Connections: More Than a Word Game

FaithLinda HanstraMarch 16, 2024Faith, RelationshipsComment

A Tender Little Story that Clearly Rocks!

A tiny taste of Lent through the Little Things, to whet your appetite.

Faith, Family, Empty NestLinda HanstraJanuary 28, 2024Lent, Lent through the Little Things, FaithComment

My-gration.

Soon, I’ll be joining the loons on our southward migration for the winter. It’s been a good summer. I’ve learned a few things in this grand experiment that I can take with me on my future journeys back and forth.

Faith, Travel, Lake LifeLinda HanstraSeptember 26, 2023Minnesota, Loons, FaithComment

Turning Gray: Can we Embrace, Replace, and Give Grace?

I turned 60 this past year, and I admit I have qualms about joining the ranks of older persons. Is my aging body a sign of weakness? Will others look at me and assume I’m incapable? If I let my hair go gray, will others see me as irrelevant?

Empty Nest, FaithLinda HanstraSeptember 11, 2023Aging, Ageism, Empty Nest, FaithComment

Cruising, COVID, and the Constant of Easter

Our theme song for the week has been, “And another one gone, and another one gone. Another one bites the dust!”

The four of us are isolating together, much like we did two years ago on Easter Sunday, when both of our girls were sent home from college in March 2020. Our bucket-list vacation followed by a five days of COVID isolation during the holiest week of the year, has spurred reflections on our ever-changing Easter traditions, and the ever-constant reason we celebrate.

Travel, Family, FaithLinda HanstraApril 16, 2022Latest Post, Cruise, Adult Children, Faith Comments

Robotic Earrings: on Handling the Unexpected

Could it be that my earring is robotic? I thought, as it magically released itself from my ear and latched on to me with the touch of a finger. Cool!

Empty Nest, Faith, Musings, FamilyLinda HanstraJuly 19, 2019Family, Empty Nest, Faith Comments

Permission to Retreat: finding rest in a work-centered world

In this media-filled, work-centered, goal-oriented culture in which we live, taking time to observe, listen, and open up our hearts takes effort. And practice.

Faith, MusingsLinda HanstraJune 21, 2019Writing, Faith Comments

Easter 2019: a different kind of sameness

“I hope you’ve had a nice Easter,” the waiter said to a customer, sitting with his family at a nearby table.

“Oh, it’s not really different than any other day for us,” the man replied.

My fork stopped in mid-air, as I took a moment to process this unexpected response.

Faith, TravelLinda HanstraApril 22, 2019Choir, Minnesota, College, Faith Comments

Comfort food and warm fires: savoring the moments before saying goodbye

We pass through the hills and valleys surrounding the Chohocton River as we head home from Corning, New York. Tom is driving, while I look out the window. Our son Seth and his wife Maddie sit quietly in the back seat. It’s hard to bring ourselves to talk after saying our final goodbyes to Morgan, knowing we will never see him again.

Faith, Travel, FamilyLinda HanstraNovember 13, 2018Cancer, Friendships, Faith Comments

Weathering the Storm

I must have hit the grocery store right after "stock-up" day last week. As I walked through the aisles I noticed shelves filled to the edges with rows and rows of food and other necessities. Choices, choices, choices. And plenty of everything. I thought to myself how blessed we are to have such abundance. In stark contrast,

Faith, FamilyLinda HanstraSeptember 13, 2018Type 1 Diabetes, Spinal Fusion, College, Faith, ScoliosisComment