I am Barbara J Hilderbrand (née Buckli). My husband, Derrald, and I live in Wausau, Wisconsin. God blessed us with two delightful daughters (a matched set, born two years apart), a superhero son-in-law, and an extraordinary grandgang of six. Derrald and I have served in a variety of ministerial roles over the past fifty years, while pastoring in Illinois, Alaska, Wisconsin, and in various foreign mission posts.

What interests me? Through the seasons of our lives, I have loved to serve in ministry alongside my pastor/husband, raise my girls, teach, work as an admin, create spreadsheets, do freelance art, lead a team, play the organ, sing, collect books, rocks, and friends. Now, in THIS season, my schedule is far less structured, and my interests morph and flow freely through the hours and days of my life. I still love to read, study, learn, sketch, journal, walk, explore, travel, cook … and to anticipate doing any of the above—especially when I can do two or more of these at the same time.

This is MY voice. The style is mine—I write how I talk. You can hear it in silence. Forgive me for “speaking” in fragments—I have “exchanged the paper-money of textbook correctness for the pure gold of inspiration and intuition.” (3/4 Heinrich Heine, 1/4 me)

The reason I write is that I hope to inspire. To throw off a spark—to BE a SPARK. Or, to use another metaphor, to be a cup of water. So many people run on empty these days. I’m hoping to catch someone in a desert place—a dry and thirsty land where no water is. Perhaps caught between a rock and a hard place, just needing a sip from someone’s well. God has been so gracious to flood my mind with His thoughts—His inspiration like a spring in my soul. I feel I should share the water with someone—perhaps it’s YOU. Perhaps it may inspire you to discover that there IS water—living water—in the dry places. IF you dig for it. So, DO! Jesus said, “the water that I give will become in (YOU!) a well of water springing up to eternal life!” I promise you: it’ll be a gift you give yourself! (And … if you do find your OWN spring of living water, maybe then you’ll share some of YOURS with ME!!)

Thank you, dear reader. If you like what you read here, please feel free to pass the cup! If you care to comment or engage in conversation, feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear your thoughts and know you better.