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Lenten Winter
Lenten Winter Spring Yes, I know. We did get a few more inches of snow last night. But it’s a spring snow. It’s light and fluffy – not your typical slushy spring snow, I’ll admit – but it’s quiet as cotton to walk on. Gone is the winter crunch I love so much. I don’t…
Yes
The other night some friends invited me to an improv show. Improv creates comedy by taking random audience suggestions and throwing them at the players (and sometimes audience members) on stage. The players act out improbable scenarios, make up songs, and create comedic sketches completely on the spot. Improv shows are high energy, high audience…
How I Love Thee, Indoor Treadmill
Top Ten Reasons why running on a treadmill is better than my trainer-friend says: 10) It’s warm. Actually it’s a little too warm, which can be problematic, but… 9) I can roll out of bed and onto the treadmill without having to put on 18 layers of moisture-wicking thermal insulation. This saves both time…
The Day I Discovered the Treadmill
The day I discovered the treadmill was cold and snowy and – did I mention cold? The story begins something like this: On any given day, I would much rather lament my running incapacity than to do something productive to remedy it. Every once in a while I do something advisable (recall Exhibit A). But…
Journey Home
One of the best parts of any journey is returning home. There are a few exceptions. When I’m travelling with family and friends, I sometimes wish the trip would never end – or at least not yet. But more often than not, by the time my plane, train, or automobile is pointed home, I am…
Points of Music
I distinctly remember the first time I heard a bell choir. I was at a church in southern Illinois when half a dozen ringers stepped to the second floor railing and raised their bells. I watched, dumbfounded, as first one and then another flick of the wrist sent forth a stream of intricate notes. Until…
30 Second Devotion
Busy day? It’s easy to “forget” patience, kindness, and gentleness as we rush out the door. We must consciously integrate goodness and sharing into our routine. Do not neglect it! And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased (Hebrews 13:16).
More than Decoration
I love my home church; it’s my local family. But I also enjoy visiting other churches during my travels – seeing other sanctuaries, experiencing other worship styles, meeting other congregations within our extended family. Not too long ago I had the opportunity to visit St. John’s Church just outside St. Louis, MO. The people were welcoming and…
Opportunity to Give
Ever wish you could make a down-home difference? I mean, do something real. Not just send money to a consortium but see your donation actually clothe the one in need? I do. Which is why I was so excited to learn that one of my friends is doing just that. Here’s an opportunity to get…
The Mustard Patch is on Twitter!
Join me @MiniMustard! This new outlet is a source for mini-devotionals – 140 characters or less! – along with news and updates from The Mustard Patch. If you tweet, please follow my feed @MiniMustard. If you have friends who tweet, please spread the word! If you do not have a Twitter account, you can still…
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Meet Janet!
Janet Beagle, PhD is the founder of The Mustard Patch. She divides her time between the Midwest and New England, and if she’s not writing, she’s probably out hiking with her 2-and 4-footed friends.