O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. (Psalm 104:24 NLT)

A common complaint I hear from parents is the panic and pressure around getting the school lunches make.  Without a little planning and forethought a parent is left dolling out more cash than they want so their kids can buy the lunch Mom ran out of time to prepare.

As a child I have to admit lunch time was not all that exciting… Read More

“But blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers— Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season.
- Jeremiah 17:7, The Message

Summer always seems to be a time for relaxing and having fun.  You don’t have to put on the trappings of winter before stepping outside–there’s a freedom the colder months don’t offer.

Just as our clothes are lighter, our… Read More

I’ve been so encouraged and inspired by readers and fellow bloggers regarding how they’ve taken bits and pieces from my Reluctant Entertainer theme, and have put those ideas into place in their own lives!  People are experiencing freedom in learning how to serve others in love, focusing on people, many times centered around food!

One recent story went like this:

I just wanted to let you know how inspiring and encouraging your blog is, and to send kudos to you. From seeing all of your great get-togethers with friends, I felt encouraged to invite a couple… Read More

I love graciously entertaining in my home, and an important aspect of that love comes from being in sync with my husband. Being in sync in many ways – spiritually, physically, emotionally, and regarding how we work together in reaching out.  Although I first loved entertaining more than my husband did, he eventually joined in – and he now shares in my bliss!

This love for entertaining didn’t happen overnight for my husband. His biggest fear was making conversation with others, and keeping it going throughout the meal. It took time… Read More

“Thou art my God since my mother bare me.”
~ Psalm 22:10

Being a mom is one of the greatest responsibilities bestowed on a human. If you compare it to other things God asks us to do it can be overwhelming.

I sing on our worship team at church.  If I mess up on this ministry, what is the worse that could happen? I sing a flat note?  I go a little off key?  I might even prevent someone from entering into worship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords—but only temporarily. The ministry of being… Read More

And as it was budding, its blossoms came out, and its clusters produced ripe grapes. Genesis 40:10b (NAS)

As winter memories fade we begin to see new life springing forth everywhere we look. Tender shoots once again push their way through soil as the sun’s warm beams beckon.  The trees look ready to burst into green lusciousness at any moment. The sounds are different, the smells are different. Spring is bursting forth!

There is a newness, a freshness and a feeling of freedom that comes with spring.  The world around us is transformed.

Windows closed for… Read More

“He has risen, just as He said.”
~ Matthew 28:26 ~

Have you given much thought to yeast? Just a little bit of yeast can have a great impact on a large batch when making breads. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. (2 Corinthians 5:6)  Scripture often refers to yeast as sin.  Yeast is actually a fungi. Fungi will draw its nutrition from many things including decaying organic matter.

When we think of the last supper we remember Jesus breaking unleavened bread with the disciples. Bread that hadn’t risen. Bread without yeast. This… Read More