On Any Given Day – Page 2 – One Day Wonders with JBK

After Easter

April 29, 2025April 28, 2025 Quilter2 Comments

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?

March 25, 2025March 24, 2025 Quilter2 Comments

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.

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

March 4, 2025March 3, 2025 Quilter2 Comments

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.”

They Made Me Cry

February 4, 2025February 3, 2025 Quilter2 Comments

Children do not realize how they can bring parents to their knees. Well—maybe the grown-up ones know.

This has been an emotional week, triggered by our youngest. The text message read: “I’m in a bad place right now and need to talk with you & Dad. But my schedule is full until Thursday, can we meet then for dinner?”

My heart sank. A momma never wants her child to hurt. What could it be? The unthinkable crossed my mind, only maybe she got fired from her job. Then what? There was nothing I or her dad could do but wait it out.

A week went by until our dinner date.

Wednesday night arrived and was told she is on her way here now. What was so urgent that could not wait one more day for us to resolve? (I was proud of myself for not voicing my what- ifs to Dave. He would only counteract them with platitudes.)

Upon arrival, in she walked with her out-of-state brother! Oh no. Things were so bad she had to call upon him to set things right?

As the truth comes out, nothing was wrong. Jamie was here on business and made a point of visiting us. The two of them, correction, three, Dave was in on this surprise too. Tears of joy flowed. Our times together are few and far between.

The evening at the restaurant we were chatting it up. People passed by to be seated but we paid no mind—until a figure out of the corner of my eye stopped at our table. Cindy! Our out-of-state daughter, traveled to join us for dinner. More tears flowed.

Four states of the Union were represented. A rare and precious time was had by all. After dinner we gathered at home, where more laughter and tears reigned. Families that live close by miss out on the thrill of the surprise. Just as Jesus would have it, we were united in spirit.

We reveled in the joy as past memories came to the forefront. In so doing, we made an additional memory. I’ve made a personal decision that has yet to be announced. We can make this an annual event.

It’s not easy for me to say that because of the miles between us. But the degree of love we share does not know distance—we just pick up where we left off the last time we were together. Ditto for the love Jesus has for us. He is capable of pulling off a few surprises too.

TMI Risk

January 14, 2025January 7, 2025 Quilter2 Comments

Can I do this?

I had the best experience from an undesirable situation. But I don’t want to gross you out. Let’s see if I can share without offending you. Let me know if I succeed, please.

The date was set during the Christmas season last year. Not the best time of year, but then when is a good time for medical procedures? This was not my first rodeo. The last time was horrible and wound up making me sick. Just to find out if all my innards are as they should be.

The process began five days in advance of the doctor visit. Happenstantially, it was at this time that something jumped out to me from my Bible study. “Purification ceremony” presented itself for me to contemplate. My five-day advance took on new meaning. John chapter eleven, verse fifty-five is where I was reading.

A little back story for you to understand the scene I had read. This was prior to Jesus being crucified on the cross. It was during the Jewish Passover celebration. People came from all over to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices in worship. The need was for the participants to be cleansed in order to meet the criteria of sacrificing.

Because I was on a special diet that would become more intense as the hospital arrival day neared—I latched onto this purification and took it personally. Literally, I was undergoing a cleansing. The day before was a clear liquid diet.

I was ready for what was coming, with anticipation. For the procedure itself, I’m unconscious. Although waking up is usually difficult, at least it would all be over. To my surprise, I woke up alert! The good news is all is well for me until five years when I get do a repeat performance. I’m not dreading it either.

More than once I discussed this with Jesus. Generally speaking, thinking is always worse than the actual ordeal.
The directions were different compared to my previous experience.
I prayed for an accepting heart to do what must be done.

What made the difference? Was it my nagging the Lord over this concern? The more palatable directions? Or praying for an accepting heart? My answer is yes to all of the above.

The things that concern us, are in Jesus’s wheelhouse. He’s got this. Stuff that we have no control over are his specialty.

Elephant Eating

November 12, 2024November 11, 2024 Quilter2 Comments

Today I have tackled eating an elephant. Figuratively speaking. How does one eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

My ‘elephant’ is in the sewing room with a dreaded project hanging over my head. Let it be said here that knowing how to run a sewing machine does not equate to being a skilled seamstress. Or in this case, a tailor. The zipper on my windbreaker jacket broke and needed replacement.

Some time back I ordered a white separating zipper online for a bathrobe. The package was delivered in a timely manner with one little problem—the zipper was black. Realization comes to me slowly at times. The windbreaker is black.

In my thinking spot I realized this was to my benefit. Take out the broken and replace with the already paid for mistake. Easy to say, a challenge to do. What I did not realize is how well made the windbreaker is. Really well made. To ensure that all the pieces of jacket remained in place I basted before I started ripping out. Unfortunately, the zipper also wanted to remain in place. I suspect fabric glue was part of the construction.

As I basted away I came across a surprise. Inside the jacket is a hidden pocket! I love inner pockets and thrilled at what I have hidden in plain sight. Visions of sugar plums dance in my head as to what I can now carry sheltered from wind or rain.

Well—sometime anyway. My days are full and this project will not be accomplished anytime soon. Completion may not come until the dead of winter when it will be too cold to wear a jacket. Baby steps. One bite at a time. This was a dreaded project because seldom can I make a repair on a ready-made garment and have it looking as good as a factory finish. My skills do not match my intentioned goals. But it will work, even though it may look as though I tampered with it.

Look closely at what you may have hidden in plain sight. Whether it be a pocket, an opportunity or something packed away. You know what I’m talking about—that thing you could not bear to part with because someday it could be useful. Today may be your day.

Life is like that. So is Jesus. Do you have circumstances that you dread—fearing it is going to be a big deal? Something you would rather not deal with? I get it.

As far as this zipper project goes, I have decided to ask Jesus to give me the wisdom and skill to get it done. If you like, you can try Jesus with your thing too. I have every confidence he will come through—for both of us.

PS The bathrobe is patiently waiting.

Scrubbed Clean/er

October 29, 2024October 27, 2024 QuilterLeave a comment

Well almost.

We have this sandstone rock outside our door that looks its age. A quick glance tells it has seen the hard knocks of outdoor living—dirt and dust abound. Along with years of rain, snow, and sleet to ingrain itself into the porous stone— manufacturing mold.

Yuck, what is even more disgusting is we breathe that stuff in. So much for going outside to catch a breath of fresh air, right? Thank goodness it does not seep into our pores for a permanent residence.

As I scrubbed away at the mold, the appearance looked a little better. But I could not help thinking the human race has much in common with the stone. Not the mold, but how the places we gravitate to can unintentionally permeate our life.

The cheaters in the classroom, the office staff that five-finger lifts supplies for personal use at home. Some young moms we encounter at the grocery store give their little ones a fruit to eat as they shop. It keeps them occupied and quiet and we think nothing of it. But its ingested food never paid for. Not true. We shoppers, all of us, pay for it.

It’s just not right. The Good Book calls the things not right as sin. It may sound harsh, but wrong-doing can easily sink into our minds and hearts if we are not alert to it. That is why Ezekiel, a priest back in the Old Testament, got a word from Jesus about it that he shares with us today.

^{“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.} ^{And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.”}^{Ezekiel 36:26 &27}

^{What a relief that to know that Jesus can scrub the things we may not even recognize as sin and make us clean. Or should I say cleaner. Like my stone, it still bares marks, but is improved. Living this side of heaven, we may bare a few marks too, but our words and actions will definitely be an improvement.}

Cops & Doughnuts

October 15, 2024October 14, 2024 Quilter3 Comments

Where do I even begin in sharing this? There is much to tell—some of which may sound unbelievable. Believe it because I never aim to deceive.

Cops and Doughnuts bakery has become a regular stop-over when visiting my brother, Bruce. He and his wife Sharon moved to the little town of Clare in Central Michigan long ago. The town takes pride of being the Gateway to the North.

At the time it was sleepy little place. But as time marched on, discount stores made Clare home, putting many of the smaller retailers out of business. It was getting depressing. When the local bakery, owned and run by family members for one hundred years decided to close their doors—it was the last straw.

The local policemen would. Not Have it. The unthinkable was about to happen if they didn’t do something. Nine brave officers, who knew nothing about making doughnuts or running a business stepped up.

Many have heard the love affair a policeman has with doughnuts. Their book, Cops & Doughnuts, told to Anne Stanton, tells the story of how this all came about, explaining the why of it. When an officer has the late night or early morning patrol, they often have a need for a little pick-me-up to see them through their shift. The only places one can count on to be open is the doughnut shop. Now you understand the connection, you’re welcome.

These officers had a very short time to crash learn the ins and outs of doughnut making and carrying on business as usual. But they did it with results business owners dream of. A smashing success. The town is sleepy no more. Police from all parts of Michigan have come to support or learn the how-tos of the bakery business. Making national news helped put them on the map, visitors come from around the nation.

Through the years it has expanded both in real estate and merchandise. The mugs and T shirts bearing clever sayings are popular. “Don’t glaze me bro!” or” D.W.I Doughnuts Were Involved.” It has become an event for busloads of shoppers, complete with signage, “Inmate of the Month: Parking Only.”

These officers have an enviable sense of humor and play it up to everyone’s delight. It shows policemen in a different light. They are real people (gasp!) that have a respect and a shared commitment to their community. Countless occasions have provided them to help individuals as well as its citizens. An FYI, none of the profits go to the owners, they already have a viable occupation. All funds earned go back into the bakery.

It meant a lot to me to sit briefly with Bubba—I learned they all have nicknames—giving me free reign to the pictures in the book and telling the story. As I introduced myself being Bruce Baldwins’ sister, it was necessary to clarify which Bruce Baldwin.

My brother has a Clare story too. When he and Sharon moved up from the Detroit area, they were not warmly received. City slickers. You understand. It took ten years for them to become accepted residents. But that was only half the problem. It seems they already live there, folks with the same name, well-known among the police force and town at large. Meaning not in the best light— the problem was real. Thankfully, they were able to outlive the mistaken association.

Today was a feel-good post. The book indicates they have a relationship with Jesus, proving with him, all things are possible.

Memory Lane

October 8, 2024October 7, 2024 Quilter2 Comments

Returning to our home state is a walk down memory lane. So many places to go and people to see. More so this trip than the others. What took us back to Michigan was a fifty-five-year class reunion. It was determined that Dave and I were married the longest. Or should I say we married the youngest?

We saw people all right, ones that we mostly didn’t recognize. It was a bittersweet evening. Ribbons with photos of classmates no longer with us. One in particular I was anxious to reconnect with, not to be, she entered her eternal home. Joining us at our dinner was a classmate that knew and remembered me more than I did him. That can be a little disconcerting.

While there we made the routine trip visiting our past homes. Where Dave grew up, where I grew up, where our children grew up. I don’t miss the homes as much as I miss the trees. They are everywhere, shielding us from bright sunny days. This time, the skies were mostly overcast. Another thing I miss, cloudy skies.

As we gawked at the home of my grandparents, we got to speak with the new owner. The home has never looked so good. New homes have taken the place of Grandpa’s fruit trees.

The unexpected perk in visiting my brother was receiving drawings our mother did that I had never seen before. Mom was a gifted artist. She could have made a living from them had she pursued that avenue. Instead, her time was invested in my father and us kids. One time she confided that she should not have married. Housekeeping was not her forte.

She had too many interests to be concerned what our home looked like. Knitting, I am certain I have a tablecloth she crocheted, piano and her artwork. Those things fed her soul, just as seeing the trees fed mine. What feeds your soul?

There is beauty in the world if we look for it. Either in the nature Jesus created for our pleasure or the activities that bring joy.

There were more pleasures in our travel that I will share at a later time. Stay tuned.