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Sara's Shorts

Sara's Shorts

By Sara Dagen

Pocket-sized stories for the soul. Sara's Shorts is the podcast version of my blog, All Things Work Together, where I tell life stories with a purpose. Often faith-based, usually humor-laced, always worth a listen. Or that's my goal, anyway! Some of my would-be-faithful readers suggested I create a podcast so they could listen as they do life. Thanks for joining me! You can visit my blog posts at saradagen.com.
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If Your Spouse Doesn’t Share Your Faith, What Do You Do?

Sara's ShortsJun 14, 2022

00:00
13:20
Don’t Miss the Significance of This: He’s Right There Right Now

Don’t Miss the Significance of This: He’s Right There Right Now

It was a morning prayer God answered so instantly I almost missed it -- but I captured it in a blog draft (and working title) that helped me remember something even more significant.

This is also available as a blog post at http://saradagen.com/2024/02/17/dont-miss-the-significance-of-this-hes-right-there-right-now/.

Feb 29, 202406:09
This Is How a Lost Leg Led to Finding True Love

This Is How a Lost Leg Led to Finding True Love

It cost Adam a rib to get his perfect match, but God used a leg to match these 2 couples. This is the story of the ultimate matchmaking feat of all time -- two 'happily ever afters' joined in one weekend. And all because of a missing leg.

This is the podcast version of Sara's blog post, located at

Feb 04, 202410:38
How I Found Relief from a Nagging Colleague and Took Control of My Workday
Jan 21, 202405:18
I've Learned My Helplessness Can Be a Good Thing
Jan 21, 202410:03
This Was a Meal That Changed My Life Forever
Jan 21, 202406:54
In Case You Missed It, Too: God's Grand Invitation Is All-Inclusive
Aug 26, 202311:00
Using Your Core Isn't Just Physical; It's Healthy for Your Spiritual Life Too

Using Your Core Isn't Just Physical; It's Healthy for Your Spiritual Life Too

King Asa started his royal reign strong in the Lord but ended by relying on himself. He'd forgotten his forever need of God, his core strength. I often forget, too, just as I forget to engage my physical core. I'm hoping this will help me remember my true source of strength.

This podcast is also available as a blog post at my site, All Things Work Together: http://saradagen.com/2023/07/15/using-your-core-isnt-just-physical-its-healthy-for-your-spiritual-life-too/.

Jul 15, 202311:16
Customer Service Matters: It's Why I'm Leaving My Ford Dealership

Customer Service Matters: It's Why I'm Leaving My Ford Dealership

It took a less-than-stellar customer service experience to make me recognize how easy it is to put my trust in unworthy things. God had warned the Israelites their king should not acquire loads of horses or wives or riches (Deuteronomy 17:15-17) -- because He wanted them to learn to trust in Him, not animals or people or wealth. I was trusting in a warranty -- and a car dealership that would honor it. Now? Not so much.


This episode is also available as a blog post: https://saradagen.com/2023/06/13/thats-it-im-quiet-quitting-my-car-dealership-for-poor-customer-service/


Jun 14, 202309:33
This Advice for Daylight Saving Time Would Have Saved Me Money

This Advice for Daylight Saving Time Would Have Saved Me Money

Twice a year in the United States, we change our clocks because of Daylight Saving Time, but this year I made it work for me by doing this. (If only I'd known to do it previously! I wouldn't have had to spend money on a locksmith...)


This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2023/03/11/this-advice-for-daylight-saving-time-would-have-saved-me-money/


Jun 04, 202309:04
When Fear Threatens, Remembering God’s Goodness Can Give You Courage

When Fear Threatens, Remembering God’s Goodness Can Give You Courage

The door had disintegrated like a mini version of the 9-11 twin towers before our eyes -- though too fast to see. Would the second "tower" also fall?


This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2023/04/04/when-fear-threatens-remembering-gods-goodness-can-give-you-courage/


Apr 05, 202309:38
The One Thing I Needed to Guarantee My DIY Project Succeeded

The One Thing I Needed to Guarantee My DIY Project Succeeded

The YouTube videos made it look like an easy DIY project. I managed to make framing our bathroom mirrors difficult. A reflection of me?


This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2023/03/21/the-one-thing-i-needed-to-guarantee-my-diy-project-succeeded/


Mar 22, 202312:25
We Love Him Because He Loved Us First–and Most

We Love Him Because He Loved Us First–and Most

It's Valentine's Day and I'm writing about a Christmas long ago. Why? Because it's all about the love. This wasn't a throwback post -- although I'm late to put it into podcast form -- but it does take us back to the year my first biological child was born, as well as capture where we are as a family today. Super special peek into the Dagen household -- as well as the household of God. Be blessed.


This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2023/02/14/we-love-him-because-he-loved-us-first-and-most/


Mar 20, 202309:28
Who Wouldn’t Want a Pole in Her Bedroom?

Who Wouldn’t Want a Pole in Her Bedroom?

It's ironic that my husband's quick -- somewhat embarrassing -- fix for our caving ceiling wasn't so far from the ultimate FIX.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2023/01/31/who-wouldnt-want-a-pole-in-her-bedroom/

Jan 31, 202306:49
The Uncomfortable Step to Healing You Likely Didn’t Consider

The Uncomfortable Step to Healing You Likely Didn’t Consider

It was a series of uncomfortable steps in my healing after carpal tunnel release surgery --  this reduction and eventual removal of the bandages protecting my wound. And, yet, it was exactly what my body needed. 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/12/20/the-uncomfortable-step-to-healing-you-likely-didnt-consider/

Jan 31, 202308:43
We Returned to the River Without Him and It Hurt So Good

We Returned to the River Without Him and It Hurt So Good

This is a throwback to April 18, 2012, when my youngest two children, my husband and I joined my mother-in-love for spring break without my father-in-love. It's difficult to return to a favorite spot you'd always shared with someone you loved but is gone. But this year we returned to the river -- and the missing was good.

 This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/04/18/return-to-the-river/

Nov 14, 202207:36
Here's Why I Know the Online Life Is Overrated
Nov 09, 202207:15
What Everybody Ought to Know About Online Identities

What Everybody Ought to Know About Online Identities

This is a throwback post to April 14, 2012. When I taught middle and high school students, I warned them that their online posts were there forever -- but I didn't realize they could also disappear.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/04/14/without-a-trace/

Nov 07, 202206:44
Her Death Was a Good One, But We Weren’t Ready to Say Goodbye

Her Death Was a Good One, But We Weren’t Ready to Say Goodbye

Jefferson Starship had it right, "Sara, Sara, no time is a good time for goodbyes..." But Tori, our cat, made the time as 'good' as she could.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/11/02/her-death-was-a-good-one-but-we-werent-ready-to-say-goodbye/

Nov 05, 202210:36
I Looked Back at Sorrow and Found God’s Kind Surprise

I Looked Back at Sorrow and Found God’s Kind Surprise

The month of October always causes me to pause and remember Bill. This year, I was able to see God's kindness in the midst of tragedy. (I published this post about my first husband's death on October 29, 2022. It just took me a week to get the podcast completed.)

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/10/29/i-looked-back-at-sorrow-and-found-gods-kind-surprise/

Nov 05, 202210:36
Is Your Brain Stuck on an Old Script? Here’s How to Embrace Change

Is Your Brain Stuck on an Old Script? Here’s How to Embrace Change

As if on autopilot, I responded to the question the same way I did months ago before I had training and knew better, so much better. Why was my brain stuck on the old script? How could I make it play the new one? This is what I learned.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/10/05/is-your-brain-stuck-on-an-old-script-heres-how-to-embrace-change/

Oct 11, 202207:38
I Failed, But You Can Save Money and Skip These 10 Troubles

I Failed, But You Can Save Money and Skip These 10 Troubles

When you have to bite the bullet and purchase a new cell phone, your attempt to save money may lead to troubles you hadn't intended...

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/08/23/i-failed-but-you-can-save-money-and-skip-these-10-troubles/

Aug 26, 202209:12
The final shade of death: She doesn’t have Alzheimer’s anymore!

The final shade of death: She doesn’t have Alzheimer’s anymore!

This is a throwback to July 7, 2019, a post I wrote after giving the eulogy for my mother at her memorial service. In it I do share the eulogy I gave, but I also reflect on the final "shade of death" from Alzheimer's as joyous for believers in Jesus.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2019/07/07/the-final-shade-of-death-she-doesnt-have-alzheimers-anymore/

Aug 22, 202217:01
How to Conquer Perfectionism: Granted, My Advice Might Not Be Perfect

How to Conquer Perfectionism: Granted, My Advice Might Not Be Perfect

When we're tempted to look back instead of move forward or fear failing instead of pursuing progress, we must choose to do this instead. Conquer perfectionism.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/08/18/how-to-conquer-perfectionism-granted-my-advice-might-not-be-perfect/

Aug 22, 202207:16
Shades of death: When you lose a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease

Shades of death: When you lose a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease

This podcast is a throwback to May 29, 2019, two days after my mother died -- from Alzheimer's disease, if that's considered a cause of death. I called it "shades of death" because of the incremental mini-deaths leading up to the grand finale. All painful. All a great loss. Each one with a finality of its own luring me into the false sense of security that I was done grieving. I never was. And yet with this final shade of death, I knew my mother had gained more than this life can give. God is good.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2019/05/29/shades-of-death-when-you-lose-a-loved-one-to-alzheimers-disease/

Aug 10, 202211:27
Their Chance to Shine Was This Teacher's Time to Grade Myself

Their Chance to Shine Was This Teacher's Time to Grade Myself

This podcast is a throwback to April 4, 2012, when my seniors were completing their requirements for graduation, namely, their Capstone Projects, which had haunted them the past six months. (And haunted me, too, if I were completely honest.) On this day, six students were presenting their projects to a large audience -- and a group of judges. But I found watching them, I was able to grade myself, too.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/04/04/superfluous/

Jul 15, 202207:50
When We Finally Met Face to Face, It Was a Little Piece of Heaven

When We Finally Met Face to Face, It Was a Little Piece of Heaven

This episode is a throwback to April 3, 2022, when I was a college student -- and a full-time teacher, wife, and mother -- taking online classes for my master's degree. Lalla was someone I'd gotten to know in my online classes. We finally met in person, and it reminded me how much we can look forward to seeing God one day.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/04/03/finally-f2f/

Jul 15, 202205:56
Feel-good baseball…

Feel-good baseball…

This podcast is a throwback to April 2, 2012, when Charlie Sheen still had the notoriety to capture attention and my son was playing high school baseball. As I suggest in this podcast, the definition of winning is much broader than the number on a visible or unseen scoreboard. What's more, Charlie Sheen is NOT the epitome of the term. 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/04/02/feel-good-baseball/

Jul 07, 202204:18
5 Truths to Encourage You if You’re Feeling Like a Failure

5 Truths to Encourage You if You’re Feeling Like a Failure

If you feel like a failure though you're giving it your all, these five spiritual truths will encourage your heart and direct your steps.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/07/05/5-truths-to-encourage-you-if-youre-feeling-like-a-failure/

Jul 05, 202211:33
Power splurge…

Power splurge…

This is a throwback to March 31, 2012. In this post, the sound of thunder and the smell of rain coming through the open windows lure me to stop the work and sit. There I sat and enjoyed memories of other splurges; this one all the more special because I did.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/03/31/power-splurge/

Jun 30, 202204:36
The Self-Esteem Lesson I Learned From Wrapping a Gift Too Creatively

The Self-Esteem Lesson I Learned From Wrapping a Gift Too Creatively

You'd think by the time you're old enough to be a grandparent that you'd have this lesson engraved in your brain. Not so much. Why do we struggle?

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/06/28/the-lesson-i-learned-from-wrapping-a-gift-too-creatively/

Jun 28, 202207:22
Hoodie = hoodlum?

Hoodie = hoodlum?

This is a throwback to March 25, 2012. In this post, written shortly after the death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin, I explore the role fashion played in his death. The young man was wearing a hoodie on a chilly, wet evening when he was shot by a self-appointed neighborhood watchman. 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/03/25/hoodie-hoodlum/

Jun 23, 202207:27
Just being honest…

Just being honest…

This is a throwback to March 24, 2012. My youngest son was still playing baseball (at times frustrating), and my only daughter was newly married and speaking truth into my life. But, as she shared, sometimes truth doesn't need to be spoken in the moment. Maybe it needs to be spoken after the moment -- and our anger or frustration -- has passed. It is something to consider.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/03/24/just-being-honest/

Jun 16, 202206:29
If Your Spouse Doesn’t Share Your Faith, What Do You Do?

If Your Spouse Doesn’t Share Your Faith, What Do You Do?

Today's podcast is an answer to Elle, a friend who has joined me in a topical Bible study. She's asked me a list of questions I'm trying to answer using Scripture. Some of those studies will become blogs and podcasts. Elle and I are married to believers, but the way we pursue God looks completely different from how they do. It seems we don't share the same faith because we don't practice it the same way. Maybe you can relate? Here's what to do if you find yourself in that situation.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/06/14/if-your-spouse-doesnt-share-your-faith-what-do-you-do/

Jun 14, 202213:20
Freaky Friday…

Freaky Friday…

Throwback to March 17, 2012, when my youngest son Adam was playing varsity baseball and my only daughter Laura was newly married. I was playing schoolteacher, mom, baseball team chauffeur, and score keeper -- and, as it happens, the biographer, capturing in the written word what we experienced this Freaky Friday on and off the field. Anything can happen in baseball, it seems, and on the road to and from the games. Enjoy this #ThrowbackThursday.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/03/17/freaky-friday/

Jun 09, 202208:17
This Is How I Want to Age Well

This Is How I Want to Age Well

It was the one rose that remained of the exquisite bouquet my husband had given me, but it was enough to impart the message. This new podcast is short, sweet, and inspirational -- for those of us who are aging, anyway (which is everyone, of course). Reminiscent of Dylan Thomas' "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night," but less poetic, less direct, and more direct at the same time. 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/06/07/this-is-how-i-want-to-age-well/

Jun 07, 202203:32
Totally unprepared am I…

Totally unprepared am I…

Throwback to March 12, 2012, to a blog post published on my website, All Things Work Together. It was a day as a teacher when I stood in front of a classroom of students completely unprepared. I had tried to meet this mishmash of students "stuck" with a somewhat remedial English class the last period of the day instead of taking P.E. or an elective. So I started the period with prayer, and God took over from there and made it beautiful.  Enjoy this #throwbackthursday.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/03/12/totally-unprepared-am-i/

Jun 02, 202205:41
This Is Why We Should ‘Leave It Better Than We Found It’

This Is Why We Should ‘Leave It Better Than We Found It’

This was a post I spoke into my phone's Otter.ai app as I walked the beach on my last day of vacation. Sunrises on the East Coast of Florida offer a unique beauty and time for me to interact with the God who created it, but this morning was filled with distractions, namely trash and more trash. Hence, this blog and resulting podcast. I plan to be part of the solution. How about you?

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/05/29/this-is-why-we-should-leave-it-better-than-we-found-it/

May 31, 202211:16
STuCK…

STuCK…

Throwback to March 10, 2012, to a blog post published on my website, All Things Work Together. Apparently, I was swamped with school (teaching) and grad school (learning) -- plus parenting, wife-ing, housekeeping, and everything else, because I had a gap between my last blog post and this one. And today, this day, I was done. Stuck, in fact. So stuck I titled my post that -- in all capital letters except the u. Not sure why! Enjoy this #throwbackthursday.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/03/10/stuck/

May 26, 202204:15
When It Seems That Nothing You Do Matters, Know This

When It Seems That Nothing You Do Matters, Know This

Why do you do the things you do? Are you hoping for "likes" or applause or just some appreciation for your effort? I was -- until I was reminded I should do this. Maybe this message will encourage you, too. 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/05/24/when-it-seems-that-nothing-you-do-matters-know-this/

May 24, 202210:01
If You’re Wondering How God Could Use You, Maybe This Will Help

If You’re Wondering How God Could Use You, Maybe This Will Help

God can use simple — and beautiful — experiences to impart inspiration and life lessons. Today, I had that privilege. I hope it touches you, too.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/05/19/if-youre-wondering-how-god-could-use-you-maybe-this-will-help/

May 22, 202207:04
Experience or Witness Trauma? PTSD Could Happen to You, Too

Experience or Witness Trauma? PTSD Could Happen to You, Too

My post-traumatic stress disorder, diagnosed after my first husband Bill’s death, made me fear what Satan would drop into my life to strangle me, to make me pay for my complete surrender to God. This is my account of how PTSD impacted my life. You don't have to be in the military to experience this serious disorder; I hope my story gives you hope. 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/05/10/experience-or-witness-trauma-ptsd-could-happen-to-you-too/

May 22, 202213:40
Not so “over it”…

Not so “over it”…

Throwback to February 6, 2012, to a blog post published on my website, All Things Work Together. As I read through these words I wrote 10 years ago, I can almost hear "The Princess Bride's" sword-fighting Spaniard, Inigo Montoya, say, "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." He would use the word phrase rather than word, pointing to my use of the phrase "over it." I'm not sure I have made as much progress as I'd have liked in the decade of time I've had to truly get "over it." #throwbackthursday


This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/02/06/not-so-over-it/

May 19, 202205:14
Competitive nature…

Competitive nature…

Throwback to February 5, 2012, to a blog post published on my website, All Things Work Together. Funny, but I wrote this post as I was coming off an illness and struggling to find my usual zest and energy for life -- just as I am today. I was a grad student in educational technology, and one of my dearest friends in my course of study was Lala. But on this day, Lala was challenging me to be better. It wasn't what I wanted, but it was what I needed.  #throwbackthursday

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/02/05/competitive-nature/

Apr 28, 202205:11
The Most Important Fabric of My Gym Life Is Made of Yarn

The Most Important Fabric of My Gym Life Is Made of Yarn

Ironically, I'm publishing this on a rare day when I didn't go to the gym, but Connie is good with that. I'm sick, and she wants nothing to do with whatever virus I'm fighting at the moment. (I don't either, but I don't seem to have a choice -- other than not to share it.) Connie became a close friend because of our shared love for step aerobics and aqua Zumba but remained a close friend even after those classes disappeared from the gym's schedule. Would I be as faithful at the gym without Connie? Probably. I went without her for a year due to the pandemic. But am I happier at the gym WITH Connie? Absolutely! I recommend you get your own Connie if you can! 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/04/26/the-most-important-fabric-of-my-gym-life-is-made-of-yarn/

Apr 26, 202209:02
Who Knew Their Hunt for Eggs Could Have Eternal Significance?

Who Knew Their Hunt for Eggs Could Have Eternal Significance?

It was an"eggsiting" day at the Dagens house on Easter, time for the annual egg hunt. We were determined that this egg hunt would be joyful and equal -- and tear-free. But would we get to that result? And what means would we use to get there? That is the story! 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/04/22/who-knew-their-hunt-for-eggs-could-have-eternal-significance/

Apr 23, 202210:57
These 3 T-Shirts Tell the Story of Easter Past and Present

These 3 T-Shirts Tell the Story of Easter Past and Present

This is a throwback to Easter Sunday 2020, when we were in lockdown mode, unable to go to church or even gather as families. It proved a time of reflection for me, and my mind went back to two T-shirts in my past and one my daughter was wearing at Easter. Their message, combined, tells the whole Gospel story, the reason why Easter is so significant. Today I changed the title from "This Easter, Why Not Become a 'Whosoever'?" to "These 3 T-Shirts Tell the Story of Easter Past and Present." Past because Jesus accomplished the T-shirt message in the past -- for us. Present because becoming a whosoever could be your choice today. Happy Easter, my friends! 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2020/04/12/this-easter-why-not-become-a-whosoever/

Apr 17, 202213:13
Deep offerings

Deep offerings

Throwback to February 4, 2012, to a blog post published on my website, All Things Work Together. In this post, I reflect on the little drummer boy and Eric Liddell, the great Scottish runner in the 1924 Olympics, and wonder if my gift of writing is enough for God -- and do I dare write? If you're struggling with your own deep offerings, give this a listen. You may find encouragement in my wonderings.  #throwbackthursday

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/02/04/deep-offerings/

Apr 14, 202204:55
Out of All the Memories I Could Keep, This Was the One

Out of All the Memories I Could Keep, This Was the One

When I was a young girl, my mother was a reporter for the local newspaper and some local magazines. In that role, she often took me and my older sister along for interviews, when that interview would include a tour or activity she knew would interest us. And so I saw my mother on the job -- and the damage she could wield with a pen. Recently, I found I could do that, too, and so begins my reflection of my mom.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/04/12/out-of-all-the-memories-i-could-keep-this-was-the-one/

Apr 13, 202211:47
Speechless…

Speechless…

Throwback to February 2, 2012, to a blog post published on my website, All Things Work Together. This post takes me back to my teaching days at a small Christ-centered school that did not afford me the luxury of substitute teachers ready to swoop in and save the day when I was sick. So I worked sick -- and shared the joy. Just as other teachers had shared it with me. I give them a nice shoutout, at least as loud as my laryngitis would allow.  #throwbackthursday

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2012/02/02/speechless/

Apr 07, 202204:25
I’ll Hide My Face and Let You Guess My Best Hairstyle

I’ll Hide My Face and Let You Guess My Best Hairstyle

Today's episode takes us back to 2020, when COVID-19 was the great unknown that made us wear masks that kept us unknown to others. (It was also the year when I got bags under my eyes and serious crow's feet -- just in time to showcase everything above my mask. Yay!) This was when I switched hairstylists and just wanted to show my face -- once -- to get an appropriate haircut. Two years later... the big reveal did not give me the results I expected. That's all.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://saradagen.com/2022/04/05/ill-hide-my-face-and-let-you-guess-my-best-hair-style/

Apr 05, 202208:08