Blog
Empty Husks
I place the dried corn husks on the table. Turns out the husks actually work well in lieu of paper plates. It was fellowship night for our small group women's Bible study, and we did not have paper plates. When the story begins, we find out she is moving. The...
Designed to Work: The Making of Bread and Tea
Her hands form dough, which she rolls into flatbread. She makes tea, every single day, with a sprinkle of cardamom or fennel. That was not always the case. Once, a very long time ago, she was a teacher. And a writer. Once, many years ago, she won an award from a BBC...
The Lesson of Second Place
Second place. In high school, I finished second in my graduating class. And while that may seem like an accomplishment, and I was indeed proud of it-- still, it was second place. Not first. In college, I auditioned to be an emcee for a special show. I encouraged my...
Midnight Prayer
Midnight Prayer It is not simply For evening breeze, Dark pond, lustrous inky Sky, hum of crickets, Cool grass, evensong Of creatures, that she Emerges. It is the lure Of soul awakening, Nudging, prodding, Drawing her into depths Visible only at night. She Roams...
Nothing on Earth
If it were not for the promise he gave to make all things new, she would see no hope. In all the wanderings of her heart, she kept this promise near. When her mistakes brought her to her knees, and she hung her head in shame, he made her heart new, taking the pain...
Lessons from the Tree Maker
I love trees and I love autumn. The autumn tree is a glorious vision, with its rich colors and striking beauty. Indeed, don't we travel for miles to enjoy the spectacular view of an autumn landscape? After a season of rich green, the autumn tree bursts forth in...
The God Who Sees
He is El Roi, the God who sees. He sees you, He sees me, and that is something I need to know. I need to know that. I need to know that God is writing my story... and He is writing yours. Sometimes, actually often, I can't see the end or even know where...
Caroline (a poem)
Caroline She threw her pearls like water, a chain of droplets Stuck in a moment of time Caught by the next passerby, the next wave of sunshine Don’t pause for a second because then the parade will have passed. This she knew, all too well. She swung her dress,...
Within Reach
It happened in the Wal-Mart parking lot. My friend said it happened to her when she visited the beach after a long absence. I was expecting it to happen at the beach too. But for me, it was when I stepped out of the Wal-Mart in my hometown. All of a sudden it hit me,...
A Letter to My Younger Self
Well, here you are, younger me. Look at you. I wish I still had your younger skin. You will graduate high school, then college, then get married, get a job, have some kids… a basic sort of plan for most folks. Life holds some very pleasant things in your future. But...
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