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A Grain of Salt Posts

Can you remember a list you made years ago?

Before Gary and I married 31 years ago,  we worked together on a list of our agreements in marriage.  Long before I realized the power of a habit and long before I understood the power of writing it down. Here’s the list that we can remember. I am sure it was longer but not bad for 31 years later! No TV the first year. Go to bed at the same time. Get up at the…

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How did it get so late so soon?

When it comes to using time to accomplish something worthy, I’ve often thought in terms of the year, the quarter, the week, or even the day. But I have learned that it’s in the smallest unit of time where opportunity for hope and growth lives. This month marks Gary’s and my 31st wedding anniversary. I can hardly believe it—it feels too soon to be this far along! I’m grateful for the miracle of these years,…

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Following Frank’s footsteps

Today marks the 4th anniversary of my dad’s passing. I could write a book about Frank Arland Andrews. For many who read this, they may not have had a dad they’d like to remember. But all of us need to recognize how vital these relationships are to creating our ideas and images of who we are. My dad was not perfect. I remember times when I thought he was a huge pain in the neck.…

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Loving and losing

Sometimes in life, you get the chance to have a friend with whom you get past competition and comparison. Cathie Boulden was that friend for me. Cathie and I were different enough to have some real rough spots in our friendship but in the end we accepted each other as is: beloved. “Isn’t that what friendship is all about: giving to each other the gift of our Belovedness?” -Henri Nouwen. I share my honor to…

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Leadership from the Rear

Marching is just part of the learning to move together military culture – no matter the service. Part of the order and power of unity in drill movements is to order the ranks from tallest to shortest. And within that division, senior to junior in rank. When women were accepted to the military academies, it meant for the most part we were marching at the very back of the line. Everyone starts at the most…

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Swimming with SEALs

Competitive Swimming has been a part of my life since childhood. I can understand why my mother selected it for our family. She could get all the kids to one practice, at one time, all in one place with other adults yelling at us to keep going for two whole hours. What’s not for a mother to love?  Swimming gave me many benefits. I made some great friends who were really focused. The long time…

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