Grandfamilies: Right Things

Ayden, Cadence, Rich, Me. March Field Air Museum. June 2016. Photo: Rodney G. Seiler How can one weekend hold so much pain?  From private tragedy to slaughter that devastates us all, this past weekend was a tough one. What can we hang on to when terror and hate spew from a rifle? How do we keep […]


The Idol I Found in the Pew

Hymn Board. Built and Photographed by Rich Lagrand. If the hymn list included H3 I knew I was in for it. H3 led us to Holy, Holy, Holy! If we were singing that song, I would cry. I’m not talking dainty little sniffles, either. No. I’m talking big, sloppy, bottom-of-the-diaphragm wailing, complete with a snotty nose and shuddering shoulders. The […]


Looming Memories

At a Baby Shower. April 18, 1982. Left to Right: My mother, Marilyn Lee Downs Seiler. August 20, 1936 – September 30, 2008 Me, eight months pregnant with my daughter. My cousin, Marcia Ann Isbell. September 14, 1967 – May 8, 2000 My aunt and Marcia’s mother, Marlene Ann Downs Isbell. August 3, 1938 – […]


Weekend Reflection: A Black Armband

I mourn with those who mourn. The Lord is near to the brokenheartedAnd saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NASB) Shhh. It’s the weekend. Remove your shoes and step into the stillness. Stop by Sandra Heska King’s place for Still Saturday.  Then stop in at Lisha Epperson’s place for Give Me Grace. (We all need that, amen?) Join us. We […]


Weekend Reflection: A Good and Faithful Servant

Rich and Tom, Doing Guy Stuff. October, 2010.  Remembering our  beloved friend Tom Guzzetta. November 10, 1944 – July 5, 2014 12 What shall I render to the LordFor all His benefits toward me?13 I shall lift up the cup of salvationAnd call upon the name of the Lord.14 I shall pay my vows to the Lord,Oh may it be in the presence of all His people.15 Precious in the […]