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What’s Next This Year?
The year 2020 stands as a test of our resolve…and it isn’t even half over. Between my sister’s cancer, the Covid 19 pandemic, the economic downturn, and now riots in our cities, I can’t help but ask, ‘what’s next this year?’ How am I to respond personally as the world falls apart around me? In…
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Washed Clean by the Power of Love
Rain has fallen off and on all morning. One moment the sky drizzled while the next it poured. I sat at my computer watching through my window as I worked from home. Finally the sun broke through the clouds. Its rays made the water droplets on the plants in my flowerbeds sparkle. After my workday…
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Unlikely Hero in Your Own Story
Anyone who knows me well understands my love of fantasy literature. As a young child, I immersed myself in the many adventures of Dorothy and her friends in the Land of Oz. Later I discovered the wonders in Narnia and Middle Earth. Authors such as L Frank Baum, CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien captured my…
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At Home in the Garden
What a beautiful spring day! I’m at home in the garden trying to continue social distancing. Yesterday was perfect for planting my tomatoes. My grandfather Van Sickle always said to wait until after my mother’s birthday to set out the tomatoes to avoid frost. Well Mom turned 86 on Friday so the time was right.…
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Put on the Full Bee Suit
If you choose to work with bees, you will be stung. It’s inevitable. As a new beekeeper, I understand the risk. Fortunately I’m not allergic so I’m not concerned about occasional pain from stings. But how much protection does a person actually need to manage their hives? Do I really need to put on a…
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Life as a Beekeeper
The spring honey flow is well underway and my hives are active. Right now the apple blossoms are a favorite of my bees. While taking a photo the other day, one of them stung me on the nose. Ouch! I should know better than to intrude too closely during their foraging. If I’ve learned anything…
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All God’s Creatures
For the past six weeks, I’ve been working from home due to the Covid 19 pandemic. It’s been an adjustment changing from in-person visits to telemedicine. However, my patients and I have been pleased overall with how well it works. One side benefit of staying at home is the opportunity to view our Indiana spring…
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Trust God With the Uncertainty
We live in an age of information overload. With all the voices vying for our attention, it’s nearly impossible to know who to believe. Even though I must keep up with the medical information on the Covid 19 virus, I try to avoid media sources. They tend to increase my anxiety rather than alleviate it.…
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A Walk in the Woods
While practicing social distancing, my husband and I took a short walk in the woods at MacGregor Park on Sunday. Our spring here in Indiana has been a bit poky but now is in full bloom. I love the opportunity to bask in the sunshine in only a light jacket. Even though I miss my…
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There’s Always an Upside
Not many people want to admit their age as they get older. After about 3 decades, most of us avoid the big birthday celebration. We think: Let me stay 29 and holding as long as I can. Until recently, I felt the same. What’s to gain? Creaky joints, loose skin and poor vision add up…
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A Letter to God for Such a Time as This
Dear God…I try to be brave to encourage others but it’s not easy. I try to write words of hope but somedays they just don’t come. Can I give myself permission to feel discouraged…to feel disappointed with the current situation? My sister remains in hospice at home with cancer and there’s nothing I can do…
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The Real Easter: Jesus-Only Jesus
Gone is the Easter Bunny with all his eggs. He’s sheltering at home. Don’t plan on a community egg hunt this year for the kids because it’s not happening. If you purchased an Easter dress, you may want to exchange it for new pajamas to watch virtual church services on your television instead. News flash!…
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Selah-A Pause Within the Chaos
I need a pause within the chaos. In reality, we all could use a break from this present craziness. Most days I feel hopeful and prepared to wait out the quarantine. But then, the next moment a wave of fear and guilt overwhelms my soul. Back and forth my emotions fly out of control. Even…
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Spring is on the Way
Every year during the month of March, I find myself struggling. In Indiana, the last vestiges of winter seem to drag on and on. Though if I look closely, I see signs of change popping up everywhere. While robins search for tasty earthworms, lemon colored daffodils push up through the cold earth. As the days…
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Resilient People: Weathering the Storm
How do we stay resilient within this present storm? Everyday we hear something new with the Covid 19 virus. Fear abounds. Many are struggling with the sheer uncertainty of our times. But resilient people move forward through it. What is their secret? Adjust Your Sails for the Wind The wind shifts direction constantly. It threatens…
