I would like to lodge a complaint against the beeky bar company. Our oldest child christened them “beeky” bars when “granola” bars proved a challenge to her small tongue. We’ve called them that ever since. For 30 years now, Ben has eaten the same granola bars. He refuses to try any others. For 30 years, … Continue reading The Great Beeky Bar Tragedy
Where Are You From?
That question is the obvious icebreaker when you’re traveling. I love meeting people from a variety of places, and that question frequently opens the door to further conversation. A recent trip took us from northern snow to southern warmth, and we met some fellow Minnesotans in the hotel lobby. We chatted for quite a while, … Continue reading Where Are You From?
Before the Snow Returns
We Northwoods folk are basking in the sweetness of a few Spring days. False Spring before Second Winter, the cynical among us call it. But still, to stroll the block without coats, to crack the window for the midnight owls’ song, to watch the squirrels chase each other through the woods…it’s a gift before the … Continue reading Before the Snow Returns
Spaghetti Again
Spaghetti again—or is it?
What Should I Tell Them?
Advice for new parents of a baby with Down Syndrome.
How Far We Go
How far will we go to meet a new grandson? No distance is too far!
Where I Make My Home
My grandmother’s church in Alsted, Denmark I started 2025 with a goal of finding my theological home. Over the course of a few months I read books on theology: Covenantalism, Dispensationalism, Arminianism, Calvinism…. In my studies, I learned that none of these things are easily explained. They all are informed by years of history and … Continue reading Where I Make My Home
Another Ordinary, Holy Day
Under snow-frosted trees, with visible breath I ask it. Perhaps you’ve asked it too. Rinsing the dish I’ve rinsed a thousand times before, I wonder. Maybe you’ve wondered too. Do I matter? Am I seen? There was once a peasant girl bearing the most common of names, going about her ordinary day—who was seen. Noticed. … Continue reading Another Ordinary, Holy Day
Climb the Hill
I jerked awake, heart pounding. Men’s voices came from the deep darkness outside my window. My husband gone that night, I mentally ran through my options. A call to the sheriff would be routed to a city 30 minutes away. I didn't own a weapon outside of a softball bat. Our house backed up to … Continue reading Climb the Hill
Who I Was Waiting For
I was waiting for a better version of me. Thinner, more accomplished, minus the hundred tiny shards of awkwardness crowding my chest every time I entered a room. I was waiting for her for half my life, but she never arrived. She wasn't real, after all, but a whisper of longing and sometimes harsh expectations, … Continue reading Who I Was Waiting For
A View of the Lake 