Posts
Make a Right Judgment
We’re tackling this blog the old-fashioned way: sweating it out at the keyboard one keystroke at a time. This is because for the first time in a long time, I’m sitting down to write with very little idea about what I’m going to say. Most of my writing these days has been voice to text…
Sneak Peak – New Website!
The Mustard Patch has been growing a new website! Watch for my new design (coming soon?) Therefore keep watch, for you do not know the day or the hour… 🙂
Love, Work, and Joy
My mother had read somewhere and often repeated: In order to be happy, you need something love, something to do, and something to look forward to. I used to quip that eating fulfills all three. (A stance I still maintain to this day.) Despite my flippant response, I always acknowledged the wisdom in the simple…
I Thought it Was an Avocado: Lessons on the Fullness of Life.
Several years ago, I met up with a childhood friend I hadn’t seen in years. She was in the mood for sushi; I am up for anything I don’t have to cook myself. In short order, I found myself faced with a sampling of dainty and colorful circles known as sushi rolls. Despite the fact…
Denominations: What I Love About Our Denominational Differences
I didn’t realize I was odd. Well, let me rephrase. I didn’t realize I was odd in this particular way, until I started to notice: when I went to the Methodist carry-in, everyone was Methodist. When I went to the nondenominational Bible study, everyone was nondenominational. When I went to the Catholic speaker series, everyone…
Scared and Unafraid: Video Presentation!
Back on December 3rd I had the opportunity to lead a presentation on fear. I promise something in here will make you think a bit differently about fear. I hope you take the time to watch. Click the image below to play. This link should start at 9:40 which is right before the start of…
Eyes in the Dark: A Choose Your Own Adventure
Choose your own adventure by following the prompts after the intro below. Ready, set, go! I was walking the dog in the dark the other day, which happens a lot this time of year in this part of the world. We’re past the winter solstice but won’t really notice for quite some time. I was…
The Lost Art of Writing Christmas Cards. (And Some Things We Should Maybe Lose Instead)
Right now, I could be writing my Christmas cards. Instead, I’m going to write about writing my Christmas cards. Except this post is not really about writing Christmas cards. Pay close attention. You see, I’ve always loved writing Christmas cards. (It’s the writer thing, don’t judge.) I used to spend a solid two weeks writing…
Simple Thanks: Here is your Reminder
Usually I wash, dry, and remake the bed all in the same day. Only occasionally do I pull spare sheets from the closet to rotate them. This means that when a sock gets caught in the fold of the fitted sheet, it could be months before it is rediscovered. Usually by then its mate has…
The Speed of Change
I was reading an article the other day on the Catholic Synod that started earlier this month. If you aren’t familiar, this “Synod on Synodality” convened bishops from all around the world to pray for God’s direction for the Catholic Church. Through a series of meetings, this global gathering will culminate in a document of…

Search the Blog
Categories
Join the email list to receive the latest post and occasional exclusives

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.