cultivating the beautiful ordinary by sharing our tales and our tables
Her text came at 4:45 p.m. “There is a shooter in the mall.” “I’m safe.” “In the back.” “Our gate is closed, and everyone is out of sight.” I was standing in my closet, trying to decide what to wear to a party we were set to attend. As much for myself as for her,…
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The December rain was cold as we walked from the neurosurgeon’s office to our Mazda minivan. I would have run to avoid getting soaked, but running was not an option for Mark, so we walked as quickly as his nerve-damaged leg would allow. The sun had already started to set, and Christmas lights twinkled as…
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To my Love during this holiday season, You look down at your belly and place your hand gently on the slight natural curve. You wonder, What happened? What did I do? Why is there no baby inside? You breathe a deep sigh, which leads to a release of salty water welling up in your eyes,…
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We rarely travel at Christmas time. The last time, in fact, was three years ago, pre-COVID. This year, our family of six will make two brief trips; one to spend time with family, and one to relax in the sun with dear friends. The pandemic took away our less-than-regular visits with family. We lost a…
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My name is Julie Castillejo. I am Mexican. I believe God is always there for me. I love art and have been drawing since I was one-year-old. I am also a musician and writer. Soccer is my favorite sport.
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“Above all, trust in the slow work of God.” — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin 5:34 p.m. on Black Friday and everything was right on schedule. The tree was set up, lights lit, and boxes of ornaments ready for unpacking. Jim Carrey’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas played in the background, as was tradition, and Mom had just slid the…
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Finally the day had arrived!
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O come, O come, Emmanuel We long to see your shalom here Brokenness resides everywhere
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My prayer candle, lit weeks ago at the start of advent, flickers in the darkness of the early morning. My breathing is slow and steady and my favorite blanket feels particularly soft and warm tucked around me. Today I am choosing to push the check list and tasks to the side and let myself just…
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The angels broke into the atmosphere, announcing good news that seemed too late. But, they broke in anyway….
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