons a week. Sammy […]

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