Quilter

Listen Up!

September 1, 2026August 29, 2026 Quilter2 Comments

Movies get mixed reviews. Ditto for today’s blog. Some are gonna like it, some may roll their eyes, thinking of me as some kind of dreamer. However, it’s your choice on how to perceive it—because it’s a true story.

Some time had passed learning I was qualified for getting hearing aids. A week ago, I learned it was 12 years. The average life span for such helpful aids is not that long—somewhere between 5 to 7 years. With the tune of a four-digit price tag. Can we agree I got my money’s worth?

A person may call me lucky, only I don’t believe in ‘luck.’ Blessed is more to my liking. At any rate, our incoming snail mail had sent a couple offers of a free hearing test. Doing what I do best, I procrastinated. Why rush to get a free exam, when I know I will ‘pass’ for an updated pair?

Maybe I deserve it, because I get on my husband to address his health issues. But it was role reversal this time. He was on me to take up this offer. My logic was sound, it snaked around four digits. But to stifle his ‘gentle reminders,’ I made an audiology appointment.

Often I ask him to repeat what he said, so both of us were surprised that my hearing had hardly changed. But my current hearing aids were old. You can guess what came next.

Pay for some updated hearing aids? Not when I had an advantage. Through another source, my husband gets new hearing aids every four years. Which took place this year. His old ones (perfectly good) were re-calibrated to his current needs, but they were now a back-up set.

But…what if we could use his old set, re re-calibrated to me? Would my audiologist do that? Yes! For a fraction of the price. Barely over three-digits. Oh, my goodness! Needless to say, we jumped at the opportunity.

Let’s put a spiritual spin on this experience because that is the reason this turned out so well. Using the Bible verse of Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” NLT

If your life feels as tangled as this picture, contact me. I have been ‘working’ on establishing a new daily routine, I will share the details.You will be in good hands

Blueberry Blues

August 25, 2026August 17, 2026 Quilter2 Comments

They look so innocent sitting in a bowl. Tempting, daring a person to devour just one. Not so fast. One bite will be all it takes to realize the old gray mare ain’t what she used to be.

Today has been one for the books. Hopefully, never to be repeated. There are almost no words to describe how my day went. But I will try:

Forcing myself to roll out of bed, late-ish morning. This will be a partial day to call my own. Ideally, the morning would consist of shower, baking blueberry muffins and laundry. This afternoon, my writer’s critique.

Rushing home to bake a second batch of muffins to take to potluck this evening. Only, now all desire drained out of me. Seemingly, I’ve made enough blueberry muffins to induce a false confidence. I knew the recipe, enough not to read it thoroughly. Ha!

What could go wrong? Never ask yourself that question. Soon I found out. Mixing the dry ingredients I had the presence of mind to remove the plastic ‘sleeve’ that protects the recipe—now full of flour. Fortunately it was before adding the liquid ingredients. If only I had read that the egg and milk combo had to equal one cup. It was the combo that I forgot.

I wound up guessing how much milk should go in. Perhaps it was a tad too much. Something still didn’t look right. The blueberries neglected to be added. Poking them in the muffin cups one by one is not the recommended way to ensure they really are blueberry muffins. Maybe I better eat one just to make certain they are still good enough to share.

My answer came before it ever hit my tongue. Why is this sticking to the paper cup? Oops, I forgot the oil. Do I know better? Yes. Do I feel foolish? Of course—and mad at myself too.

Was my head even attached to my neck? That was the only thing in its proper place, clearly my mind is fried from the Kansas heat. It can wipe the smile right off your face.

I share with you my mantra till my dying day: I. Do. Not. Belong. In. The. Kitchen!

Bedtime will not come soon enough.

He’s Gone!

February 17, 2026February 15, 2026 Quilter2 Comments

Jokingly, I have said many a time, “I’m just next in line.”

But that was in reference to the dishes in my hutch. Almost everything in the cabinet belonged to someone else first. Today it takes on a whole new meaning.

It’s my brother—Denny’s gone. Tomorrow at 1pm, he will be placed next to his wife in the cemetery. My feelings are mixed. In a sense, I have felt we were two only children. Being of the opposite sex, and seven years between us, we were never really close. But then, he has always been there. Sort of.

As children, I recall playing with him and his cars in the dirt in front of the home two doors down, newly built. Denny has always been a car guy. On the weekends his friends from high school would come and together they worked on rebuilding an engine. I think. Our dad had a carport and made a beam strong enough to hoist up a transmission or whatever it was they worked on.

Today there is a bunch of miles between us. Denny was more like our mother, quiet, private, an antique lover, and love of the home he made with his wife. That, in and of itself is a funny story.

Denny and his wife moved north and it took ten years to be accepted by the community. It seems there was another resident, by the same name that had become well known in town—not in a good way. Happenstantially, this resident had a girlfriend by the same name as my sister-in-law. Her name will not be revealed in order to protect the not-so-innocent.

My brother never had a great deal of money, so he lived humbly. His home was over a hundred years old and in the local hotel pictured as one of the original homes built in the budding city it continues to be. A few years back, he did me proud. Inheriting a few dollars from another family death, Denny purchased two things. Not one to make spontaneous purchases, he bought an antique car, and a log-splitter. The latter, very necessary as he heated his home mostly by a woodburning stove.

Denny was not one for keeping in touch. If we were to phone each other, I was the caller. The last time we talked, he called me. Every year I made a point of calling him on his birthday—and he remembered (!) and knew I would not reach him. He had a new phone number.

Now he has a new residence too. I hope it’s the place I have prayed for him. He’ll have the chance to get better acquainted with Jesus, bring our parents up to speed with his life on earth, and meet the two siblings our mom lost in miscarriages.

See y’all later.

Ouch Pain!

February 10, 2026February 15, 2026 Quilter2 Comments

I wanted to share with you a recent painful experience.

The problem was—I’m told to always to include a picture with a blog. How does a person share a photograph of pain? Instead, I will share this guy with you. He has known pain for as long as I can remember.

This is us a few years ago in our getting to know you period of time. Through the years our friendship has grown and we remain close today. If one of us does something stupid, the other is always ready to give support and encouragement. If you have experienced someone whose personality just clicks—a friendship like that is priceless.

I consider him as my barometer. ‘Am I being a wimp or does it hurt as bad as I feel? The pain began innocently, as I crawled in bed so as not to disturb my husband. I must have twisted myself in some contortion that created the issue.

The whole next day I was useless, unable to go about my normal day. It hurt too much if I sat wrong or turned and twisted even a little bit. How was I going to get into bed tonight?

Thankfully, I did without adding more trauma to my body. Maybe I have never mentioned it but bed is one of my thinking spots. A realization hit me.

I said to myself, “Think of all your days lived out pain-free. Have you ever thanked the Creator of life for that?” No.

Right then I gave thanks for all the days of being able to go about my plans. I almost hate to tell you what happened the day after because not everyone is this fortunate. But you might at well know the whole story.

The next day, I woke up pain-free.

Is being thankful of key importance?

That guy mentioned above—he is the love of my life and father to my children. He has tried everything to subdue the pain. Surgery, physical therapy, meds, injections, acupuncture—nothing alleviated it enough. Soon he will have yet another surgery to implant a stimulator that quiets the nerves telling him he hurts. While it won’t take all pain away, it should make a substantial difference.

We intend to give thanks to our Creator for the medical knowledge known today. And whatever the outcome we will give thanks for sustaining my man as he has done for countless years.

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.