Nomad Wife
Lessons Learned Unpacking Boxes
In the 16 years helping my family navigate seven moves back and forth across the United States, I lived in some fascinating places. From the stately mountains of Colorado to the birthplace of our nation in Eastern Pennsylvania to the snowy winters of Michigan and the gentle South of North Carolina, with places in between. I had amazing jobs and forged long-lasting friendships with incredible people. Which was my favorite? Definitely, the one I was in. (I would have preferred to stay put.) Here’s to the Nomad Wife and lessons learned unpacking boxes.
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The Advent of Our King
The advent of our King. Infinite becoming finite. The Eternal One entering into time. The invisible becoming visible. We sing of it in carols, read of it in greeting cards, and tell of it through the voices of children in Christmas programs. I don’t know about you, but for me the remarkable story of Christmas becomes more real, more personal every year…
~Read On~
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Yesterday and Today and Tomorrow
Throughout my life, the writers of songs and hymns have helped me press down big truths into simple context so I can absorb it. Added to this is the great benefit of being brought up in a Christian home where we sang as children, for it never leaves you. And so, as we come into another Christmas season, as we prepare to turn the calendar to another year, I found myself going to my childhood ….
~Read On~
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Indescribable Gift
A writing tablet and yellow No. 2 pencil. The kind with a soft eraser. A Skooter doll by Mattel. She was the friend of Barbie’s younger sister, Skipper. White patent leather go-go boots. Whew. What an iconic fashion statement … they “were made for walkin’.” A mother’s birthstone ring and holiday dinnerware. Each year as I have grown a bit older, the gifts under the Christmas tree have matured, as well …
~Read On~
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A Sister’s Perspective
My little brother was in the biggest fight of his life … literally, for his life. This COVID virus was relentless, throwing everything it had at him with a vengeance. I don’t know how often one stops to consider the attributes of a brother or sister. But these last eight weeks certainly gave me pause to mull over Christopher …
~Read On~
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A Story to Tell
Johann Härtling, of the Saxony, Germany area of Pöppeln, was the father of Andreas, Andreas the father of Hermann, who immigrated to the United States of America, Hermann the father of Adolph Martin, Martin the father of Benjamin, Ben the father of Vernon, Vernon the father of three sons and three daughters. I am one of those three daughters …
~ Read On ~
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Thank You for Loving Me!
Never could I have imagined hearing such tender words wrapped in such irrepressible joy. Maybe an “I love you, too, Nana.” But not this. My three-year-old granddaughter …
~ Read On ~
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Masterful Hands
Some flour, milk and eggs, and just enough salt “to taste.” In my mom’s hands those baking ingredients meant mouthwatering Blatz Kuchen, Koffee Kuchen, and donuts. Add a swatch of material to a needle and thread and in …
~ Read On ~
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Here I am, Nana!
Here I am, Nana!” my three-year-old granddaughter calls out. Patting her chest in earnest, she looks up. And she waits. Hopeful. I love those tender, soft hands. They speak of her innocence, to the joy of childhood. Oh, and those wide, deep brown eyes. She practically wills my gaze to drop down on her …
~Read On~
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Things I Remember
For years my mom woke early in the morning. Those hours well before daybreak when the night sky still holds back the sunrise. Farm work required it. As she aged and became less involved in the daily chores, her inner clock stayed right on schedule. “But now,” she said, “I wake up early, and lying there I just think … the things I remember” …
~Read On~
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Life’s Journey, Destination’s End and the Almighty God
You have seen them. They are sitting in the vehicle parked in the fast-food restaurant lot, just off the highway. The car’s engine is running; made obvious by wispy smoke coming from the engine’s tailpipe …
~Read On~
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Time to Carry the Torch
Well, it’s official. It is time to carry the torch. My uncle died a few days ago. In his passing, he signals the end of a generation …
~Read On~
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Cutting My Teeth on Christmas
Gott ist die Liebe, Läßt mich erlösen:
Gott ist die Liebe, Er liebt auch mich.
Drum sag ich noch einmal: Gott ist die Liebe,
Gott ist die Liebe, Er liebt auch mich.*
“God Loves Me Dearly.” Growing up in a Christian home set in a rural Southeast Missouri farming community, I cut my teeth on this beloved children’s Christmas hymn. Faith and family were the foundations of life …
~Read On~
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