A few years ago we bought a preformed Advent wreath at Michael's. I wrapped some ribbons and beads around it, stuck some plastic red berries into the greenery here and there, and deemed it ready for service. It was hardly an example of artistic brilliance, but it would serve us fine. It was festive. It would hold the … [Read more...]
An Oasis in our Fast-Paced Lives
Ken Gire, in his book The Reflective Life, described the plentiful options we have before us to fill our plates, our days (I'm adding a few and updating to reflect opportunities present in 2007): Vehicles to transport us wherever we want, even off-road, with audio technology and reading material--iPods, books on CD, podcasts--to keep the ride from getting … [Read more...]
10 Simple Ways to Class Up One’s Act (a notch)
You may have concluded at some point that I'm not exactly a style guru. If so, you are correct. Just ask the friend who does my hair—she's thrilled if I agree to something other than a blunt trim straight across. I often forget to wear makeup, even though my face would certainly benefit from daily attention and improvements. And then of … [Read more...]
Psalter/Proverb Devotional Reading Plan
Many years ago I saw an article explaining how Billy Graham read through both the book of Psalms and the book of Proverbs each month. He read one chapter in Proverbs per day—Proverbs 1 on the 1st day of the month and so on through the 31st. I guess he'd read several on the 28th of February to make it to the end (certainly wouldn't want to neglect … [Read more...]
Wonder and Whirligigs
It's Mother's Day. A day when I've been known to receive a fistful of daisies wilted dandelions or even dried up whirligig seed pods from a maple tree. Gifts of love clutched in a sweaty preschooler's hand and delivered with love. Tuck the collection into a vase. Position it front and center on the table. Don't compare with other moms … [Read more...]
Castile Soap for a Simpler Life (and blemish-free face)
One, simple idea. One bottle. One product to suggest: Castile soap, a product is made with vegetables and herbal oils. The one I use (Updated 2012: I originally used Trader Joe's Pure Peppermint Castile Soap in liquid form, but several years ago switched to Dr. Bronner's, which I love except for all the strange messaging printed on the bottle) adds a touch of Aloe Vera … [Read more...]
Crepes? Mais, Oui!
Every other week or so I make crepes. My family goes nuts. You'd think I told them we were going to shovel sugar straight from the sugar bowl into our mouths. Of course, that's not too far off reality. Crepes (once filled) are sweet. Crepes are also fattening. Crepes are delicious. In fact, when I'm feeling unappreciated, I simply pull out the eggs and announce a … [Read more...]
Let It Snow; Let Us Slow
[IMPORTANT UPDATE: For step-by-step instructions with photos on how to fix overnight crockpot oatmeal using the double-boiler/bain-marie method, please click to the how-to post I created exclusively about that (if you read this post, and you're welcome to, you will first read a long story--a pleasant one that you might enjoy--before arriving at the crockpot … [Read more...]
Make Room for the Universe
My friend John described a wilderness hiking trip he took with his son. "No pop-up campers out there, eh?" I asked. "Only what we could carry on our backs. We even slept under the stars." "No tent?" "Nope." I must have shuddered or made a face, because John grinned and tried to convince me of the beauty of backwoods camping. "It's … [Read more...]
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