Category:
The Hard Stuff
Today’s Forecast: Stormy with a Chance of Patience
Here in New England we have a saying: If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute. It will change. When I moved to the Midwest, I learned they have the same saying. And it’s true. I’ve seen the temperature flip from near 80 to below freezing in a matter of hours. I’ve witnessed rain,…
One Thing I Do: Forgiveness
Reflecting on this, I had a thought that was revelatory to me: forgiveness brings healing; it does not undo what happened.
Hope in the Sticky Middle
Hope in the sticky middle means having gratitude for today’s gifts while we still pursue a brighter tomorrow.
Letting Go While Letting Go
There are always two parts to letting go.
Hope from the Father
I’ve heard it said that you can live several weeks without food, several days without water, and several minutes without oxygen; but you can’t live one second without hope. If this is true, I want to know what it means to have hope. I once had a friend describe to me a difficult time she…
When God is all You Need
I didn’t begin to understand this saying… until recently. Then I found out what you do when God is all you have.
Washed Away
This post was first shared at www.inspireafire.com. Special thank you to C.J. for sharing her artwork. Photo credits to J. Canino. I hope you enjoy! Hours of careful effort had etched the colorful chalk drawings into the sidewalk. They were there to brighten the day of the neighborhood and the mail carrier. They certainly brightened…
To My Future Former Self
This post was first shared at https://inspireafire.com/to-my-future-former-self/. RE: My Advice Date: January 2020 I know you cringe when you’re told too flippantly to keep your chin up and everything will be fine. I know what you’re thinking: “You have no idea how this will actually end for me.” Oh, we know that all things work…
Faith Like a Squeaky Toy
Have you ever wondered what’s inside a dog’s squeaky toy? Of course not. Because if you’ve ever had a dog with a squeaky toy, you’ve already seen the inside. Do you know how you got to see the inside? Because the outside was completely chewed up and destroyed. Some days I feel like that squeaky…
I’m Not Looking for a Dog
This post first appeared at inspireafire.com So what am I doing here? The first time my answer was simple. I carried in a nearly new bag of dog food. Some flea and tick prevention. A bag of dental chews with just two missing. “Do you take donations?” I asked the girl behind the counter. “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.