Category Archives: Thoughts and Reflections

No Sunday Shoes

Posted on September 11, 2016 by rstaples2013

I carefully chose clothes to wear to church today. I tried to find something that is casual but respectful of an environment that facilitates the worship of God. I wore nice slacks, a black top and a classy black and … Continue reading →

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Covered by Grace

Posted on September 9, 2016 by rstaples2013

  Last night a friend commented on a stunning black and white quilt that highlights our sofa. I found myself eager to tell the story of how this beautiful covering became mine. I first learned of this quilt when I … Continue reading →

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Keeping My Promise

Posted on September 8, 2016 by rstaples2013

Last night a friend asked me why I don’t write anymore. I didn’t have an answer, at least one that I wanted to confess. She said she missed reading my posts. I promised her I would write today. I asked … Continue reading →

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Black, White and Red

Posted on August 14, 2016 by rstaples2013

I woke up this morning to news of the racial unrest in Milwaukee being expressed during the night by protesters burning buildings. My mind took me back to the race riots of 1967. How long ago was that? Is it … Continue reading →

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Only With My Dad

Posted on June 24, 2016 by rstaples2013

These words captured my attention today as I have been reading through the gospel of John with the specific purpose of watching Jesus do only what the Father directed Him to do and  say only what the Father said to … Continue reading →

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Both Old and Homesick

Posted on June 15, 2016 by rstaples2013

I never knew old people would feel waves of homesickness. I thought that was an experience of children. But today I passionately miss both my Mom and my Dad. Maybe it is because today is their wedding anniversary. I nurtured … Continue reading →

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From King Size Bed to Twin

Posted on June 10, 2016 by rstaples2013

It was with intrigue that I first heard the phrase: “Aging is a diminishing experience”. I remember the time and place as a medical/ethical conference at Trinity Seminary in 2001. The guest speaker. who introduced this thought. was Vernon Grounds. … Continue reading →

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The Fragrance of Thank You!

Posted on June 10, 2016 by rstaples2013

My friend called me this morning from her vacation spot one state away.We started out talking fervently about nothing, as friends do. But then she told me about her flight. This friend was seated next to a woman who was … Continue reading →

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I’m Home

Posted on March 15, 2016 by rstaples2013

After driving for 30 hours over a span of 7 days my critically ill friend visually soaked in the desert of southern Nevada and simply said, “I’m home.” This friend, who I genuinely embrace as my BFF, has suffered unrelentingly … Continue reading →

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Is Job an Exceptional Story?

Posted on February 19, 2016 by rstaples2013

This is not meant to be a teaching but rather an acknowledgement of honest questions. The book of Job, in the Bible, invites us to imagine other conversations between God and Satan. We can draw lessons for how to do … Continue reading →

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