Christ
The Beginning of the Easter Story
Jesus the Christ was born on Christmas Day, but that is not the beginning of the story. The coming of Jesus was foretold throughout the Old Testament. The prophets announced throughout Israel’s history that a Messiah would come. But even that is not the beginning of the story. We could argue that the Easter Story…
An Important Theological Rambling
I used to think Christians believed this: God will cast into Hell anyone who does not believe in Jesus. Wait, you might say. That is what Christians believe. Perhaps. But there is a distinction that I think is critical. It’s not so much God casts someone into Hell simply because he or she doesn’t believe…
It’s Christmas Time! Are you weary and burdened?
You know what I usually do when I get tired? I keep going. Then I get sick. This is a pattern that repeats itself several times a year. You’d think I would learn, but I never do. I always think I can do just one more thing. Eventually, God draws the line for me and…
Two Shakes and a Whistle
So I was challenged the other day to write blog post with the title “Two Shakes and a Whistle.” My first thought was, “I don’t even know what that means!” It turns out, I’m not alone. Even Google doesn’t know. I considered writing a blog post that simply said: “Does anyone know what this means?”…
Clean T-Shirt
There are some who do not understand the appeal of camping. “How is that a vacation?” They want to know. Cooking in primitive conditions, swatting mosquitos, trudging through the elements… “Doesn’t sound like a vacation to me,” they say. Their logic is hard to argue, but I just can’t help it. I love to camp. …
Something More
My dog does not understand how I can sit for hours flipping pages in a book. I hold it out to her, but she sniffs it disdainfully and walks away. Where I see another whole world, she sees only ink and paper. My book is utter foolishness to her who cannot read. As I’m thinking…
Cooking Tip #3: How to Peel a Banana
You might wonder what there is to learn about peeling a banana. The answer will surprise you. Years ago, I was taught how to peel a banana by my Girl Scout leader. At the time, she was working toward her degree and would often regale us with educational insights from life after high school. She…
Cracking, Part I
Have you ever had one of those days where you think: “If one more thing goes wrong, I am going to crack!!” As in, “The weight of this stressful old world is weighing me down so badly that I can literally feel myself starting to crack up and fall apart! Arrggghhh!” I certainly have. Sometimes…
Vacation
I gleaned a bit of wisdom recently from one of those “Take This Quiz” articles stamped in the midst of a check-out line tabloid. The quiz wanted me to guess when the greatest benefit of a vacation was realized. Before? During? Immediately after? Having recently returned from a vacation, I can tell you the answer…
Do It
I am a total Harry Potter fan. I have read every book (multiple times) and frequently find myself pondering one brilliantly penned scene or another. Recently, I found myself contemplating the complexity of a scene at the end of book three. A swarm of dementors are descending upon Harry and his friends, ready to deliver…
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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.