Author Archives: gretchenr17

About gretchenr17

Wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. Writer, farmer, fellow sojourner... at every turn I learn a bit more about God's wild mercies.

Pea pods and prodigals

Posted on May 24, 2020

Luke 15 is full of stories of items that were lost and then found. Jesus starts out the chapter with the story of the lost sheep. In a land where sheep were part of the every day economy, it was … Continue reading →

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Bullies and the fight

Posted on May 8, 2020

As a child I stood out in a crowd. Not because I was taller than the others, but because I had bright red hair like “Opie Taylor.” While girls had names like Becky, Sue, Melissa, Molly; names that could have … Continue reading →

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My embassy

Posted on May 4, 2020

I will watch movies over and over again, the same way I read certain books. One movie on replay often is The Saint (1989) with Val Kilmer and Elisabeth Shue. During a pivotal scene Elisabeth Shue’s character must race her … Continue reading →

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What it looks like

Posted on May 3, 2020

For the past few months I have been reflecting on what love looks like in my life. It has been a challenge to see things from other eyes and hearts, in the end, I understand more. I am also broken-hearted … Continue reading →

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Splinters

Posted on March 25, 2020

The weather has been fluctuating here in southeastern Nebraska. I’ve worn shorts and been barefoot during a sunny, 70 degree day only to scrap snow and ice off my windshield the following morning. Welcome to March. Each morning I have … Continue reading →

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Carrots and parsnips

Posted on March 7, 2020

The idea of dangling carrots in front of stubborn horses or donkeys has been around for centuries. It’s a simple idea, take a stick with a piece of string, fishing line, etc. and tie the carrot so that it is … Continue reading →

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The bad stuff

Posted on March 2, 2020

If you’ve ever seen Pretty Woman*, then you probably remember the scene where Richard Gere (Edward) and Julia Roberts (Vivian) are discussing her past. After listening to her story, he gently says, “But you could be so much more.” Her … Continue reading →

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Pockets

Posted on February 26, 2020

My paternal grandfather was quick witted, savvy in business, one of the first to be there to help– with a hammer, a hand, or the shirt off his back. He was a hero to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but most … Continue reading →

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Give me a “V”

Posted on February 25, 2020

My social media feed has been full of videos of young girls tumbling and cheering in competitions to win the trophy and honor of being the Champions in their category and conference. I have cheered, celebrated, and encouraged them as … Continue reading →

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Dreaming in the quiet

Posted on February 19, 2020

I had my annual physical this month. I had the usual height, weight, temperature, blood pressure taken, all of which were fine. I had fasted for my blood work to check cholesterol levels, my thyroid, etc. My numbers were all … Continue reading →

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