jesus
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Investing in Quality: The Importance of Good Foundation
Quality comes with a price, and some things are worth the extra time and money, including bras. No, I did not return to Victoria’s Secret in pursuit of undergarments. I opted for a department store, but I still experienced sticker shock, even with a half-price sale and deep discounts for being a credit card holder. Continue reading
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The Real Meaning of Christmas: Anticipation and Reflection
This year, Christmas arrived before winter did. Retail stores began selling Christmas decorations before Halloween was in the rear view mirror. Black Friday and Cyber Monday emails drowned out any important messages we might have received over the past few days. It’s already overwhelming. And it’s just begun. Today, it seems that Christmas has become Continue reading
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North Dakota Winters: Community, Grief, and Gratitude
Winter dropped. Not gradually, but in one day, we went from sweatshirts to ski pants. Here we are, beginning the Christmas season with snow and cold. Hopefully, you were one of the prepared and put those Christmas lights outside before the storm. Tomorrow, we gather with family and friends for a Thanksgiving feast, followed by Continue reading
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I’m worried about my worry worms
Before leaving for Estonia, we had a farewell lunch together. Nancy and I were flying to Estonia soon, and Shelley was praying for us. There was a lot of laughter, well wishes, and, of course, Shelley brought gifts. Then I shared my worry worms. The camp theme was based on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Continue reading
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Exploring Estonia: A Journey Through Culture and Spirituality
Twenty-one quarts of salsa and 14 quarts of dill pickles later, and I am finally feeling free of the brain fog and fatigue from traveling to Estonia. Oh, I’d better include mention of a couple of 12-hour nights under the quilt. It seems that the days have shortened considerably in two weeks, and nighttime temperatures Continue reading
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Preparing for My Journey to Estonia: A Personal Reflection
All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go…… This is it. It has been nearly a year since I committed to traveling to Estonia for an Adult Bible Camp. The time has come to check in for my flight. My bags are packed, my testimony written, and my lesson planned. Some of my preparations Continue reading
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Empowered by Faith
Sometimes I think people don’t understand. Doing things, even those that are outside of my comfort zone, is what keeps me going. It normalizes my life between those dreaded CT scans and brain MRIs. I am not immobilized by my disease; I am empowered by it. Which, on a side note, my next CT scan Continue reading
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A time of German-Russian purgatory
When man plans, God laughs. It’s been eight days since my hospital stay. Eight days of German-Russian purgatory. For anyone joining me on this cancer journey, I recently posted my long list of commitments for the year, trusting I would be well enough to follow through. I was feeling so normal I filled my calendar Continue reading
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Elsa Dutton’s Wisdom: Faith and Purpose in Life
1 John 5:14-15“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” I think I was born too late. True, TV westerns romanticize the past, Continue reading
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Finding Joy in December: Reflections on Life and Love
It’s Sunday, December 8, and there’s rain in the forecast. Very little snow and no cold makes it difficult to believe it’s December in North Dakota. Cold is relative, of course. When we say it’s not freezing in North Dakota in December, we mean it’s not below zero with no wind chill. Preparations are underway Continue reading
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Embracing Faith While Facing Uncertainty
Imagine opportunities you can see across the Missouri River. You dig your toes into the sandy beach and shield your eyes from the rising sun. The shore looks a long way off. You aren’t a good swimmer and the water is cold. Inside your belly, a fire burns longing to get to the other side. Continue reading
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Let me tell you ‘bout my Jesus
It is done. Not the large tunnel, not the outdoor garden, not the small tunnel, not the flower beds — all of it. Everything. Done. In one day from green and growing to clean for sowing. The sun warmed the still air. People showed up by 10 a.m. By noon, three of us had dumped Continue reading
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Winter is coming
The Stark family’s words, “Winter is coming,” resonate as the author reflects on entering the “winter years” of life post-cancer treatment. Facing uncertainty and limitations, they share lessons learned: cherish family, be generous, embrace individuality, and live in the present. Embracing this new phase gracefully, they find solace in focusing on what they can still… Continue reading
About Me
I love to write. My background is graphic arts and journalism. My roots are German-Russian from McIntosh County, North Dakota.
My time is spent reading, writing, gardening, cooking, blogging, fiber arts – you name it, we try it.
INDYchildrendotme 