Where have you gone, Mister Rogers?

On the 50th anniversary of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. I dread the doorbell ringing. The doorbell rings, and my imagination goes on one of its many unhelpful jaunts through recent news stories (Military Spouse Attacked in Home Invasion) and into a traumatic future (What will the kids do when they come home from the bus and discover …

Prayer, Work, Knits (and "Deep Thoughts"): Nearly Winter

November has been a "wrapping things up" and "kicking things off" month. A writing assignment I'd been offered over the summer came due in November, and the old "pressure-prompted" way of functioning that got me semi-successfully through high school, college, and seminary was a serious temptation. But now that I'm older and mature(er), I didn't …

"For You Called Me"

Over the past several months I've been planning and thinking and intending to start blogging here at The Ordinary Times; September 1 always seems like such an appropriate time to start a new venture (I'll admit I still wish I were a student... I love new semesters and new school years!). Later this year I …

On #36, and Trusting the Process

I turned 36 on Friday. And the first thing I did was lose my car keys. On top of the car.It struck me that this did not bode well for the coming year(s).The past few years, my birthdays have been occasions of reflection and anticipation. Two birthdays ago, I was anticipating my husband's departure on …