The flowers stood still in the walkway. Even the leaves on the maple tree hung motionless over the driveway on that serene Sunday afternoon. My mission: test my new handheld vacuum cleaner on our minivan, which bore evidence of four children and their beach adventures. Would the device live up to the proficiency the smooth-faced salesman promised?
An inch or so of sand and miscellaneous debris on the vehicle’s floor served as mementos of our family escapades. But for whatever reason, they seemed to drive my husband crazy. Perhaps this vacuum would restore peace to Camelot. Some sort of warning was etched on the device, but I paid no mind and went about my work.
I settled into a steady rhythm, impressed with the quiet purr and efficiency of this cleaning tool. Then, without warning, the vacuum lurched, caught a strand of my hair, and charged upward like an angry animal. “Thwap!” It affixed itself atop my head. Deep, guttural growls emitted from the menacing machine. I tried to wrestle from its grasp while it snapped and snarled like a wild, hungry beast and attempted to scalp me. Unable to reach the switch, I swallowed my pride and hollered for help, my cries shattering the neighborhood’s sleepy silence. “Turn it off, turn it off!”
“It’s off.” My husband said in his deadpan voice. “I pulled the plug, so you can stop screaming now.” His calm demeanor and bemused look only further agitated me.
“Oh,” I said, sniffling. A small mountain arose and pulsated on my forehead where the vacuum had smacked me en route to its destination.
My husband cast a hasty glance at the scene and propelled me toward the garage. He appeared more concerned about the neighbors as audience and the demise of the vacuum than my hair. Or perhaps jealousy raised its ugly head. He hasn’t much to lose, as the long locks of his hippy days had long departed and left him bald.
After several minutes of unsuccessful tries to pull my curly hair out of the beater brush, he slowly backed away. I imagined the newspaper headline: “Mr. Fix-it Fails to Free His Wife from Carnivorous Cleaner and a Dusty Demise.”
“I’ll be right back,” my husband said. “Don’t go anywhere.”
My glare forbade his stifled laughter’s escape.
Tell me, where did the man think I was going with a vacuum bobbing from my head?
He returned with a cordless screwdriver, and 11 screws later I scampered free, scalp intact. But alas, the machine now lay in pieces, and all the king’s horses and all the king’s men could never put my brand-new vacuum cleaner together again. But perhaps it was better—at least safer—this way.
I retreated to the backyard with an ice pack on my swollen forehead. My five-year-old daughter rode up on her tricycle and, with furrowed face, demanded, “What happened to you?”
“I was cleaning the van, and the vacuum swallowed my hair and hit me on the head.”
“You’re weird!” she said and pedaled away.
I finally read the warning inscribed on the vacuum cleaner. It said to secure your hair. Good idea. Yup! I’ve found we risk getting tangled up and sucked into some pretty hairy dilemmas when we don’t read and heed the maker’s instructions.
*This essay, “A Hairy Dilemma” by Rachael M. Colby, originally appeared in the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: Well That Was Funny: 101 Feel Good Stories. Submit your story to Chicken Soup for the Soul HERE.
My children’s picture book, Tropical Dreams is AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER fom Amazon, Ingram, and other booksellers. (Release date for softcover: April 21, 2026)
Below is the PDF of my promo sheet for Tropical Dreams if you’d like to download it and help get the word out about it. (I’d be so grateful. :))
Some ideas of with whom and where to share are:
– Your local children’s librarian
– Bookstores
– Giftshops
– Schools
– Homeschool groups
– On social media
– Newspapers
– On your website
– Email
– Church, coffeeshop, and other community bulletin boards
AN INVITATION
Follow my Beach Bound Books - Tropical Dreams book launch page on Facebook HERE.
Tropical Dreams is the first in my Beach Bound series of children’s picture books.
Still time to join our special Easter Egg Word Hunt & Giveaway for Readers from March 24 through April 3!
About the Easter Egg Word Hunt & Giveaway for Readers
Each day, a new surprise will arrive via email from one of our participating Christian authors. As you follow along, you’ll discover a hidden “Easter egg” (a word that's boldened, all uppercase, or another color, or...) on the page the author’s link takes you to. You’ll add each word to your collection of word clues to help you solve the hunt riddle. You’ll also be offered a freebie from each author, and add to your collection of word clues to help you solve the hunt.
After collecting all the hidden words, you may submit your entry for the grand prize to which each participating author has contributed.
Here is the link to join the hunt which includes a full explanation:
*(Those who join by3/27/26 will receive missed content)
https://forms.gle/JyFUZw9vPmz5DcrQ8
NEW BOOK RELEASES!
Can mercy and justice inhabit the same space? Explore that and other questions in God’s Abundant Mercy.
UPCOMING RELEASE!
God's Abundant Mercy by Lori Stanley Roeleveld.
This is not a comfortable read. Rather, it’s a tool to break up fallow ground, to dig deep, unearth the weeds, and sow God’s Word deep in our hearts. This book serves as a weapon against division and pride and a signpost to the road to reconciliation with God and our fellow man. A much needed message for these times and all time.
PRE-ORDER TODAY! http://bit.ly/4tGGqe9 #godsabundantmercy Lori Roeleveld (Releases April 21, 2026)
NEW RELEASE: Blessed to be a contributor to the 2025 devotional compilation book in this series.
From Ruins to Restoration: 50 Devotions to Revive Your Spirit and Renew Your Faith is now available on Amazon: *Kindle sale for limited time .99 cents https://amzn.to/4a1TJP9 Paperback: https://amzn.to/4pBaRjB
***Profits from online sales donated to relief efforts in #Jamaica following #HurricaneMelissa and to Light for the Future ministry.
Pastor Michael Duncan is featured here as my returning guest interviewee: Grit & Grace: Michael Duncan ~ Author, Pastor, Master of the One-Line Sermon Returns
100 Prayers for Writers: Creative Fuel for Inspired Work by the inimitable bestselling, award-winning author, literary agent, and international speaker, Bob Hostetler ~ God’s presence fell during the first prayer. Buy the book, writer. One for yourself and a few copies as gifts for fellow scribes.
$25 off FULL registration
for the 2026 Write to Publish Conference with coupon code:
RMC2026
(HELD JUNE 9-12, 2026)
Held on the campus of the historic Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, Write to Publish Conference has guided writers to find clarity for their calling and their path to publication since 1971.
Offerings include inspiring keynotes, devotions, high-caliber education via workshops and continuing classes from seasoned industry pros, and one-on-one meetings with agents, editors, and publishers. Genre groups, morning devotions, time to write and reflect and connect with a supportive community of fellow writers add to the opportunities for robust education, encouragement, and empowerment.
Wander walkways surrounded by lush landscape and beautiful buildings and immerse yourself in the rich history that abounds on campus. The Wade Center features works and artifacts from J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Dorothy Sayers, and George MacDonald. Tolkien's desk, C. S. Lewis’ family wardrobe featured in his Chronicles of Narnia books, original hand-drawn maps, writings, and more are among the collected treasures from the featured authors.
Wheaton College alumni include Billy Graham, Jim Elliot, and Todd Beamer. Wheaton College’s Blanchard Hall was a stop on the Underground Railroad and houses history of this including a permanent exhibit showcasing the history of African American worship. Set aside some time to visit the Billy Graham Museum, sure to enlighten and recharge your soul.
💙 Donate to the JEB (Young Writers) Scholarship 💙
In memory of JEB Bridgeman,
"who went to heaven right on time but much sooner than we'd prefer."
Help raise up the next generation of writers who love Jesus
Scholarship funds go toward educating writers under age 25 by covering costs for the Write to Publish conference and/or providing online courses.
DONATIONS OF ANY AMOUNT WELCOME.
💙
~~~~~~~~***~~~~~~~~
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
Nestled in the majestic rolling Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, and hosted at Ridgecrest Conference Center, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is a spiritual oasis for the writer’s soul. BRMCWC provides top-notch instruction featuring an array of classes taught by industry pros eager to equip, direct, and refresh beginner to veteran writers and speakers. Their mission statement is, “to inspire writers to connect with God, other writers, and industry professionals as they embrace their calling with excellence.” (FREE downloadable 2025 Tips Resources and Fail-proof Goals for BRMCWC here. Updated version coming soon. Some included information is applicable to attending any writer’s conference.)
PRIOR POSTS
- A Hairy Dilemma
The flowers stood still in the walkway. Even the leaves on the maple tree hung motionless over the driveway on that serene Sunday afternoon. My mission: test my new handheld vacuum cleaner on our minivan, which bore evidence of four children and … Continue reading “A Hairy Dilemma” - Captured by Grace: An Interview with Pastor Harold Warner
He was 24 years old, young in his Christian faith, and newly married when a tragic car accident left him paralyzed. But that didn’t deter him from answering God’s call. Just months later, alongside his wife Mona, they launched into pastoral ministry. … Continue reading “Captured by Grace: An Interview with Pastor Harold Warner” - Reflections on an Imperfectly Perfect Christmas
Although I was heading out of the country for ten days, I determined Christmas would be stress free—not the usual last-minute mad dash. My sweet potato casserole and other side dishes lay stacked in the freezer. Likewise, the dough for honey-spice ginger … Continue reading “Reflections on an Imperfectly Perfect Christmas” - The Greatest Gift
“Happy birthday, Jesus. But Lord, as the song says, ‘I have no gift to bring, pa-rum-pa-pum-pum.’” There’s no greater gift to give or receive than the message of Truth wrapped in Love. The babe born in a stable, laid in a manger, … Continue reading “The Greatest Gift”
For the full #HealthyFaithChat schedule on X (Twitter) and a list of upcoming topics please visit our website: HealthyFaithChat.com
Sometimes we need wise counsel.
Help is available from Focus on the Family
1-800-A-Family/ (1-800) 232-6459
Join me on the journey.
CLICK HERE to Subscribe to the Tattoo It on Your Heart Newsletter
to receive my FREE downloadable gospel tract (pictured here), my latest posts, and occasional special offers.
In need of prayer? The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s 24 hour toll free Prayer Line is there for you: (888) 388-2683
*Do you know The Maker? #JesusIsTheWay*
© 2025 Rachael M Colby | Tattoo It On your Heart
Share this:
Tattoo It On Your Heart 