Uneasy Interest/Crazed Birds (6SS)

May 28, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/05/27/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-73/

Okay, I’m up, I’m ready…let the 6-Sentence stories roll out.

If you’re new to the neighborhood, click the link above and you’ll get all the info you need—meet the mega-watt host and authors…and write your own 6-sentence story!

This week’s prompt word: INTEREST.

~~~⛪~~~

Richard’s interest in Judd and Lorelei had turned uneasy; in truth he wasn’t a pastor by divine calling, as much as by persuasion from people he greatly respected; he wasn’t half-bad at writing a short sermon to go with whatever passage of scripture dropped into his head—but he didn’t feel as up to snuff with regard to counseling his flock, as he’d hoped (expected) to be.

Judd and Lorelei (his quite younger bride) were committed to their long-term marriage where passion still burned like a bonfire—and equally intelligent, talented, good-hearted, sincerely generous, personable; and Richard’s clergy mentors had warned him not to be surprised when the longer he knew people, the more their “issues” would likely surface; but he didn’t know what to do with Judd and Lorelei—they‘d become crazed birds flying against the windowpane of his church office.

It seemed to have started with the success of Richard’s book, which they’d both read; Lorelei had been fascinated by his spooky experiences on first-arrival to Birchwick Cliff, but Judd was Not—then came the strange reversal: Judd read the book with interest and began having nightmares…which led to Lorelei’s high-octane anxiety that she would soon be widowed, losing the man on whom she depended for daily breath🙄.

But as Richard’s Christian faith promised, if you call on God–HE WILL HEAR and ANSWER.

And it was just possible the answer was coming in a most-welcome phone call from a couple who were newer additions to his congregation: they were sprightly seniors married only a couple years—and despite having recently lost their pastor to cancer (he was also family and best friend)…they’d appeared one Sunday with surprisingly joyous smiles of perfect-peace, the wisdom of age, and a joined-heart to serve the Lord’s people and their pastor, any way they could.

Richard fairly shouted into the phone with glad relief: “Finn! what shenanigans are you and Bedelia up to today–do you have time for lunch–my treat!”

~ Cale

Running Out of Steam (6SS)

May 22, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/05/20/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-72/

It’s time to wrap up those 6 sentences and link them for everyone to enjoy. If you’re a new visitor, click the link above and you’ll get the answers to all your questions. You’ll meet our host and a fine group of friendly writers!

♠💕♠

Lorelei had made an unscheduled visit to Richard’s office at the church, and was sobbing hysterically, her tears blurring his scribbled sermon notes on a blue legal pad as she leaned forward over his desk: “I’m so afraid I’m going to lose Judd and HE’S ALL I HAVE…he says he feels OLD and that scares me because he CAN’T be old and leave me…but he’s obsessed about your book and his nightmare…”

Richard spoke softly, calmly attempting to stop her waterfall–“Lorelei, take a couple deep breaths–and tell me what brought this on today…did Judd drop you off here?”

“NO, I had to call a taxi because he’s driving all over creation trying to sell the painting you encouraged him to do which was supposed to stop the nightmare that he’s living your experience in the Victorian that you wrote about, don’t you understand–he’s going to have a stroke or heart attack and he’ll be gone and I’ll be alone…” she was choking on her words, and shaking.

“Lorelei, I’m going to get you a glass of water–just breathe, I’ll be right back”; but instead he hurried to the supplies closet, called Judd’s phone, and quickly learned he was at the library showing the painting of the nightmare to a few interested patrons–“Judd, you need to come to my office now, Lorelei’s here, in great distress”–he heard Judd’s, “oh God”, and the call ended.

Judd was much calmer than Richard as he entered the pastor’s office; he nodded with a gentle smile, and put his arms around his wife; “it’s alright, Love, I’m here–everything’s alright,” he soothed as she clung to him–“let’s go home now, honey.”

As he guided her trembling steps to the door, Judd looked at Richard with pained eyes, and thanked him, adding–“life gets to be too much for her sometimes, and I missed the signs this morning…she just runs out of steam”.

~ Cale

No Signal (6SS)

May 7, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/05/06/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-70/

No matter the weather, or what’s happening in the world–6SS brings us together.  Our host, Denise, serves up a wonderful prompt word each Sunday, and our imaginations flow out in magical streams.  So if you’ve never heard of 6-Sentence Stories, click the link above–meet Denise and the crowd of versatile talents–and then step up and write your own “6”, you’ll be gladly welcomed!  The word is SIGNAL.

♠♠♠

Perhaps the suicide attempt was a signal.

Or maybe she was just too tired, wanted out.

Amid dysfunctional people, attempts to communicate were futile.

It was exhausting to try to do nice things for them on ordinary days.

So she saved up money, and lovely gift ideas that might please at holidays–only to shiver in the heavy ice of their mute stares.

If it was meant as a ‘signal’ it failed miserably, and why should she be surprised; why would she think the large bottle of pills would succeed in sending her on to eternal escape…or damnation which would at least be familiar.

~ Hagar

 

Help: Try ‘Simple’ First (6SS)

April 30, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/04/29/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-69/

We’re gathered together to tell our stories, prompted by our host, Denise’s word:  HELP!  If you’re not familiar with her weekly challenge, Six-Sentence-Stories, it’s time you click her link above for info, and get started!  I promise you’ll soon be hooked!

~~🌻~~

“Come in, Judd…hope that frown’s not for me–coffee?”

Judd sat across from Richard’s desk–“Yes, on the coffee…frown is speeding ticket I got 10 minutes ago–haven’t had one since my twenties, makes me feel old.”

Richard grinned, handed Judd a steaming mug–“my preacher license only covers comforting the sick, marrying folks and counseling them when they hit a rough patch…or burying them; sorry I’m not able to fix traffic tickets.”

Laughing lightly, Judd moved on to his reason for requesting an appointment: “I had a weird nightmare–I dreamed I was experiencing the same scenario you lived, and wrote about…the strange music and knocking on the walls, and becoming deathly ill during your stay in the Birchwick Cliff victorian–the details were exactly the same as you described, but it wasn’t you–it was me…I wonder if I’m going crazy.”

Richard leaned back in his chair, steepled his fingers as he studied Judd’s face for a moment, then said, “wow–I didn’t anticipate my readers might have that response, but I can tell you’re troubled; my instinctive suggestion, since you’re a talented and successful artist, is–paint it, put it on canvas so you can see it…if that doesn’t help, you can sell it for a hefty price–Munch’s ‘Scream’ is still a favorite among collectors.”

Judd wasn’t sure if he should be grateful or embarrassed–“that’s it?…just paint it and pray for sudden wealth…Lorelei will either laugh her head off, or invite you to another lasagna dinner”; to which Richard shrugged, replied, “hey, I go for simple solutions first–it might work.”

~ Cale

330px-the_scream_by_edvard_munch_1893_-_nasjonalgalleriet.png

One-Liner Wednesday ~ Taking a Break

April 29, 2026

Completed the alphabet posts (based on God’s Word), for April 2026 A-to-Z Challenge…time for a break ~ stay healthy and blessed, y’all💖

Earnestly seek to commend yourself to God as a servant who, because of his straightforward dealing with the word of truth, has no reason to feel any shame.

2 Tim 2:15 Weymouth New Testament

https://lindaghill.com/2026/04/29/one-liner-wednesday-almost-didnt-make-it/

A Servant’s Zeal for the Lord

April 26, 2026

Z E A L

Lord, Your Word

is so full of pageantry

promises and purpose!

Keep my heart’s zeal strong, steady

 for serving You and others–

Would that I could

be there now, as You

are prepping for

the Great Celebration

Your Kingdom come

at last!

~ Cale

Amplified Bible
For He [the LORD] put on righteousness like a coat of armor, And salvation like a helmet on His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing And covered Himself with zeal [and great love for His people] as a cloak. Isaiah 59:17

Amplified Bible
For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant and from Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isa 37:32

Amplified Bible
There shall be no end to the increase of His government and of peace, [He shall rule] on the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From that time forward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. Isa 9:7

 “Fan into flame the gracious gift of God, [that inner fire—the special endowment] which is in you…” 2 Tim 1:6

Amplified Bible
Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit. I Thes 5:19

9 Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

11 Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord 

12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

13 Share with the saints who are in need.

Practice hospitality. Rom 12:9-13

Amplified Bible
Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor]. I Pet 4:10

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.  Eph 4:29-32

YES, LORD!

April 25, 2026

Letter “Y” is for YES!  I chose the song mainly for the chorus, because I LOVE it.  The rest of the “trading my sorrows” lyrics are rich too, and sometimes I need to sing the whole thing really loud!

But, at 73 I’m probably running out of time on Earth, and the one thing I’d better be doing everyday is saying “YES, LORD” to whatever He says to me…no matter my circumstance, mood, or level of “old and decrepit” limitations.

This song pumps up my energy, a huge (and necessary) blessing.😊

May the Lord bless your day Abundantly!

~ Cale

Xenial

April 24, 2026

I’m humble-proud–as Christian authors and pastors are fond of saying–to bring a fancy-schmancy word for the letter “X”.😉  The link to Merriam-Webster is at end of post.

💖✝🍪✝💖

Let us be gracious and hospitable

to welcome those from other cities

~ our home, and gifts from larder share ~

we know not if they bring God’s message

or have burdened heart, need our prayer ~

~ Cale

Amplified Bible
Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Heb 13:2

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xenial