Guilt vs. Grace

Grace vs. Guilt

Earlier this year I was struggling with guilt. I mean, really struggling.  Nearly every day there was some sort of failure in my life, something I wished I’d done better, some area I didn’t measure up to my own standard. I got impatient with my toddler. I didn’t keep the toys picked up. I let [...]

Beautiful Bookshelves

I love books. And I love having them in places I can see them and access them easily. If you aren’t blessed with a library with built-in bookshelves (that was a gift from God when we bought our 1880′s house!), you may find yourself in need of more storage space. Here are some ideas for [...]

More Than a Meal

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One of my favorite things about this time of year is the opportunity to practice hospitality. There’s something about colder weather that makes us want to gather inside and enjoy food and fellowship, and of course the holidays are a great excuse for parties. I’ve only been married for two years, so I’m still new [...]

Lists and My Life

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I love lists. For as long as I can really remember, my life has been filled with unexpected interruptions, big moves and funny little adventures. The order and rhythm of regularity has often been put on pause as a sort of unavoidable chaos takes the reins for a time. The one thing that has seemed [...]

Lightening the Load

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Have you read about pioneers on the westward trails that would leave belongings by the wayside so they could travel faster? In my quest to have more time for things I want to do, I’ve learned I enjoy having less “stuff” to slow me down. Sometimes I feel like a slave to my possessions, and [...]

more than growing the produce

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Farmer’s Market from the Farmer’s Perspective: it’s more than growing the produce…

A Lesson from Her Garden

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by Jennifer Scott My friend’s back yard garden is a slice of calm, natural beauty and peace in the midst of an otherwise busy neighborhood. When you walk through her back gate you have found a secret garden of sorts, with chirping birds, cardinals and blue jays swooping in for a visit.  The aroma (largely gardenia [...]

7 Unique and Thrifty Bridal Shower Gifts

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It’s that time of year when one gets invited to the traditional bridal shower. Often included in the invitation are little cards telling you where the couple is registered. Although I think bridal registries are a great invention, often time and resources dictate a different path for me. If you like to get a little [...]

Eight Simple Ways to Live Green

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I don’t have a lot of money to invest in converting my current rental into a tried and true green-friendly home, but I honestly believe that conserving energy and being careful with our world doesn’t start with total home renovations. Going green doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or be time-consuming and difficult! [...]

Real {Fast} Food

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Reading Trina Holden’s eBook Real {Fast} Food is like having your best friend sit you down and tell you what she has learned about food and cooking. It’s an easy to understand and enjoyable read, unlike much of what has been written about preparing whole food.