Various items lay on the bed next to an overnight bag. Among the items are a hair brush, a nightgown with the tag still attached, and a tiny outfit covered with puppies. Though this expectant mom packs for her second child, she needs to prepare for him as if he were her firstborn. Remembering what …
I stood on the playground squinting at the sky while shading my face like a salute. “Don’t stare at the sun,” my third grade teacher, Mrs. Rettig, warned. “Why not?” I asked. “It can blind you,” she said. Her reply startled me. I quickly dropped my head and squeezed my eyes shut. Under my eyelids, …
In every direction, a mountain range graces the Irish skyline. The ancient peaks are rounded and clothed with patchwork vests of tan grasses, green forests, and pink heather. Distinct borders set aside each odd shaped patch of color from its neighbor. These borders are built of stones cleared from fields and stacked vertically, or more …
I gather flotsam into a pile, and hurry to drop them in my bedroom. Back to the kitchen, a stray glass waits for the dishwasher and the floor begs another sweep. The clock taps its fingers, ticking down the minutes until company arrives. The doorbell rings. “Come in, come in. So good to see you. …
Bright lights, white lights assault her, not the muted pink and gentle darkness to which she was accustomed. Stark light and emptiness surround her, where always water buoyed and rocked her on all sides. Instinctively she wails, clenching her hands to her chest and pulling her knees up tightly. She gulps a huge breath and …
Mother and Father relaxed on the couch reading the Sunday paper. Brother sat on his knees focused on a game board and on his sister, who rolled the dice. The moment the dice landed, she bumped the board, which tumbled the dotted cubes. She grabbed her silver dog and skipped it across the blue …
“Mom, remind me why you have this.” I held up a six inch centerpiece. It was a plastic, old fashioned milk can the color of dijon mustard with plastic daisies the size of dimes glued into it. The arrangement conflicted with the signed paintings decorating the walls. “Do you remember that year I taught sixth …
Buttered popcorn permeates the air as twelve of us take our seats in our neighbor’s garage. He fiddles with his computer until the film fills a sheet-sized screen and a musical prelude sings. We’re watching The Chosen, a video adaption of the Gospels. I can see why some might not feel comfortable with imagined backstories …
On my walk this morning, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Gorgeous pansies, a deep velvety purple suitable for a king’s robe, as well as yellow ones with faces of pure sunshine, and orangey-red ones withered in a heap on the street. Twice I turned to go back, thinking of scooping up the best and planting …
Flowers of every color adorn the cross. It is gorgeous but only a memory now. As I gaze at the photo, I reflect on Lent and Easter. Each year is different, though my goals remain the same, to love God more dearly and sincerely. This Lent I resolved to take up two actions and give …
Today, I post new friend, Jen Neimann’s, guest blog. Jen Niemann is a Jesus lover, wife, and mom to two young adults, and lives in Chagrin Falls, Ohio with her husband and Jazzy the cat. A former RN and caregiver, she enjoys dabbling in writing, gardening, worship dance, and being active in her church’s Women’s …
“Sit right here and take this clicker. Now lean forward and place your chin here.” I did as I was told, gripping the clicker and adjusting my head to fit the chin cup in front of a PC-sized, convex screen. “Do you see a light in the center of the bowl?” “Yes.” “Good. Keep your …