Rubber Ducky Memories I walked into the guest bathroom this morning and saw my grandson’s rubber ducky sitting on the edge of tub. Memories of a smaller tub and a similar rubber ducky floated into my head. January 3, 2003—Pedro had eaten his breakfast one painstaking bite at a time…. Read more“What a Rubber Ducky Taught Me About Salvation”
Category: Anita’s Stuff
Short stories, poetry and ponderings that have nothing to do with cancer or caregiving
Are Butterflies Needy?
Are Butterflies Needy? I don’t know, but I know that I felt pretty needy when I took this photo. My husband, daughter and I had gone to Greer, AZ for an afternoon of hiking. Our daughter hadn’t been acting like herself lately, and her inability to make decisions had me… Read more“Are Butterflies Needy?”
Spicy Lentil Soup (Vegan and Gluten-free)
Spicy Lentil Soup ©2016 Anita Strawn de Ojeda You may have seen those bright orange lentils in the bulk section of your favorite health-food store or co-op grocery and wondered how in the world to prepare them. Here’s a tasty answer that’s quick and easy (you can prepare it on the… Read more“Spicy Lentil Soup (Vegan and Gluten-free)”
Five Tasks You Can Complete in Under Five Minutes
Putting Tasks Off Wastes Time I often feel overwhelmed by all the tasks I have to cram into a day. The house needs cleaning, the bills cry out from the desktop, and the refrigerator sits forlorn and empty. Make a meal? Ain’t got time for that! If you’re a caregiver,… Read more“Five Tasks You Can Complete in Under Five Minutes”
The Caregiver’s 23rd Psalm (God Will Provide)
The other day as I studied Psalm 23, I found myself rewriting it in the margin of my Bible from a caregiver’s point of view. Caregivers and sheep have a lot in common. They feel clueless, helpless, and vulnerable (ok, I’ve never asked a sheep if this is how they… Read more“The Caregiver’s 23rd Psalm (God Will Provide)”
Listen to Your Heritage (It Has the Power to Transform You)
Listen to Longfellow Whenever I hear the word ‘Listen’ I immediately think of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem about Paul Revere: Listen my children and you shall hear Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere… (http://poetry.eserver.org/paul-revere.html) Of course, I especially love the poem because of the family connection. Paul Revere… Read more“Listen to Your Heritage (It Has the Power to Transform You)”
Four Tips for Encouraging Others When It’s Not Your Love Language
Encouraging Others is a Learned Skill Encouraging others does not come naturally for me. Maybe my intorvertedness or laziness keeps me from encouraging others, but I know that encouragement plays an important role in others achieving success. Everyone Moves at a Different Pace My husband and I took ten kids… Read more“Four Tips for Encouraging Others When It’s Not Your Love Language”
Words Have the Power to Heal or to Break
Sticks and Stones Can Break Your Bones (but So Can Words) I may have broken some bones today. Not mine, and not real bones. But I used ungracious words in a phone conversation. I don’t know about you, but when frustrating situations simmer and stew and don’t get resolved in… Read more“Words Have the Power to Heal or to Break”
Team Prayer in Action
I’ve discovered something stronger than any Olympic team. Team Prayer in Action She walked toward me, concentrating on a point over my left shoulder. “Did you find a book in the library?” I asked her. She stared straight ahead. “Did you find the book you wanted?” I asked again. Still… Read more“Team Prayer in Action”
Intercessory Prayers Provide Invisible Lift
Christians often say they will ‘lift someone up in prayer,’ but what does it really mean? I can’t give you a theological answer, but I can offer you my experiences with the powerful lift of prayer. Startled Awake “Pray for British envoy Terry Waite,” the voice startled me awake from… Read more“Intercessory Prayers Provide Invisible Lift”