Category: On Any Given Day

Erasing Errors

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© jb katke

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

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©jb katke registered 2025

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

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© jb katke

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

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©jb katke

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

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My view in ER ©jb katke

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

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©jb katke

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?  

Honorable Trip

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© jb katke all rights reserved

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.

After Easter

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© jb katke

By now the Easter candy may be devoured, and the festive baskets put away for another year. Plucking the Easter grass out of the carpet may take a bit longer. All the preparations and pictures have been snapped and filed into the memory book. Easter is over.

Not really. What you heard remains as true today as it was on Good Friday, or more importantly Easter Sunday. The why of calling Good Friday by that name is questionable. A person would not consider it a good day for Jesus—an innocent man brutally beaten and left to die on a cross.

But it is important to note, he knew the day was coming. Jesus spoke of it to his closest friends—unfortunately, they did not get it. Do you remember the baby Jesus whose birth we sing of in the Christmas season? We are talking the same guy thirty plus years later.

We celebrate this infant that came to earth for a specific reason. To die. Knowing it was planned all along does not make it easier to understand. What is even more mind-boggling is he was excited to do it. The potential of what comes later would make it worth it all.

Jesus and his dad were together in the planning and implementation of creating the earth and its inhabitants. They loved people and wanted to have a personal relationship with us. But we were worlds apart—which explains why Jesus came. So that we could relate to him. In turn, he told everyone that would listen about his father in heaven.

But as you may have heard, he died. What is so remarkable is that he didn’t stay dead. This may or may not be a news flash, but Jesus was no ordinary guy. He was the Son of God. No one else holds that position, so it is in our best interest to know him. Obviously, because he rose from the dead, we know he is capable of anything.

Jesus accomplished his goal. His life and death were for the express purpose of giving us the option to spend eternity with him after our own death. Crack open the Good Book and you will find countless passages that speak of what heaven is like. Hell too, only he doesn’t speak of it too much, just enough to make a person not want to go there.

The point is, we can consider everyday Easter because each day is an opportunity to know Jesus better. Because he lives. Not here—Jesus is back with his dad now. He has done his part, the rest is up to us.

Wishing you a Happy Easter everyday!

Who Am I Now?

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©jb katke

It rarely happens.

Cooking is not my thing, so when a person asks for a recipe, I’m always surprised. And pleased. My daughter Naomi asked for my recipe for pork chops. For the most part cooking does not run in our family blood.

I do have a few good recipes though. Most all come from someone else’s culinary expertise. Copying recipes from another kitchen is no problem to me. Call it survival of the fittest. We have to eat—preferably a meal that is palatable.

©jb katke

A friend gave me a magnet for my refrigerator that says, “Many people have eaten my cooking…and gone on to live normal lives.” She knows me well.

I had a sister-in-law was known for her cooking. It was her identity. 

There was a time when I was into quilting. That could have been my identity at the time. But I took a lengthy recess from it. Today I dabble at the sewing machine, going through the motions of quilting.

I’m not sure what my identity is anymore. When the children were little I was the parent or guardian of (name of child.) I was a morning person back then. Not so now. Bedtime is something I look forward to, so I cannot be identified as a night owl. Currently, I think of myself as an early afternoon person. My favorite mornings start off slow—admittedly it does not give me much time to get things done.

This I can say with certainty though. I am a Christ follower. Jesus helps me get my days in order. He brings me peace and a purpose to keep on keeping on. Most of all, a satisfaction at the end of the day.

You can have the same experience. Have a conversation with him about your concerns and see what he does for you.

Bragging on a Gift

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©jb katke

Did you ever have one of those days? Maybe that ran into a week? Mine are running into two weeks. Possibly three. Consecutive. It’s best I don’t keep track.

Mine began with coffee. Spilling it. The first time was at Bible Study. “Oh, it’s not that bad,” said a friend. Looking at my no longer snow-white sweater forced me to disagree.

“I have to go change, but I’ll be right back.”

The second instance was spilling all over the puzzle table. Fortunately, not on the puzzle that was on loan from a friend. Things can always be worse. Right? The puzzle was spared of the unintentional baptism. That was a down-right blessing, because it was not ours, but a gift from his kids. And there are those who do not believe in God!

My third escapade with coffee was again at home. During a personal Bible study. Working at an already full tabletop, I juggled a couple books on my lap as I held the coffee cup. The books shifted and you can figure the rest out. I was glad we had ripped out the carpet and installed LVP flooring.

Back at church with my Bible Study table ladies, I shared the above. The consensus was I should not be allowed coffee. But I like my coffee.

I tried to make light of it. “I’s not hard and I don’t mean to brag, it’s a gift.”

And it keeps on giving. A couple weeks ago, my beloved Dave came upstairs from his shop. “What’s that smell?”

Pecking away at my computer, “I don’t know. What does it smell like?”

“If I knew that, I wouldn’t have asked what the smell was.”  Silence.

Last week, again coming up from the lower depths of his basement shop, “I figured out what that smell was.”

“Oh?” I was again at the computer.

“Yeah, it’s you thinking of what you are writing.”

Funny, but true words. It takes time and thought to give voice to things. Nor should it be rushed.

For that matter, neither should I. Quickly I changed my shirt before heading to the beauty shop for a trim job. Getting out of her chair, my hairdresser, “Turn around. Your shirt is on backwards, your pockets are on your back!”

In the words of Charlie Brown, “Good grief.”