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.

Hidden things

Posted on December 12, 2020 by gretchenr17

I used to drive a cute, little, compact car in college. It was the perfect size to take back and forth as I commuted to school, went out with friends, and went on trips. As I drove to school, I … Continue reading →

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It was the underwear

Posted on October 16, 2020 by gretchenr17

“Get it together or I’m gone,” he said with I dare you to defy me hidden in his voice. Sarah* knew she couldn’t give a retort, that would only feed the fire, she just stood there as he walked away. … Continue reading →

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Soul worth

Posted on October 6, 2020 by gretchenr17

When I was in high school I struggled with my personal value. My self-worth was so jumbled between what my family poured into me and what my crush said about me. My folks spoke hundreds, probably thousands, of words of … Continue reading →

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Choosing joy

Posted on September 25, 2020 by gretchenr17

I spoke with a precious friend about some of the difficult things I have been facing recently. She commented that my decision to choose joy in this season, when she would be deep in the pit, touched her heart deeply. … Continue reading →

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Liar, liar

Posted on September 23, 2020 by gretchenr17

Now the serpent was more crafty than the other wild animals that the LORD God had made, (Genesis 3:1 NIV). Every time I read this verse, I think of the old Nickelodeon movies, where the music would warn the audience … Continue reading →

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I coulda had a …

Posted on August 27, 2020 by gretchenr17

Growing up there was a popular commercial for the vegetable drink, V-8. It would show someone making a poor decision for a snack or meal, like a candy bar or a donut. Another person would come up to them and … Continue reading →

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Traveling

Posted on August 19, 2020 by gretchenr17

(These are the thoughts of woman up too late in the middle of the night, because a song continues to play and play and play in her mind. ) For weeks I have been waking up with the song, “Land … Continue reading →

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Warrior queens

Posted on August 9, 2020 by gretchenr17

In this age of social distancing, it can make it difficult to get together in a small group and complete a Bible study. At least that’s what I thought. Enter YouVersion Bible app. I have been able to participate in … Continue reading →

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Lingerie

Posted on July 25, 2020 by gretchenr17

Years ago, the husband of a friend of mine would buy lingerie for her from an intimates boutique. It was obvious when he gave the gift to her, that he had spent time, thought, and felt a deep love and … Continue reading →

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Studies

Posted on July 9, 2020 by gretchenr17

All my life I have studied the world God created. From the time I was a very small child, my mother taught me to look at things with awe and wonder. Marveling at the way God designed a bird’s wing, … Continue reading →

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