What Love Does

Four generations of women walked down that sunny hallway together, the two in the middle pushing the youngest and oldest along.  The oldest looked back from her wheelchair to the baby in the stroller and quipped, "See, when you get older you get to have a ride too!"

It was a cheerful moment as sunlight streamed through the windows, one that didn't tell the whole story of how dark shadows have fallen on the oldest mother's mind and how age is crippling her body.  Of the struggles and private pain her daughter has gone through as the roles have reversed over the past several years.  Or how the oldest mother now often refers to her daughter as "Momma."

It's an interesting thing, this matter of love.  When it is lived out it can be painful. Love doesn't just push wheelchairs and strollers down hallways, it has to push through the times in this life that seem unbearable. The times when you honestly aren't sure if you are going to make it. When you don't feel like you can do it.

Love, I have learned, often has to show up before the feelings do.

I am often concerned for what our world thinks love is.  In our fame and celebrity obsessed culture, I fear we have begun to think the red carpet has to be rolled out for us for every single thing we do.  That love has everything to do with "feeling" elevated, worthy, attractive, the center of attention, or whatever we desire to feel rather than being something we actually do.  That love supposedly has something to do with self-centered quotes and lists that are posted and reposted all over social media, instead of about laying down self for someone else.

Let me tell you, the real stuff of life and love is not found on the red carpet or internet memes.  It is found in the corridors of rehab facilities and hallways of homes.  It is found in the changing of diapers and Depends, in sickness and health, in adversity and prosperity, in families gathered around dinner tables and hospital beds, in laughing until you cry and laughing because if not, you are going to cry.

It is being willing to do hard and holy and humble and habitual things.

Being willing to do the mundane.

And eventually finding joy in it ~ or choosing joy when you can't seem to find it!

Love is generations embracing the beauty of life, but staying together in the pain of life.

Wrinkled hands holding onto fresh, new skin.

Husbands and wives holding onto each other in good times and bad.

Parents holding tight then gradually letting children go.

And one day children doing the same with parents.

This cycle of life, what a miraculous, beautiful, painful, amazing thing it is.  The collision of beauty and pain is what makes it all so very real.  We can't love without laughing and we can't love without hurting.

But in laughter and pain and all the in between, we can show up. Even if we have to show up before our feelings arrive. Choose love. Do hard things.  Lay ourselves down for someone else.  And not need credit for every single thing we do.  We can be willing to do the thankless work that needs to be done because we know this life, this unhemmed, complicated, beautiful life, is temporary.  So we must serve with eternity in mind.  And we must try to love like the Creator and Sustainer of our souls.  Like the Author of our lives.

The One who really knows of love as sacrifice.

That daughter, she washes her mother's feet on Saturdays.  She has done this on good days, and she has done this on the hard days when she didn't really feel like it because the challenges of a confused mind have caused frustration or conflict. Knelt low and washed those bent and arthritic feet simply so they will be clean and fresh, not knowing that all the while her own daughter has been watching and seeing glimpses of Jesus in this.  She has felt guilty on the hard days, not realizing she has taught her daughter an even greater lesson; that love perseveres, it pushes past feelings to action and serving, even bending low when many would walk away.

Now her daughter will teach this to her daughters.  And pray they teach this to their daughters.

So future generations will continue to walk down the halls of life together.

Morning Light

This past weekend during a blissful break from routine, we were walking to breakfast when everyone else got a few steps ahead of me and I caught this moment, this snapshot of my daughter walking, bathed in the sparkle of morning light.

I am enraptured by morning light, how it makes the ordinary glisten and breathes life into a day. How it reminds me that He makes all things new and if we blew it yesterday, well, today is a new day.  A brand new chance.  A fresh start.

His mercies are new every morning.  Do you ever let that truth sink fully into your heart?

Joy comes in the morning.  Joy that may not make sense in light of our circumstances or the state of this broken world.  Joy unspeakable.  Joy unexplainable. Defiant joy.

It's a new day!  Let His love flood your life like the morning light floods your home.  Let it invade, cast out the darkness, reflect His glory.

Morning has broken, like the first morning. 

Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird. 

Praise for the singing, praise for the morning, 

Praise for them springing fresh from the Word.

Eleanor Farjeon

Call Her Blessed

She raised us in the shadow of the nation's capitol.  A few years earlier, she'd married a sailor who had met Jesus, and this young wife helped put her husband through Bible college and seminary.  I'm sure she had other dreams at one time, but somewhere along the way her dreams became us and she nurtured those dreams.  She pinched pennies and did without but we never did.  Because she was always there.  We were rich in her love.

She would be a rock in our home.  Strong and steady.

But she would also be a pebble.  Smooth and gentle.

She would spend years giving us a peaceful childhood.  One that was without excessive conflict, one where there were no fears of anyone leaving, one where mom picks you up from school to bring you home for your afternoon snack at the kitchen table.  Every night she would put a meal on that same table, a table she bought at a garage sale and would paint many times over the next 30 years. I learned much about life and God and relationships around that table.  I learned much from her.  Not just from what she said.  But from how she lived.

She lived with joy and purpose.  Her easy laugh filled our home and she was our biggest fan.  She even loved us when we looked like this, and still denies that we ever went through an awkward phase!

I had to break it to her that we did, a long and painful one at that.  But in her eyes we have always been and always will be nothing but beautiful.  And now that I am a mother, I know exactly why.

My brother and I would find our way in life in a home filled with hand-me-down furniture and my mom's creative touches that would change every few years.  A home that might smell of homemade apple crisp or peach cobbler, depending on the season.  It is the only home I remember.  I walked out the same front door, down the same sidewalk, and past the same azaleas bushes for the first day of kindergarten and my wedding day. There is a lot of security in that.  I would not realize just how much until later in life.

During my teenage years, my mom and I had our share of disagreements like anyone else.  We didn't always see everything the same way.  Generations do not.  But she was determined that we would talk it out, and would stay up until the wee hours of the morning with me doing so.  Those late night tearful conversations would keep us close at heart.  I never did choose rebellion.  I thank God for that.  And I thank both my parents, including my mom and her willingness to choose conversation over sleep to try to understand and nurture her teenage daughter.

I was sixteen when her world turned upside down.  The doctor would call a few days after Christmas and say that the lump in her breast was indeed cancerous.  She would lose that breast, and her hair.  But she did not lose her joy.  Though I cried many tears during that time and saw her cry a few, I remember that being a time of much laughter in our family.  There is something about my mom that finds joy in the journey, no matter the circumstance.  I know it has to do with the way Jesus shines through her.  The way her heart rests in His.  The way she chooses to see His goodness.

This weekend, my brother flew into town to surprise my mom for Mother's Day.  He and I would be able to walk part of the survivor's lap at a Relay for Life with our survivor.  God, we thank you for that walk.  We wore caregiver pins she gave us.  But in truth, she has always been our caregiver.

She daily cares for her own mother as age has begun taking its toll on her mind and body.  I marvel at what she gives.  She has cared for all of us through any health encounter we have faced.  I remember toast and tea on trays when I was sick on the couch as a child.  Then meals and anything we needed when HELLP syndrome wracked my body and Madi came into this world a month early.

From the moment our dimpled girl's first cry rang into the middle of the night, my mom has been the most extraordinary Grammie anyone could ask for.  My kids have grown up wrapped in her love and care.  She is a safe place for them.  She is comfort and understanding and fun.  They have mentioned a few times they wouldn't mind moving in with her.  It makes me laugh.  I understand.

She has meant more than any words could say to our little family of four.  She is generosity to its fullest extent.  Joy and laughter that brighten the toughest of days. Understanding that gives us a soft place to land.  Wisdom and grace on the journey.

She thinks we are amazing.

But we know she is.

Her worth is far above rubies.  The investments she has made and continues to make surpass any worldly investments she could ever have made.  She is a woman of great value.  We need her.  We love her.

And we rise up this Mother's Day and call her blessed.

Oh, The Things They Say

Kids are hilarious, insightful, and everything in between - it is so fun listen to them talk and express themselves, and try to store away the things they say.  Sunday morning I was driving the kids to church and we had a conversation that went exactly like this...

Madi: I wish I could fly, but I don't want to be a bird, I want to be a fairy!!

Me: A fairy, that sounds like fun.

Trev: Yeah, but do you know what would be even funner?

Madi: What?

Trev: To be a ROCKET BLASTER.

And therein lies the difference between girls and boys!

And speaking of girls and boys, my son has never lacked for admiration of cute, sweet girls.  He's already told us of several "girlfriends" he has had, and different girls he wants to marry.  Thankfully I am often on that list!  In fact, a few months ago he broke up with someone for me.  Seriously.  He had been smitten with darling Marissa, a senior in our youth group, for some time and had made plans to marry her for quite a while.  Then one night as I tucked him in at bedtime he was being extra sweet, and a concerned look came over his face.  He said,

Mommy, I want to marry you.  Can you text Marissa and tell her?

Could I text her.  I almost died laughing. But don't worry, he's a real man.  That Wednesday night after church I saw him talking to Marissa very seriously, with his classic furrowed brow and little hands just waving away.  She came over to me and was cracking up, and asked me to guess what he had just told her.  He had said,

I'm sorry, I can't marry you anymore, I really want to marry my Mommy, but don't worry, we can still be friends and hug.

Oh my word. (I promise you I am not making this stuff up, nor do I have a clue where he gets it from!  It's not like the kid is watching The Bachelor in between Backyardigans episodes on Netflix.  Though he did give a girl a rose at a wedding when he was four.  Took it right off my dad's boutonniere and gave it to one of his preschool church friends.  I have pictures to prove it!  He is quite the romantic.)

This Sunday we grabbed a quick bite to eat with some friends.  Trev was sitting by Madi's BFF Grace while her parents and Jimmy and I were waiting in line.  All of a sudden he called out to me from his seat...

Mommy?  I want to date Grace.

Date Grace.  Needless to say we have our hands full!  Her mom Nanette and I had to hide our laughter.  He's got a looong time before any dating will be happening!  But boy are we going to have some stories to tell when he does!

However, much of what Trevor says is sensitive, insightful, compassionate.  I've mentioned before his concern for a homeless man, John, that my husband sees on a regular basis.  I can't tell you how many times Trevor has asked me about John.  What foods can he have since he doesn't have many teeth?  Does he have a mom and dad?  Did he have a home when he was a little boy?  He prays for him.  And he has seen him several times since he first met and shared a doughnut with him, and relentlessly invites him to church.  In fact, he told me the other day that he was in the van with Jimmy when John rode by on his bicycle, and they rolled down the windows and Trev pointed to the church and called out something along the lines of,

Don't forget!  This is your church!

Bless his heart.  He wants him to come so badly.  Maybe someday.  He is praying for him.  And who knows how God may use a welcoming boy with a sincere heart who shows the love of Jesus to a man without a home.

Another thing you may know if you have read any of my letters to Trevor is that I often pray that he will be a mighty man of God.  We talk a lot as a family about the mighty men of God in the Bible.  Trev absolutely loves hearing Bible stories.  Today after I picked up Trev from Pre-K, he told me he had "great day" and was sharing little bits and pieces of it with me.  After some chatting, we were quiet for minute or two.  Then out of nowhere as we were pulling into the garage, he said something that made my heart feel like it was melting into a puddle.

Mommy? When I get old I want to be a mighty man of God.

Now, I have no idea why that was on his little heart and mind.  We had been talking about how his teacher had been home sick and who he played with on the playground and how many days were left until spring break.  His statement caught me by surprise.  It nearly made me cry.  My heart swelled and stood still.  I gave him a big hug, told him that made me so happy, and promised I would continue to pray that he would be.

So today I prayed once more that Madi would be a virtuous woman who will one day marry a mighty man of God, and that Trevor would be a mighty man of God who will one day marry a virtuous woman.

Who he may or may not have dated when he was five.  Time will tell.

:)

Florida Winter Inspiration!

A few years ago I moved down south where the orange trees grow.  Our neighborhood is nestled within orange groves.  I know winter is here when the oranges are ripe for the picking on the trees.

Florida's winter beauty is different than that of the Maryland winters I grew up knowing.

Things come to life here in the winter.  Everything is in living color.  The oranges contrast against the brilliant blue, and often cloudless sky.

I inhale the fresh air that blows through the orange groves this time of year as I walk, jog, or ride bikes through my neighborhood.  I bask in the sunshine that spreads its warmth, even on days when the air is cool and the breeze is strong.

Oranges aren't the only things that grow in abundance down here this time of year.  Grocery produce sections and fruit stands are bursting with fresh, locally grown berries.  I have already made several batches of the marinated strawberries that I enjoy so much.

When I took down my Christmas decorations, I used Florida's lovely winters as inspiration for a few touches in my kitchen.  I wrote a little poem on the old chalkboard I gave a makeover awhile back...

Then I set out some of my fun Christmas presents!  I put some faux oranges (purchased at Hobby Lobby) on a vintage type scale my mom gave me, next to a strawberry teapot also from her.  My friend Nanette gave me a sign with Psalm 118:24 on it and all together it looks bright, cheerful, and oh-so- Florida!

When I saw this "You Are My Sunshine" sign at Target for $1 in the value section, I was thrilled!  I have often sung that song to my family, and this time of year is certainly abundant with sunshine down here.

Today was sunny, warm, and beautiful.  The kids had a ball sledding down a hill in our neighborhood on scraps of cardboard with Paw Paw.  I snacked on blueberries and raspberries, and there are locally grown strawberries in my refrigerator.  My mom used fresh oranges to make juice tonight when she made us all breakfast for dinner.  Earlier this morning I got my exercise on sunny streets surrounded by orange trees.

You can draw decorating inspiration from almost anywhere.

I was inspired by Florida's winter, and all the bright and cheerful loveliness she brings!

What is inspiring you these days?


Linking to Tabletop Tuesday and Potpourri Friday at 2805.

Why Do I Blog?

That's a question I have been pondering for months now, and this is a post I've been writing in my head for a long time as well.

There are thousands upon thousands of blogs out there.  And each person behind each blog has their own reasons for writing.  For putting their thoughts into words and pictures and sending them out into a great big world that has plenty of words to read and pictures to view already.  For letting their voice be heard.  And for having the courage it requires and taking the effort and time to do so.

I am new to the blog world.  I was busy getting married, transitioning into the role of pastor's wife, working jobs, having babies, and making a major move when the blog scene became popular.  Honestly, I started blogging practically before I started reading blogs.  My mom had a list of blogs she enjoyed, and would sometimes show me ideas or articles when I was at her house.  She told me I could and should be doing this, that I had things to share.  It sounded interesting and intriguing.  (And of course, we all know we should listen to our Momma!)

I figured out how to create a blog and started dabbling with it late 2009.  I started actively blogging in 2010.  There are weeks and sometimes months where time is hard for me to find to sit down at the computer, but overall I have been fairly consistent the past two years.  I have not done advertising or such.  This is a little blog.  But the statistics show someone is reading.  In fact, lots of people are reading, and extremely surprising to me, people all over the world are reading!  And I keep writing.  And taking snapshots of life.  And writing some more.  But through the writing, I have mulled over the reasons why.  And here they are.  The reasons why I, an average wife and mom with a small little life, blog.


To be an encouragement to others.

By nature I am a glass half full, happy, uplifting type of person.  And I have also learned through the years from Scripture how we are commanded over and over to uplift and edify one another, and have tried to practice this.  But I started blogging during a season in my life where I was receiving mostly discouragement from many people in my life.  I clung to the little encouragement I received during that time like a life raft to  keep my head above water.  As I grew stronger and stronger in the Word of God during that time, it encouraged me beyond what I could have imagined and enabled me to press on.  And I realized something crucial...people need encouragement.  Many people are drowning in discouragement.  There is plenty of it out there.  But I wanted this little blog to be a place where people could come to be encouraged and lifted up, whether through Bibles verses and things God has been revealing to me in my study of His Word, or a funny story about my kids that brings a smile on a tough day, or by sharing out of my weakness that He is strong enough to carry us all through this broken world.  I often pray over blog posts that someone will be encouraged.  And it has been interesting through the years the feedback I have received, often via a private message in my facebook inbox or the like.  People who I had no idea were reading have taken the time to share how they have been encouraged on their journey through  this blog. And their sweet words have been an encouragement to me to keep writing and sharing.

A recent and very neat example is this.  In December I felt compelled to write this blog about our worst Christmas ever during "the blurry years" of my life.  A few days later I received a message from a sweet, young wife and mom I have actually known my whole life.  We are separated by distance and I haven't seen her in a few years.  Come to find out, her Christmas 2011 was remarkably similar to my Christmas 2006, only her oldest was 2 and her new baby was 9 days old.  Their family was hit with a horrific stomach flu and like me, she felt like she may not survive it trying to nurse and care for a newborn being so sick and helpless.  She wrote to me how she and her mom read my story while both laughing and crying.  She said it was a terrible Christmas, and she was feeling overwhelmed about how she is going to make it through her own blurry years, but she was encouraged by my post and was reminded that Christmas will come again next year and things will get better.  I responded to her message with more words of encouragement, and marveled how God works.  His timing is perfect.  To God be the glory.

Because I am a writer.

And writers write.  Whether it is songs or essays or critical analysis or journal entries or love letters or facebook statuses or books or blog posts, we write.  I have been writing since I was a young girl.  And I believe God imprinted on my heart in my late teenage years that I will one day write a book for His glory.  I feel Him pressing on my heart to do so often lately, and ask you readers to pray for me in that area.  For some reason that is an overwhelming thought, but when the timing is right I want to be willing to do what He wants me to do, and I need to trust that He will enable me to do so!  In the meantime, here I am...being faithful to write from the heart of a regular girl facing the chaos of this life and finding contentment in Christ along the way.  And I am enjoying the process!  Blogging is a wonderful creative and emotional outlet.

To be a light.

There is a lot of darkness in this world.  It is everywhere we turn.  And there is a lot of darkness on the internet.  But darkness isn't merely the opposite of light, it is the absence of light.  And I want to shine brightly as a light for Christ!  I want this blog to be a bright spot in someone's day.  To be a place to find light, hope, and joy in a dark, broken, and grim world.  There have been multiple times I have considering unplugging from it all, deleting my facebook and pulling my blog.  Stepping off the stage and hiding in a corner.  It often seems easier.  I admit sometimes that critical people have threatened to get the best of me and discouragement has nearly pushed me in that corner of fear and self-protection.  But then darkness would win as another light was extinguished.  My light would become absent.  And guess what?  I believe God has given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!  I claim that victory and give Him thanks!  And I determine in my heart daily to not grow weary in doing good - as difficult as it can be not to give in to weariness - but to press on to the upward calling of Christ Jesus and to make His name famous, show how He changes lives, and proclaim the joy found in living for Him!

And my statistics show that "empty tomb," "the empty tomb," and "the empty tomb of Jesus" are three of the top searches that have brought people to my blog in its all time history.  I will press on.


To inspire.

People inspire me.  Photos inspire me.  Words well used inspire me.  I see something and it triggers in my mind something I could do.  Let's face it, life can be mundane.  And if we're honest, the responsibilities of being a wife and mom can be mundane and draining at times.  I have learned through the years that I thrive, not just survive, when I live an intentional, positive, active, creative life.  And while so many people out there live in states of discontentment, dissatisfaction, or depression (the statistics are sadly astounding) I hope that something they see here may inspire them.  Inspire them to find joy in the daily by making time for God's Word, or trying a new recipe, or rearranging something in their home for a fresh touch, or finding a great deal.  Inspire them to try something new.  To make something -  be it a loaf of bread, batch of muffins, a craft with their kids, or a simple DIY project - and experience the emotional and physical lift that come from doing so!  This is a blog about a girl on a super tight budget with limited resources and talent.  Nearly everything I share is simple, affordable, and "doable" for the average person.  But I have found the ultimate resource -  joy drawn from an abundant life in Christ - and want those who read this to draw inspiration from that and do something!  I hope and pray my readers leave wanting to show love in a new way, minister to someone in a new way, add a homemade touch of cheer to their home, make a great meal or treat for their family, or to face the day with increased energy and a fresh focus.

To be a role model.

After over a decade in student ministry, I am connected to a lot of teenagers and twenty-somethings on facebook.  My heart beats for those girls more than I could ever describe, and I find myself constantly thinking of ways to reach out to them, praying for them, and trying to bring them encouragement on their journey.  I have been very surprised to find out how many of them read this blog on a regular basis. It brings me joy that they stop by, because unfortunately the teens and twenties generation lives in a world of distorted images, false realities, and an image driven race to "success."  Many of them have been walked out on by someone, and hide major insecurities.  They feel fiercer competition for image and status than we ever felt thanks to social networking.  They have seen marriage become more about a wedding than a covenant, and have even seen celebrities they follow enter marriage as a joke or publicity stunt.  They are under a ton of social pressure and often feel confused by conflicting messages all around them.

But here, on this little blog, I want them to find truth, which is found in one place - God's Word.  I want them to know they are loved by God and can find contentment with Him, not the things of this world.  I want them to know that life is much, much, much more than status and image and other empty and meaningless vanities.  I want them to know marriage is not a joke or meaningless union, but a God-given blessing; that when vows are taking seriously and a couple makes Christ the foundation of their life, it can be absolutely amazing.  I want them to know that a good spiritual, marriage, and family life takes hard work, but brings joy far greater than the material things that seem so tantalizing or temporary pleasures that give a short but later empty high.  My husband and I try our utmost to model to the next generation something real, genuine, strong, and happy - and that is rooted in Christ alone.

Recently one of the precious girls in our youth group who we love to pieces and who reads this blog was sharing some of her boy problems with me.  After a long conversation, she smiled and sighed and said, "Well, hopefully one day I'll find my Mr. Jimmy."  Oh, sweet girl - you will!  Just hold out for him.  Wait for a guy who loves and honors God first, cherishes and respects you, believes in honoring vows and keeping commitments, and seeks to live like Jesus - then you will find your Mr. Jimmy.

To remember.

I guess this is where this blog is more for me and our family than anyone else.  Life goes fast.  Days race by and turn into years.  I try to be present in each day, making the most of the moments God gives us.  But it can be easy to forget what was happening and how we felt and what God was teaching us during all the seasons of our life.  I want to remember those things.  And I want to remember the funny things my kids said, or how our house looked at Christmas, or what activities I did with my kids, or even how to make that baked oatmeal or those marinated strawberries I loved.  I want to remember  how my heart felt during the ups and downs of our  life.  This blog is a journal of sorts, a capture of life as we knew it.

I write with discretion though, relying on the Holy Spirit for help.  I believe there is a marked distinction between authenticity and immaturity.  I have cringed countless times scrolling down my facebook newsfeed as I have seen private conflicts in marriages, families, friendships, churches, and companies made public and open for commentary.  I feel sad and discouraged as I read sharply opinionated statuses or blog entries that seem to drip with bitterness, ugliness, and anger, or seem directed at a person to tear them down.  I know how many times the Bible warns us about our words, and I try my best to use mine carefully.  I don't do it perfectly, but as I journal through this life, I aim to do so with discretion and respect, keeping some issues and lots of details sacred between God, my husband, my family, and me.  I want to be able to share struggles as they are part of our life and journey here on earth, but I never want to hurt anyone in the process.  So some parts of our life go into this particular journal, and others stay tucked away.  And I write about a lot of happy moments because honestly and simply put, we are a happy family!  This blog is filled with pieces of my heart and the life we share and love.

And one day when my kids are older, they will have detailed access to my heart and love for them during their childhood years.  They will know what joy I took in being their mom.  They will know I loved God's Word and delighted in keeping our home when they were little.  This blog will bring back memories and be part of their heritage.  I love that.

As I wrap up this post, I just wanted to say thank you.  Thank you for reading! Thank you for your feedback.  Thank you for sharing a cup of coffee and your journey with me.  Thank you for being patient with me when life's responsibilities keep me from having the time to post as often as I'd like, or bearing with me when I pull back, don't write as often, and try to retreat into that self-protrective corner.  If you have questions or topics I could write about that would help you along the way, please let me know.  Please know that when I sit down in my green chair to share my heart and life, I do so with intentions to encourage you, be a bright light in your life, inspire and energize you.

And most of all, please know that the greatest reason I write is so you can see Jesus.  So you can see His love and invite Him into your life, and let Him transform it into something abundant and joyful.  So you can develop a passion for His Word and let it seep into your daily activities, making them more intentional and positive.  And that through Jesus, even in the midst of this crazy world, you can find contentment.

With Much Love and Many Thanks,

Jennifer

A Few Last Minute Christmas Ideas!

I made a cute gift for a friend and I think I want to make one for myself next year.  It only took a few minutes to assemble but makes a fun decoration to set out during the Christmas season!  All I did was put some jingle bells in a canning jar, add some scrapbook paper to the lid, make a decorative tag that said "Get Your Jingle On" and tie it on with a festive ribbon.  If you need a last minute gift idea for a friend or hostess you could do this in no time flat!

I have been meaning to share with you some of the wonderful ideas that were shared at our ladies event "Don't Get Your Tinsel In A Tangle" - here are a few you could still use these last few days.  Our friends Sharon and Debbie showed us how coffee filters make great packaging for homemade bread...

And how kids could turn plain white paper into festive, personalized wrapping paper.

My mom and her friend Linda showed us how the raw veggies you serve at your holiday get-togethers can become a striking centerpiece with toothpicks and a styrofoam cone...

I shared the Jezebel Sauce recipe that was such a holiday hit last year...it is so easy to whip up and makes a fantastic appetizer poured over cream cheese and served with crackers!

I also shared a new and extremely recipe I came across this year for Snow Candy...all you need is to melt some white chocolate chips (I add a spoonful of shortening as well) and mix in craisins and walnuts.  Drop onto some wax paper and you have some sweet and tasty candy!

And my mom shared how sometimes at Christmas what we need most is a Party for Two - just ourselves and Jesus.  In the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle we can find a quiet moment when the rest of the house is asleep and instead of wrapping or baking or working, we can pause.  Make a hot cup of cocoa or cider.  Pull out our Bible and a favorite devotional book and reconnect with the Savior we celebrate this time of year.

Wishing you the merriest last few days before Christmas!  

Don't get your tinsel in a tangle!  

November Inspiration

This time of year is so full, and has me busy with lots of projects.  We've been blessed to have some wonderful weather since October 1st with many cool days and chilly nights, giving us a good sense of fall here in the Sunshine State.  As the wind whips through the orange groves and through my open windows, the sounds of autumn invigorate and inspire me to create more.  As I've mentioned, this time of year makes me want to incorporate natural products into my decorating, and I put together a centerpiece using cranberries, sticks, and baby's breath.

I moved my acorns to the centerpiece to add warmth and more reminders of nature.

The sticks actually came from one of those cinnamon brooms that you can pick up at the produce section of the grocery store, and give off the spicy scents of autumn.

I added a few cranberries to the bottom of two half-pint canning jars, and set 50 cent votive holders on top for a unique votive display.

The candlelit sights of autumn bring me pause.

Remember the plate I told you I was thrilled and surprised to discover at Walmart?  The matching tray was such a bargain I went ahead and purchased it, and used it as the base of this centerpiece.

A few days ago I used this delicious recipe to make homemade Apple Butter Bread for my family.  It made a huge loaf, and the kids gobbled it up!  Savoring and enjoying the tastes of autumn.

I added some leftover faux pumpkins and gourds as well some pincecones to an old wire egg basket to give a touch of harvest to the ledge in my entryway.

I find so much beauty in simplicity.

Today I had the opportunity to teach a class on making Whoopie Pies to a group of seniors at a retirement center.  It was my first time teaching a baking class and it was so fun!  I showed them how to make a traditional Chocolate Whoopie Pie with White Frosting, then demonstrated how to make this Pumpkin Whoopie Pie with Cream Cheese Frosting rolled in autumn leave sprinkles for a seasonal treat.  The ladies enjoyed the class, and definitely enjoyed the goodies!

I found this recipe in a Whoopie Pie cookbook from Crate and Barrel, and it was fabulous!  This would be a fun treat to serve or send home with guests at your Thanksgiving celebrations.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Beat 1 cup brown sugar and 1 stick of softened butter.  Add 1 1/2 cups pumpkin and 1 egg, beating well.  Mix 1 tsp vanilla until combined.

Sift together 2 1/4 flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 TBSP cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp ginger, 1 tsp allspice, 1 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt.

Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and beat on low until incorporated (batter will be thick).  Using 2 TBSP scoop, drop batter onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes at 350.  Let cakes cool on pan for 5 minutes then cool on rack.

Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

Mix 4 oz cream cheese, 4 TBSP softened butter, 3 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar (I reduce this to a little under 3) and 1 tsp vanilla.  Beat until creamy and smooth, about 4 minutes.

Fill pies with frosting, then roll in sprinkles if desired.

The projects will continue during this harvest month as we give thanks and prepare for Christmas.  My scents will continue to be satisfied by the blessings of my favorite season, a season that is always filled with such inspiration.  What's inspiring you this November?!

Joining the inspiration here again!  Always such fun!