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beauty from the ashes
Even after all the death and destruction the forest had gone through, new life was pushing its way through the cracked ground. Even after all that had been lost, hope was not lost. Even after seven years of trees that could no longer grow, a fresh forest was spreading. The cones and seeds that were buried under heaps of ash and soot had persevered, pushing ever upward.
the best road name of all time
We were driving on the left side of the road when I saw it—the sign I’d been waiting for my whole life.
25 things I learned + loved this past year
As a little birthday gift from me to you, I’ve made a list of the top things that made my year, from recipes to music to books. Here’s a little sneak peek into the things that shaped me. The things I loved. The things I learned. I’m praying that this list will encourage you, inspire you, and maybe even challenge you to get out and try something new or a little bit out of your comfort zone!
Counting His Goodness
This week, at a particularly low point, God showered me with unnecessary and unexpected goodnesses to remind me that even here, He is still faithful. He still notices. And He still cares.
In Process: How Renos Parallel Life
In 2022, Lars and I bought a small fixer-upper.
Correction: our house is small, but the fixer-upper aspect of it is vast. When we first stepped into the carpeted kitchen, the musty smell of mildew assaulted us. I may have imagined it, but every step left puffs of dust in its wake. The drop ceiling poorly hid fifteen rows of fluorescent lightbulbs.
Sheet Pan Meal Recipe
The easiness of this meal will rock your world! It tastes fantastic and the prep time is even more appealing—try it today!
time around the table
Every time we are sitting at this table, I feel the crushing weight of how precious time is—how fleeting. Both Gran and Pap share yarns from their lives and ask questions about ours. Five years is a long time to catch up on and I find myself hungry to sop up every last bit of the stories they share.
I had a pin go viral on Pinterest—here’s what changed
As a writer who hopes to one day publish a book, growing my audience is often on my mind. I hate the thought of self-promotion and balk at sharing something as simple as a blog post. I just want to write, not promote my writing!
Replacement is Easier
We had issues over this time, yes, but I couldn’t see them becoming big enough to cause irreparable fissures and cracks. I was used to long-distance relationships. I was used to low-maintenance relationships, too.
When Prayer Became More Than Words
I never doubted my faith, but what I did doubt was myself—whether I was good enough or whether I was doing enough to earn God's love. I treated my relationship with God like a checklist for many years. Read this guest post from writer Krista Krahn.
The Way God Gets My Attention + A Promise
Just before Enoch went to the ER, when my stress levels were peaking, Lars and I hopped out of the car after church. I glanced down. It was on one of the branches of a dying plant that I noticed it.
A Little Change That Makes a BIG Difference
So often in life we’re focused on the big picture, the huge goals that will revolutionize our lives and change our circumstances, when in reality, it’s the tiniest things that are the most helpful. Not only are small adjustments more sustainable, they are easier, gentler, and all in all, more likely to get done.
Matcha Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
This matcha chia seed pudding comes together in minutes and can last in your fridge all week. The matcha flavor boosts your energy and mood first thing, and the chia contains protein that will fuel you throughout your morning. Topped with berries and nuts, this pudding is a delicious and easy way to start your day!
a practice that will change how you approach habits
Have you ever had a big dream when you were younger that started to feel more like a pipe dream as you got older? I’ve been there, too. I didn’t know how to go about achieving things in a way that felt sustainable. But there is a way!
But First, Rootedness: Abiding in Christ Before Striving for Fruitfulness
Fruitfulness always springs from rootedness. You don’t have to dredge up good works in your own strength. Three tips for abiding in Christ instead of striving.
it is finished
Usually when someone says that something is finished, that means it’s as good as it’s going to get. But God’s finishing is a point of beginning for us. We can have a new life, new hopes, and new desires because God has completed the work we couldn’t do on our own!
mustard bath recipe
Epsom salts scented with the refreshing fragrance of eucalyptus, spearmint, rosemary, and wintergreen combine to create a sinus-clearing, muscle-relaxing bunch of goodness. And yes, mustard powder features in the blend, but it’s good, I promise!
an uncluttered Christmas
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices! Here are 8 ways to curate a slower Christmas season of rest, joy, and peace.
when your progress feels invisible
Sourdough is a process. I can’t quite remember what day I started. All I remember is that it was a quiet, unassuming Tuesday. The leaves were yellowing on the branches, and I’d thrown open all the curtains in our home to let in as much of the dwindling fall light as possible.
