Quilter

Old v New

December 30, 2025December 28, 2025 Quilter2 Comments

These mixing bowls are something dear to me. The green and teal ones are all that is left of my mother’s mixing bowl set. I remember her using the full set of four. Social media tells me they are now valuable, something many of the younger generation consider desirable.

When antiquing I am often tempted to purchase what is missing in Mom’s set, but the price keeps me from doing so. If you think prices are high for new items, I’m here to tell you old and used ain’t cheap either.

But that is not the only reason. The large enamel bowl in the picture is part of a set from my grandmother’s kitchen. If I were to complete Mom’s set, I would no longer need Grandma’s set. How many bowls does a person need—when she does not even like working in the kitchen?

Grandma had to work at the kitchen table because her counter was filled to the max. Just as her kitchen was small, so was her table, but one of the chairs was still part way in the doorway to the dining room.

Both my mom’s and grandma’s kitchens were anything but user friendly. Maybe the ‘good ole days’ are not as good as we recall. Convenience was never considered in the design of the home.

With that being said, here we are about to enter a New Year. How was your 2025? It’s interesting how we seem to look forward to the new year when the only difference is the numerals. We are still what we are and circumstances have not changed much, if at all. But there is always hope.

A couple quotes from pastor Charles Swindoll have meant a lot to me: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” Another good one is, “We are all faced with a series great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”

Let’s try to make this New Year better, different—one to remember. Maybe a new you.

A good start could be found in my latest book, Texting From Jesus, Season 1. Devotionals that give a place for the reader to pen their own thoughts are hard to come by. Your welcome. It is available on Amazon, with more seasons to come. Each day will have a place for you to write to Jesus.

If you could text him, what would you say?

It’s True!

December 23, 2025December 23, 2025 Quilter2 Comments

Every bit of it. Truth.

I’ve heard of magnetic attraction, we have to look no further than birds to be confronted with the reality.

I washed my car recently, which is something of a miracle. Only when the sun shines on the windshield do I admit its time. The car looks really nice—one would never guess she is 18 yrs old. And running like a champ, even when dirty.

The location—the church parking lot. These foul birds (no misspelling here) were more than sacrilegious, they were downright ungodly. Parking in the same spot for years, with no problem. But wash your car and see what happens!

After my meeting, bird poop all over the hood, the windshield, and roof. Even the handle on the door was christened. My car looked better filthy dirty as opposed to now. Yes, it got a second bath.

You may think that if this is my primary concern, life is good.

Thanks to Jesus my life is good, but no, it is not my primary concern.

My primary concern is what is going on during this Christmas season. Holiday music fills the air at every store, radio stations are playing solid Christmas songs, commercials on television speak of nothing but what you should gift your loved one.

Peace on Earth, Good will towards men, we sing. Only there is no peace. How can anyone find peace when there are gifts to wrap, food to prepare and gather with family that have issues? Lots of them. Open the Good Book and learn Jesus came for more than saving people from themselves. He came to separate as well. WHAT? Take a deep breathe.

Those precious ones inside your circle of family and friends are included in Jesus’s hope and forgiveness. Regardless of words or behavior. Jesus offers what was never asked for—before we were ever born. Jesus had a hand in creation and knew we needed him. He yearns to be your friend with the to die for kind of love.

Churches are offering additional services reminding you of the birth of Jesus. He is the Messiah, our Lord and Savior, saving us from the sins this world offers. Truth spoken. How many value what Jesus offers throughout the year?

Make this time of your life different—hold Jesus close to your heart all year long.

Erasing Errors

October 28, 2025October 28, 2025 Quilter4 Comments

When was the last time you gave any thought to an eraser—or have you ever?

Before the computer era, they were essential little things. I can recall joining other parents getting their young ones prepped for a new school year. It wasn’t just clothes, but the supplies they would need on a daily basis. Notebooks, paper, pencils and pens. And erasers.

If you are unaware, some erasers are better than others. I keep this pink one from days gone by simply because it’s marked, ‘Made in the USA.’ At the risk of sounding like some kind of eraser connoisseur, this one is the least desirable. When used, it can either not do its full job, or leave marks on paper.

The art gum eraser went to school with the kids. It did a fantastic job on removing unwanted errors without the residue. What it did leave were eraser crumbs that needed to be swept away.

The pencil style eraser is my choice today. Housed in a plastic holder gives it stability and does a great job removing errors—without the crumbs. Also, minus the residue—one would never know it was even used.

Why am I making a deal over erasers? Soon I’ll have a new book to come out—an interactive devotional. Texts From Jesus, Season 1. Because there is a place for you in it, you can be the coauthor. If you don’t like what you’ve penciled in, erase it!

Jesus’s dad in heaven is much like the pencil style eraser. He see’s the errors we make and knows the heart they come from. Those that mean well, have the best of intentions, still make boo-boos. Does it surprise you that a Jesus follower is not perfect?

Jesus had a book published long before my One Day Wonders. While there are several versions of his book, I refer to it as the Good Book because it is chock full of good stuff that he had inspired several authors to write for our benefit.

Another book, that remains in heaven is the Book of Life, also for our benefit. Jesus’s dad erases all the errors made by his followers—he knows them by name. On earth there may be the a residue of a scar, but in heaven, his forgiving eraser makes a person look like they never even made an error.

Just Enough

August 26, 2025August 25, 2025 Quilter2 Comments

These two quarters bring much to mind. Twenty-five cents apiece may not be much in today’s economy. But looking back on our early years when my husband Dave was in the Navy it would have meant the world.

In those day’s we lived paycheck to paycheck. On the weeks too close for comfort, we had a couple pennies between the two of us. On the good weeks we had a nickel. We made it through—life is all a matter of perspective.

Quarters today remain a valued commodity to me. One of our local grocers has a clever idea in encouraging shoppers to return their carts to the door. The carts are linked together by a chain that clasps onto the cart in front of it. To get a cart out, insert a quarter and they separate.

Occasionally as I go for a cart, and someone has left a quarter for the next shopper to use. It always brings a smile, and I thank Jesus for allowing me to be that next shopper. Yes, we continue to live paycheck to paycheck. We continue to make it through, almost fifty-five years strong.

Today, I try to do the same thing. With the intention of paying it forward. As I leave the quarter, I say a little prayer, ‘Jesus let someone know you see and provide for needs.’ We reside in a pricy community and know there are others like us that would be appreciative.

It isn’t much. Others can and do more than I. A trademark of living as Jesus would have us, first and foremost, is a changed life. Doing and saying things that give aid or comfort to another hurting soul. Kindness does not hurt, and it could be just enough to help another get through the day.

Speaking of coins brings the fish story to my mind. I’m not making it up—read it for yourself in Matthew 17:24-27 in the Good Book. The topic at hand was paying taxes. One of Jesus’s disciples, Peter, witnessed the conversation.

Peter being a fisherman by trade—Jesus knew this would be a learning moment. He directed Peter to go fishing, the first one he catches has an unexpected surprise. A coin that was just enough to pay taxes.

Trust that Jesus is aware of your needs and ready, willing and able to meet them. He gives just enough to strengthen faith muscles.

Anti-Constipation Salad

August 5, 2025July 30, 2025 Quilter2 Comments

What a find!

It is a hidden treasure that brings a giggle to surface. Although, to some it may be helpful and that is why I’m sharing it today.

The recipe will be included in case you are unable to read it from the picture. What made me smile was my father’s note at the bottom of my mother’s recipe. I can hand this down to my children, but only I recognize the handwriting of my parents.

I’m not sure where Mom got it, but it wouldn’t surprise me is it was from her mother. As far back as I can recall in my child mind. Grandpa Andrews never left the house. By that, I mean going anyplace.

His three-acre yard was his tramping ground. Grandpa always had a garden and lots of fruit trees—cherry, pear, and snow apple. Today snow apples are unheard of, you could liken them to a McIntosh. Even they are rare find in the produce department of the grocery store because they bruise easily. Biting into a snow apple, the skin was a perfect red and the inner apple, snow white. Thus, the name.

Grandpa stayed home due to an ailment that I never understood, but it had to do with the bathroom. Methinks it was constipation. Grandma Andrews was forever making stewed prunes and Aunt Jane that lived with them constantly made bran muffins.

For those interested, here is the recipe:

Anti-Constipation Salad

One heaping Tablespoon shredded raw potato with skin on

Two heaping Tablespoons shredded raw apple (peeled)

One heaping Tablespoon finely chopped seedless raisins

One Tablespoon vegetable oil

One Tablespoon lemon juice

Mix well and let stand about an hour before eating.

My father’s note at the bottom of the recipe:

“2 hours before bedtime”

In the Blink of an Eye II

July 22, 2025July 21, 2025 Quilter2 Comments

It was not me this time, well, not entirely. This time it was my husband, Dave.

My right knee buckled, forcing me to hobble a few days—but that does not compare with Dave’s ordeal.

Without going into detail, he experienced a severe blood loss, enough to warrant a trip to ER. Saturday night he was admitted to the hospital, discharged Monday afternoon without a diagnosis.

Only to return to ER that same night for the same reason. All said, he must have lost nearly a half-gallon of blood. This, over a course of four days. Admitted a second time he was held for a few days of testing.

Before his second discharge, Dave received four or more blood transfusions. We began to lose count. He is tired and weak (there is no rest in a hospital)—now home but recovery will take some time.

Dave never asked for this episode, it just came, ready or not. This sudden change in our day turned into a week. Looking back at what was endured, how did we get through?

We do what must be done.

When crisis moments hit, we just deal. And think about it later. In my first blogpost of In the Blink of an Eye, I mentioned a verse from the Good Book that came to mind. Dave’s episode did much the same. Thinking of what Jesus endured.

Their two stories are not the same, but in each one, blood was lost. A lot of blood. Times were different in the era of the Good Book.

Jesus is God’s son—Dave is created in the likeness of God. There is a difference. Here is an attempt to compare it:

Dave’s episode was unexpected/Jesus’s was planned
My man got help/Instead of help, Jesus experienced hatred
Hospitals aim for rest, even if allusive/Jesus was not granted that
Medication was provided for Dave/Sour wine was all Jesus got
Dave’s healing will come with time/Jesus’s death made restoration available

For a while, the lame (me) was ministering to the ailing (Dave). Many people suffer from some sort of poor health. Dave loves Jesus—but even followers of Jesus fall victim to the ailments of living on planet earth. It’s part of life.

But this restoration thing is worth looking into. Wouldn’t it be nice to live pain-free? Imagine a life of no frightening episodes. Spoiler alert! You can for all eternity. That was the purpose of Jesus coming to earth—to identify with people and make a way for better living. Now and Forever.

Trust in what Jesus said and did. Look upon it as something that must be done.

In the Blink of an Eye

June 24, 2025June 22, 2025 Quilter8 Comments

Three thoughts flitted through my mind. ‘I’m flying fast! How did this happen? And This is not going to end well!

It was not my plan for the day—but there I was in the blink of an eye, languishing on the floor.

My task was simple enough, carry the dishes out to the kitchen and drop the napkin in the trash. As I turned away from the trash, I took flight, my feet becoming uncooperative. In the middle of my flight, the floor rose up to greet me.

I landed on my left side not in the kitchen. The plate I was carrying broke and cut into my left elbow to the bone. According to my husband’s words, “I jumped a mile.” Me and the plate made quite a clatter.

On my way down to the floor, I made contact with the chair. I guess I moved it out of the way. Various other parts of my body wanted a piece of the action too. The left elbow got eight stitches, the right forearm was scraped, and my left eye took a hit. Even one of my fingers on the right hand felt the need to be included in the damages.

Dave stood over me, “Are you alright? Get up! Your bleeding!”

Waving my finger, “In a minute.” The pain was real, shocked at what happened—I needed the trembling to stop before even trying to get up. Assessing the damages, we decided a trip to ER was necessary.

Thankfully the emergency waiting room was empty. Or so it seemed. I had to wait for what felt like forever to have a CT scan and some ex-rays—longer still for the doctor to stitch me up. Clearly I was not their first patient of the day.

My short version: I tripped and fell.

I made it through the night (there was no concern of that), alive and well to tell you all about it today. Twenty-twenty hindsight my episode brought a verse from the Good Book to mind.

“It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will be transformed.” First Corinthians 15:52

It was a letter written long ago by a guy named Paul, sent to a church in Corinth. His subject matter was a reminder of what will happen in a future event. Jesus had died on a cross but was at some time going to return alive.

He wanted these people to be ready because it can happen when they least expect it. Today, it is safe to say it hasn’t happened yet. But it will. I can safely say this because everything the Good Book predicted happened. Some of it not yet though.

The moral of my story is a recommendation to befriend Jesus. Your eternal life depends on it.

Curvaceous Me

June 10, 2025June 9, 2025 Quilter2 Comments

Never have I perceived myself as desirably curvaceous. My hair begs to differ.

Anyone that has known me for any length of time will assure you that hair does not come any straighter than mine. In the past I have felt my head is one overgrown cowlick. But now, with no justifiable reason, my hair decided to make waves. In all the wrong places. That won’t go away.

Me and my hair seldom see eye to eye. I was one of those in high school that slept in curlers—only to have my hair droop pitifully by first hour. I determined to accept my fate of straightness until recently. Now I battle these blasted strands that insist upon sticking out making themselves known. Every day in a different place.

My remedy was going to the hairdresser and having my hair cut shorter. It’s a temporary fix, because we all know it will grow back.

Can you relate to things that appear out of control?

Folks can easily become discontent with life. A haircut may become necessary. Or a home make-over, maybe a career change. It could be anything. The changes we make can be regrettable. Proceed with caution.

I wonder if our Creator in heaven gets as frustrated with some of my decisions. The wrong frame of mind can lead to regret if the waves I’ve created put me in the wrong place.

The Good Book has something to say about hair—specifically gray hair.

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.” Proverbs 16:31

Life could be less stressful if I accepted what He determined best for me. People are designed according to the Creator’s perfect specifications, only to find them trying to change things up. But I had not considered gray hair as a crown of glory. Some things call for rethinking.

The problem can lie in not realizing the Creator’s best is better than my best. Why settle for my best that is inferior with what is meant to prepare me for eternity. I can’t see as far into my future as our Creator.

Likely, there is a lesson to be learned here. I’m going to try and see eye to eye with Him, seeing how our Creator can see further than I can. Same with you?

Letter to Mom

May 11, 2025May 12, 2025 Quilter2 Comments

Dear Mom,

If only you could see yourself as I see you because I love you so much. I know you are not perfect—but you are exactly as I made you—in my image, remember? Image is a likeness, not sameness. Many of your characteristics are like mine, they come from me! I can see that sometimes you don’t like who you are. When you criticize your appearance it’s like you think I didn’t create you right. Are you aware that in not liking yourself, you are rejecting me too?

What I’d like for you to understand is life is a process. Maybe you don’t quite like where you are in life right now, but that’s okay because you aren’t going to stay there. You see, nothing on earth was intended to last forever. In due time, it’s all going to pass on, wear or, or rot away. That is what makes time so precious, it goes away and will never return. If you could see things that way—it makes all the difference in the world in everything you say and do. Moments count.

There is so much more to life than what you are seeing today, When I look at you, I don’t see those imperfections. I see what you are on your way to becoming. Those experiences that were so hard to get through are going to come in handy in your future. Lessons have been learned. But you haven’t finished growing yet, you’re still a work in progress. I can see the result, trust me, I know what I am doing.

Just look to me, I will guide you through and be with you in the hard times. It’s a promise. But it is not all about what I will do in you—you have a task too. We are in this together. Please don’t leave me out of your life, I gave you life. You are to die for. So, I did—because you are worth it. Not because you deserve it but because together you and I could go so far. I really love being with, so let’s keep in touch.

Love, Jesus

PS Happy Mother’s Day!

Honorable Trip

May 6, 2025May 4, 2025 Quilter2 Comments

A trip not soon forgotten—and I could not go. But oh, the memories made!

My husband Dave took advantage of the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. compliments of the Kansas Honor Flight for veterans. For those who may need assistance, volunteer guardians are provided. Veterans get a free ride, but if a friend or relative comes as a guardian there is a price tag.

Dave invited our son Jamie, and all concerned are so happy for the experience. Jamie claims, “It was the trip of a lifetime.” Father and son are already close, but I feel some serious bonding took place.

Because Kansans came from all over the state, departure was centrally located in Wichita.

It was an action-packed three-day tour. The first stop was at Ft. McHenry, where they learned the hymn The Star Spangled Banner was born in 1814 by Frances Scott Key. Other sites of interest were:

Eisenhower Memorial,
Air Force Memorial-Spirit Flight
Korean War Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Vietnam Memorial
Arlington National Cemetery
Changing of the Guard
A Wreath Ceremony
A Tour of the Iwo Jima Memorial
World War II Memorial
Tour of the Navy Memorial

The experience was enlightening as well as humbling. Landing in D.C. before the vets even disembarked the plane, two fire trucks gave a ‘waterful’ salute. As the group walked through the concourse, everyone clapped and cheered for these men and women that had so bravely served their country.

Included in an evening celebration, was the especially meaningful mail call back in their time of service. We, back at home were given the opportunity to send a note or card of honor and appreciation to our soldier. It was a touching moment for all attendees.

Returning home, the weary travelers were greeted with a bagpiper escort though the concourse. One more all-important item to mention is these trips are open to vets nationwide— taking place in the spring and fall each year. If you are a veteran or know of one who would like the experience you can find details at www.info@kansashonorflight.org.