Standing at a home décor store entrance, Chuck and his buddy stood very still. They felt very out of place. Approached by a sales clerk, she politely asked if she could assist them. Chuck replied, “I need a vase for my wife.” She smiled and told them to follow her. Jason leaned over to Chuck and said, “You don’t say vase in a place like this; you say (va-wse).” Pa and Grammy were visiting for the weekend. Loading up and […]
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Fiddling through my purse, I readjusted, and as I sat back up, I saw nothing but Chuck’s jeans. Oh dear, He is standing. “But it is not time to stand,” I thought to myself. I scanned the crowd. He has yet to notice. Quickly I slapped Chuck’s leg, “Chuck, sit down! It is not time to stand!” He eased back into the pew. A voice leaned up behind us and said, “We thought you had something to share.” Chuck, who […]
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“Why can’t we eat out?!” My mother argued as the checkbook slid across the desk into her hands.” My father had had enough. Sternly, he said, “Here, you are responsible for the family checkbook. You shoulder the burden of what we can and cannot do.” Mother looked white-faced. Her naivety and inexperience with a budget left her confused about why there was no money. She had never been in charge of the cash flow before. Even as a girl, her […]
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One day a week, I call my father early in the morning. It is our time to spend visiting, studying the Bible, and for me to ask questions. One morning, I defeatedly asked, “How will I ever know all you know about the Bible?” He lovingly replied, “Just keep going. Keep reading, keep studying, and you’ll get there.” We have some dear family friends who raised two children while my folks were raising theirs. My father told me once that […]
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“Dad. I need to talk to you. What are you doing? Where are you?” I continued without catching my breath. “Sis. I told you I was going to Mexico. I have been out of the country for three days now.” Dad said in his balanced tone. “Oh.” I declared. Feeling like I just climbed out from under a rock. “Ok then. It wasn’t that important. We can talk later.” I stated. Whispering, “Bye, bye now,” before I hung up. I […]
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“Eva, where are you going?” I asked as Charlotte raced around the kitchen, squealing with delight. Eva piped up, “I’m going hunting with daddy.” “Why are you packing a bag,” I questioned. “Well, he said I must be quiet, so I am packing barbies and babies to take with me.” “Oh, ok,” I replied with a sly smile. “He will love that.” One sunny afternoon, Eva and Charlotte were playing outside while we walked across our property, trying not to […]
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The view from my desk is irreplaceable. I can see the hills climbing up the valley and across the sky. The creek running beside the quiet road offers a stillness that quiets my soul. The cattle graze along, waiting for a fresh bale of hay that is sure to come. I purposely situated my desk in our family room upstairs so that during my work hours, I could still be interrupted by my girls. They play together, and sometimes, Eva […]
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Each piece had been contained in a small Christmas box – until now. Today, the box was enormous! What could it be? I knew the girls would quickly understand what was inside. Well, Eva would, and Charlotte would want to take the piece and run with it. Eva quickly opened the box while Charlotte sat beside her, eating her blueberries and toast. There it was; the stable – my favorite piece of the Nativity. I strategically set the scene and […]
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What is Christmas? Does it come without snow? Is it wrapped only in white Or tied up in a glorious glow? I awoke excited and darted to the window. It finally happened! An actual snow day! The glare was blinding. Like magic, white crystals were gleaming everywhere. Snow hung from the pine trees like heavy dollops of whipped cream. The ground was covered in a majestic white carpet of snow! I couldn’t wait to wake the girls and get everyone […]
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What is the true meaning of Christmas? Can it be found in the family? Or is it in the selfishness I require? Until the taste of me Has quenched every desire. I woke up Christmas morning and walked into the living room of our downtown apartment. My sister asked again, “Are you sure you won’t change your mind?” Resentment stirred more than the cup of tea I was preparing. I snarled a demanding, “NO!” Sadly, she conceded with a low-toned […]
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