Red Lights and Pickled Pigs’ Feet
Pickled pigs feet...just the thought made me want to lose my lunch but to Grandpa, they were a delicacy. He loved them but rarely had them, so my gift of choice for him that Christmas was one jar of pickled pigs' feet, with a bright red bow on top. We traveled to Iowa for the holidays nearly every Christmas. For most of my life, we lived a...
Back-To-School Alligator Wrestlers
It's that time of year! Back-to-school pictures are all over social media; kids sporting this year's favorite outfit, brand-spankin'-new shoes, and nifty backpacks. Front doors of homes across the country are plastered on social media with kids standing tall and proud. I've seen several already, but more are coming including those of my own...
Indoor Tents
A favorite family memory is a well-planned summertime adventure we’ve referred to as Gram Camp or Cousin Camp. Joining me on our first such adventure was my husband, his sister, and her husband; four adults with five grandkids (second cousins) between 3-8 years old. We asked each grandchild to bring a sleeping bag. What we didn't say is that...
Forgetful Followers
Christians are such forgetful followers yet our God is such a patient and loving God!It was evident when the Israelites and Moses wandered in the wilderness together, but the pattern is still seen today. Different circumstances. Different outcomes. Same pattern of forgetfulness. The Israelites were held captive for far too long when God tapped...
An Attitude of Gratitude
Are you tired of triple-digit heat and strangling humidity? Is your summer dragging by? Gas prices are at unreasonable levels and grocery store totals take our breath away. It is difficult to maintain an attitude of gratitude, isn’t it?On social media, opinions are flaunted like truth and non-issues become points of division. Lines are drawn...
OMGoodness! Did you hear…?
“Oh my goodness! Did you hear…?”Such a statement prompts us to lean in and listen carefully before we add unsolicited advice about the juicy gossip revealed. We may be at a backyard barbecue with friends and family, or in the bleachers during a ball game. Wherever people gather, gossip weasels its way into conversations.Did you hear about…? Do...
Who Are Your Influencers?
Several years ago, I was challenged to create a Wall of Influence - basically a list of people who influenced my life in a positive way. Who made me who I am? Who do I value and respect? Who do I want to emulate? Whose advice will I always treasure? Influence is defined – loosely – as the capacity of one person to produce effects in another;...
Live Today but Give Voice to the Past
Last week, I spoke to some awesome fellow writers at Heart of America Christian Writers Network in the Kansas City area, telling of my ghostwriting experiences and encouraging them to write what I call mini-memoirs. Two of the five books I've published in three years are ghostwritten memoirs: Harvest of Joy and Lost Child of Greece. Writing a...
Welcome, I’m Elaine. I’m a follower of Jesus Christ, a choreographer of words, a challenger of the status quo, an admirer of all things colorful, and a lover of life who finds great comfort and joy in knowing I’m completely adequate to do whatever it is God calls me to do!
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