One Quiet Life

I'm taking a social media break this month, to focus my heart on the Incarnation. I don't want to miss the wonder of God become man. I'll be back in 2015. In the meantime, I'm at Out of the Ordinary today . Merry Christmas, friends!

I had no idea it has been so long since I've written a Thankful Thursday post. I could say I don't know why I haven't, but I've realized my heart isn't filled with gratitude proportionate to the blessings I've been given. Taking this time to be intentional reminds me of the Lord's kindnesses, both great and small.  Such as: ~friends who readily open their home to us ~a special roadtrip with my girl ~conversations full of the Lord's grace ~lunch at a favorite spot ~a walk on a path strewn with fallen leaves and memories ~an opportunity to help my girl work to realize her dream ~laughter ~having my dad over for a simple dinner ~a husband who loves me lavishly ~health ~the Lord's amazing provision ~the pleasure of curling up with a good book ~a warm home ~much needed rest ~another year of life with a dear friend Blessings all mine, with 10,000 beside!

I've been reading Housewife Theologian all year, carefully pondering each chapter and how it applies to life. Despite the amount of time I've given to this project, I never saw the overarching theme and importance of the book until last week when I read a devotion based on 1 Timothy 4. This short chapter of Scripture packs a powerful punch. Paul's words give me much to mull over. He is exhorting Timothy to godliness, to live as he has been "trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed" (v. 6). He encourages the young pastor to "set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (v. 12), to "[p]ractice these things, immerse yourself in them" (v. 15). These words have become especially clear to me as I've been reading The Hiding Place while studying the Housewife Theologian chapter on hospitality. Corrie ten Boom's family opened their homes and lives to the very le...

Today I'm kicking off our month of thankfulness at Out of the Ordinary . While it may not be the most upbeat way to begin the month, I think it's important for us to understand that thankfulness doesn't always come easy, especially when we're hurting. You can read the post here .

...that is the question. And, silly as it may sound, it's one that has occupied much of my recent thoughts. Truth be told, I can think of many reasons I shouldn't blog - or at least what I shouldn't blog about: Homemaking. My house is usually clean, but not immaculate. None of my rooms are magazine or Pinterest worthy. I enjoy making our home a sanctuary, but I don't have any original tips or tricks to offer. Cooking. I like to cook, but most of our weeknight meals are a joint effort so we can put the food on the table faster. We don't follow any special sort of diet, and I'm not creative enough to make up my own recipies. Organization. I'm a firm believer that everyone has to find their own system. Honestly, some areas of my home have no system at all - and it shows! Family Events/Accomplishments. My own personal convictions prevent me from sharing much about my husband and our daughter. I respect their privacy. My "Wonderful" Life...

16 candles will be pulled out of the box tomorrow. I consider how quickly time has passed since we pulled out a single candle. Back then she was too young to wish, so I made them for her. Even now as she wishes, I silently lift my prayers to the Lord. I listen to her dreams and I think, Go for it! Although her plans have changed somewhat since I wrote this post in May 2013, these words still rings true... Click here to read the rest.

The morning fog testifies to the cool night that has passed. Peanuts, at long last unearthed, lie on the ground in wait. Pumpkin spices fill the air. Autumn is slowly creeping in. As the days grow shorter, I am: ~ Preparing to celebrate my daughter's 16th birthday and wondering how we got here this quickly. ~ Enjoying the final weeks of field hockey season. ~ Purging closets and drawers. ~ Relishing the feeling of accomplishment an orderly and simple home gives me. ~ Hoping for energy to tackle the attic. ~ Delighting in my nightly visit to Mitford. I'm reading the first book, At Home in Mitford . Yes, I know I'm woefully behind the times! I've decided to crawl out from under my rock. ~ Studying The Word of the Lord: Seeing Jesus in the Prophets by Nancy Guthrie. ~ Having a blast teaching children's Sunday School with my husband. ~ Whittling my blog reading list. The taunts of the unread posts in my reader were entirely too much to h...