A Story of three friends

Posted on May 14, 2026 by rstaples2013

A Story of Three Friends

We met 65 years ago!

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From 1961 to 1964 we lived, studied and worked together in a dorm that placed seven nursing students in each apartment. We KNEW each other, as there was no place to put our secrets. Our relationships bonded by dreams, heartbreak, mischief, laughter and tears forged a life long familiarity that doesn’t really have a label.

The years in between hold seasons of separation with intentional reunion. Marriage, divorce, children, death of children, travel, health care and faith form the stories we are eager to share with each other. The stories themselves feel incomplete until they are shared. 

Our latest point of connection was yesterday. I was prepared but unprepared for what I encountered. 

I picked up Judie, who lives a few miles from me, and brought her to my home for a facetime call with Joann, who lives in Oak Harbor.

I knew Judie had progressive memory issues. I wasn’t prepared for her to need me to tell her to walk to the door so we could leave. I wasn’t prepared for her to ask me, as I was driving, if I knew how Roselyn was doing. 

I knew Joann now needed 24/7 0xygen. She calls it her ball and chain.  I wasn’t prepared to hear her say, as we prayed, that her time in this tent won’t be long. I know oxygen dependent COPD is end stage. I am not ready to release Jo to this prognosis. 

In stark contrast, I am currently processing a medical event of my own of a few weeks back. The initial interpretation was a probable TIA. However, MRI of brain, XRAY of chest, Echo of heart, Ultrasound of carotid have led my neurologist to say I am in a pinnacle of health. Although I live with a degree of unexplained pain, there are no known medical issues that are life threatening for me. A few years ago, I stopped highlighting my blond hair so it would turn grey and instead it turned brow.

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So I grieve!  

 If, I had one peanut butter sandwich and these two friends were hungry, I would cut it in three. I can’t do that with my health.

I can’t explain why God, whom we each call Father through the blood of Jesus, has a different itinerary for each of our journeys.

But maybe I’m asking the wrong question. Maybe my desire to “even the playing field “is not supported by biblical teaching. 

I’m reminded of Peter’s question in John 21. Jesus had revealed to him that his future would include suffering. Peter then looks at his friend, John, and asked, “What about him?” He wondered if he was scheduled for a similar experience.  Jesus responded, “What is that to you, you follow me.” 

I’m tempted to repeat Peter’s question, only mine would be, “Why am I being spared?” Jesus is still saying, “What is that to you, you follow me.”

Psalm 139 teaches that “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be”. The God who loves us equally has different agendas for each of us. 

Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”. He will sustain each of us in our tent until that work is completed.

My call then is simply to follow Him. I give him my pen so He can finish this Story of Three Friends!! 

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What would you Save if your house was on Fire

Posted on April 11, 2024 by rstaples2013

I can answer this question without even thinking! I know what I WOULD save because I know what I DID save. A decade ago I was alone in a house that caught fire and was rapidly engulfed in flames. I saved a baby monkey and a puppy. They were the only other living things in the building. Smoke prevented reentry. 

This experience is a story in itself to be told at a later date. Remembering it prompted me to walk through my house, scanning for anything that I would want to save. 

I stopped at the two mandolins secured to the wall near the piano. Dr. Dave restored them for me using their broken pieces.  Then I came to the art print from Tony. A poem identifying me as God’s knitting needle. There is the book that identifies birds given to me by Erik when he was still my little boy.  And the woven metal cross by my bed chosen for me by my friend who now lives with Jesus. 

And then I asked myself, is it really these things that are so important to you  or is it your relationship with the giver that makes these gifts precious?

Do I recognize that what I really want to save is something I will never lose? 

Even if there is a fire!!

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The Power is in the Meaning

Posted on April 11, 2024 by rstaples2013

There is something that feels sacred about spending time with D.

Maybe it’s because she radiates joy as she freely describes herself as having terminal cancer.

Maybe it’s because she is the art teacher that I am feebly positioned to replace.

Maybe it’s because she sees art as a perfect expression of the artist rather than an object seeking perfection.

In any case, I learned yesterday that her scheduled diagnostic scan did not bring good news. We had wanted to hear that though our prayers and the powerful chemotherapy she was enduring that the tumor has shrunk. But, no, instead it has spread.

Having learned this, I started my text to her this morning with “I am wondering what it is like to be you this morning?”

Wanting to connect in some way I sent her my latest pencil drawing. Knowing she is skilled in bringing art to life with shadows and shading, I asked if she could help me. I wanted to position a light source that the shadows would reflect.

Her answer surprised me, “It’s a beautiful drawing.” She said. 

    “It doesn’t need shading. THE POWER IS IN THE MEANING.”

WOW!! I was benefitting from the encouragement I have watched her give to her other students. D is effusive in her recognition of the message she finds in art work. Then, dismissive of the many ways she could improve the project. 

As I ponder what THE POWER IS IN THE MEANING means…

Is it possible that God can use my scratching…

    To invite these students to put themselves in the story of the road to Emmaus?

    To question why Jesus walked seven miles with two strangers

rather than fill a colosseum to celebrate His resurrection?

    To consider why we don’t preach this story on Easter?

    To imagine what we would talk about if we were walking with Jesus?

    To long for how we could constrain Him to stay with us until we recognized the nail scars in His hands? 

I can picture these prison women in an energetic response to my questions. They will be authentic and vulnerable drawing me into their stories with a steady compelling eye contact. I will be one of them as together we seek Jesus.

Is it possible that I am actually teaching art? It’s fun to think so, but I know that art is teaching me. 

THE POWER IS IN THE MEANING.

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A Letter from your Landlord

Posted on April 2, 2024 by rstaples2013

 Dear Tenant, 

I have enjoyed our relationship as you occupy the premises I have designed for you. I’m writing today to remind you that these accommodations are temporary. This is not new information for you as we have had similar conversations over the years. But, I bring up again now as observations actually point to the possibility that you are guarding this tent as one would if it were a permanent home. 

Having worked with many whose moving date is approaching, I offer the following guidelines as they will decrease transitional stress.

First of all, while residing in this tent, do not invest heavily in extravagant upgrades. No one will move in after you move out. We will either burn it or find a place to bury it.

Then, use this grace period to declutter your mind and heart. Clutching your unfulfilled dreams will rob you of rest, even as  doubt, and fear will shadow the anticipation I want you to enjoy.

Next, practice love joy and peace. These virtues are evident in all who live in your  new permanent neighborhood. It would be good to arrive with some experience of each of them.

And finally, prepare your heart now for what your response will be when I am ready to reveal the time of your departure.  You could grieve, and I understand that as you cannot grasp your future, grief could be reasonable. Or, you could rejoice, which would bring me joy in that it would be a signal to me of your trust.

Please consider these recommendations and know that I am sending this letter from a heart full of love. Thank you for being such a good steward of your tent. I am honored by your attention to its needs. But, always live in the awareness that your moving date is a future reality.

Be encouraged knowing that

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him”. 2 Corinthians 2:9  NLT.
Love and Blessings, 

Your Landlord

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Scrutinizing God

Posted on March 26, 2024 by rstaples2013

The plan I had been looking forward to was becoming messy. In fact I started to wonder why I had ever thought it would be a good idea.

My invited guests, days before the event, started asking questions and making suggestions. Instead of the gratitude I had expected I heard them asking for reassurance that their needs would be met.

Knowing I needed to process this with God, I brought my lack of peace to Him. I was wanting him to pour oil on my wounds of not being trusted or appreciated.

Instead He said, “Listen to their responses. Do you hear echos of your prayers to Me?”

It didn’t take me long to recognize that even as He has prepared a journey for me toward Him, rather than blind trust, I interrupt with what I think I need. “I know you have blessed me richly, but I want to be able to cry tears and I want to remember my dreams.”

Thank you, Father, for the picture of how my prayers betray my declaration of absolute trust in You and your process.

Can you abandon yourself to God’s plan for you today or do you need to “help” Him?

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A Tale of Two Cats

Posted on March 24, 2024 by rstaples2013

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Did Jesus really die?

Posted on May 15, 2021 by rstaples2013

             I was not prepared for this question.

            Lying on a treatment table in a medical clinic, under the care of this competent practitioner, my question was more about why it was taking so long for me to recover from my fractured shoulder.

            Her question, “Did Jesus really die?” shifted my focus from intractable shoulder pain to matters of eternity.

            I found myself responding to her by talking about God evidencing His love and justice in the story of Jesus. God loves us so much that he sent his son to die.   God’s intrinsic nature commands Justice. 

            I told her that on judgement day we could exchange our sin-stained garment for the purity of the one Jesus makes available.

            My therapist seemed to be in a place of deep reflection as she said, almost to herself, “…to think that I am loved that much…”

            I was quiet, but my unspoken question became, “I wonder if this prolonged protocol is about my shoulder at all?”

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Being a Child of God

Posted on January 11, 2021 by rstaples2013

“The Robin and the Sparrow” Said the robin to the sparrow, “I should really like to know, Why these anxious human beings Rush about and worry so.” Said the sparrow to the robin, “Friend I think that it must be, That they have no Heavenly Father, Such as cares for you and me.” ― Elizabeth Cheney

During this season of political chaos, pandemic, civil unrest and economic uncertainty, what are we, as children of God proving to a watching world about the confidence we have in our Heavenly Father?

The events of this past week, January 06,2021, in our nation’s capital have been unimaginable. We find ourselves stunned. We bounce between shock and disbelief. But are we remembering that we have a God who is still on the throne? One who is without rival. One whose sovereign rule is unaffected by changes in political power.

Are we remembering that this sovereign king is, indeed, our Father, who watches over us with love and care?

Does our behavior in these days reflect our understanding of being a parented child? Does a child from a stable home have freedom to enjoy being a child while the parent protects and provides?

I am reminded of my days as a Children’s Pastor. My favorite week of the year was taking 9 through 11-year-old kids to a camp for a week. Most of them spent the week loving the adventure, taking new risks and having fun. Some of them, though, were homesick. They begged to call home, but when they did, they were even more restless. I learned over the years that generally, but not always, the kids that wanted to go home were not the ones from stable homes, but rather those where the family was in crisis. It could have been the fear of parents separating, financial stress or unresolved medical questions.  In these cases, the children felt needed at home, somehow insecure of leaving the parents in charge.

Can this sense of insecurity be one of the reasons we are struggling this week? I am not saying there is nothing to fear. I am not minimizing the danger we are in from many fronts.

But do we need to remind ourselves that there is no problem with our Heavenly Father’s stability, power and love. There is no conflict in the trinity. Father, Son and Holy Ghost are standing in unbroken unity. Our Father doesn’t need us to help him steady the ship. He is watching from His throne on High, not surprised by how these events are unfolding, and not without a plan. 

He will be victorious in this battle and we, as His children, will one day celebrate with Him.

Let’s give Him the joy any parent would want, that of their children trusting them for protection and provision. And let’s bring a smile to His face today by playing well with each other. 

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How Do You Spell Jesus?

Posted on January 11, 2021 by rstaples2013

My friend and I were engaged in a deep conversation about having the power to do, in life, what we so desperately want to do. He trusted me with an intimate letter he had written to himself, told of his genuine intentions and confessed his failure.

With the confidence that comes from knowing, at that very moment, that you are engaged with the Holy Spirit, I told my friend, “You will not be able to do this without Jesus.” His eyes teared up as he recognized this truth and welcomed it. I said,”Write on the bottom of your letter, “I need your help, I can’t do this without you, Jesus”.

He picked up his pen to write. It was a sacred moment for us. I walked away, thanking God in my heart.And then I heard these penetrating words, “How do you spell Jesus?’

How do you spell Jesus? I was not expecting to be asked that question. I answered by giving him the five letters in the correct order, but the question took me deeper. i later looked up the meaning of “spell” and found there were two definitions in which spell is a verb.

1.) Write or name the letters that form (a word) in correct sequence.

“Dolly spelled her name.”

2.) To be a sign or characteristic of.

“She had the chic, efficient look that spells Milan.”

Definition from Oxford Languages

As I processed this compelling question, I realized tht even while the first definition was unexpected, it was the second that had gripped my heart.

It led me to ask, how do I spell Jesus as I go about my daily life. Am i designed in such a way that people are able to watch me and see Jesus?

Then, what if we were to ask how we spell Jesus as a body of believers known as the church? Are we designed in such a way that our community can look at how we live or treat each other and recognize Jesus?

Will we let these questions lead us to reflection and maybe to repentance? If the letters of J-E-S-U-S are not in the right order, not much is communicated.

To spell Jesus through our actions sounds like a high call, but it is not without precedent. Acts 4:13, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter andJohn, and perceived that they were uneducated common men, they were astonished. and they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”

How will we spell Jesus today?

Optional Questions:

1.) What am I facing today that calls me to say, “Jesus I can’t do this without your?”

2.) Am I cognizant of being watched, both by people on earth and the hosts of heaven?

(Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…Hebrews12:1

3.) Are we cognizant that “through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made know to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places?” Ephesians 3:10

4.) What opportunities are available to us specifically, in this season of national turmoil

and unrest?

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Coming Soon: A New God Story

Posted on November 5, 2020 by rstaples2013

                            

            As I woke up this morning, I felt a desire to just turn off all the conflicting messages about this unsettled time in our national history.

            I have deep friendships with people who hold radically opposing views. I know what news I will read by choosing FOX and then finding the same story unrecognizable on CNN. Even our concerned people of faith who are convinced of a global conspiracy are leaving me weary.

            So, in this mental state of not being interested in what anybody else thinks, I asked God directly what He wanted me to know today.

            He said, “Get ready for a new God story”.

            Then He reminded me that some of my favorite stories were birthed at a time and place much like my today. They happened in places I had never been before. They brought me face to face with challenges for which I had no resources. Spaces where fear reared its ugly head and needed to be stomped down by faith.

            But, they all ended with a bolder belief that there is a God, that He knows my name, is not in anyway limited by my fear and loves to see my eyes pop when He does for me what I know could only have been done by Him.

            My stories include a near death plane ride between ridges of the Andes mountains in Bolivia in a fog that reduced visibility to zero. I was sitting in the tail of this small plane crying. The pilot confessed that he knew we were between mountains, but he couldn’t see. Then, suddenly he said,” We are going to be OK. I can see now.”  It was only upon landing that we learned that the missionaries had heard the engine of our plane and watched the fog lift in front of our path as they prayed.  

            I’m reminded of my time scrunched in the back of a pickup truck in Mali, West Africa. The trip had taken longer than we had planned, and we were hungry. We stopped at a remote desert site where two Bedouin brothers were cooking in a large pot over an open fire. Our missionary interpreters asked if there was a place up the road where we could buy food. The two men responded by finding a hubcap, scooping some of their “casserole” on to it for themselves and giving us the rest. The nurse in me said to myself, “You have no idea what this food is, but I did actually have a mental picture of rats, bats and tumbleweed.” My mind went on to remind me that there is no where these men could have washed their hands or prepared the food, so don’t eat it”.

            But, my missionary friend, who knew my aversion to germs, glared at me with her eyes. Her eyes clearly spoke, “Roselyn, you are going to eat this!”.

            I prayed and said, “There is either a God or there isn’t” after which I swallowed the desert combo. As you now know, I lived to tell the story and still stand in awe of the kindness of these strangers and the protection of my God.

            Finally, there is the story of being in the custody of the Police in China. My heart was pounding so hard I thought I would die from heart failure before any decision was made about my case. But, as my interrogation began, I was filled with a boldness that amazed me. I actually enjoyed debating the charges that were filed and when I was asked if I was a Christian, the word “Yes” jumped out of my mouth before I had time to form it. God was there giving me the words to say just as He promised in Luke 12:11.

            Each of these stories were platforms where fear and faith stood in opposition to each other. I cannot say, “Watch me be me” in any of these scenes, but I can say, “Watch God be God” in each of them.

            Now, as I stand ready to be called out to play my part in this production entitled “What’s next for America” I pray I can benefit from what I have seen God do in the past. I am excited that as in each of the earlier stories, I am being given a script that will draw me into deeper intimacy with Jesus.

            Coming Soon: A New God Story!!

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