Just what is an “astonished tamale”, anyway?

Several people have asked me what the name means and why I chose it for this blog. There are several answers. The first two were promptly pegged by my friend Patricia Visser, in her thoughtful comments on the first article:

1. I love to be astonished! It’s one of my favorite feelings (and I’m easily astonished). I love a good magic trick (and I’m easily fooled). In books and movies, I love a stunning, perhaps even diabolical plot twist (and I’m easily caught off guard). I love divine grace and divine providence, especially when Continue reading →