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16 Comments» Continue ReadingI’m not a naturally hopeful person. In fact, I’d describe myself as realistic with a heaping dose of melancholy. Left up to my natural state, I’d likely think myself into a tizzy, work myself into depression, and drive myself and others around me nuts. I have it in me to be such a feeler and such a processor of all things that I can burden those around me, expecting more of myself and others than they were ever meant to give. You see, something in the heart of every person is longing for MORE. We’re all longing for the new beginning, the fresh start, the clean slate, the exciting future. But for those of us who are no longer wide-eyed children, for those of us who’ve walked the road of pain and disappointment…we’ve seen and felt reality: That just because the calendar turns to January 1st, not all things are […]
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» Continue ReadingFor all of us who are tired of trying in our own strength. For all of us who are worn out from chasing what was never meant to satisfy. Jesus is the hope of nations…He’s the hope for the weary soul. I’m praying that you will experience rest in Christ alone this Christmas. Much love to you, dear readers, as you celebrate the wonder of His coming and His coming again. Merry Christmas! Now let’s link up in community… Welcome to GraceLaced Mondays, a link up dedicated to sharing any and all blog posts by like-minded lovers of grace–God’s grace! Grace is found in the everyday when you are intentional about taking note of it…and I invite you to share your story, great or small, of how everyday moments are full of Grace. *Link back to GraceLaced –so your readers can find us here– by copying and pasting the […]
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» Continue ReadingYesterday was a bit of a disaster. It was the kind of day that made me think I believed in putting my kids in front of TV for hours and hours. It was the kind of day that made me frustrated to have five noisy boys who play loud and argue louder. It was the kind of day that started with good intentions and ended with much repentance. I could blame it on the kitchen remodel. Because yes, it is still total chaos around here. I could blame it on the first day of Christmas break. Doesn’t it seem like first day of break is always a bit weird? I could blame it on the pressure of being completely behind and unprepared for Christmas. Nope, not one present wrapped under the tree. I could blame it on the pregnancy hormones. Is it normal that I’m responding to stress with crying […]
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» Continue ReadingIf you must know, I cry a lot when I’m pregnant. I’ve been pregnant over Christmas all but one time, and each time, the sappy commercials get me. You know which ones… …the Folgers’ one where the son comes home for Christmas and the sister puts the bow on him because he’s her preset. *Sob.* …or the Kay Jewelers one where the woman is shocked to find that the ring she’s trying on fits…because he’s already sized it for his proposal. *Sob.* Or the finale of The Voice…alright, you get the idea. So when I say that something really moved me or made me cry, you may not think much of it. But this is different. Don’t dismiss this. Have you heard of I Like Giving? …an online campaign to inspire generous living. In small ways, in big ways, in surprising ways…in ways that inspire me and bring me to […]
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» Continue ReadingIt’s taken me all weekend to think, process, and respond to the horrific events of Friday. I have everything to say…and very few things at all. The death of innocent children, grieving parents, devastated communities, heartbroken nations– it’s not unlike the pain of war-torn countries, of genocide…of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth as Mary and Joseph escaped the egomania of King Herod. There has long been a precedent of the innocent suffering at the hands of the self-absorbed, cowardly, hateful, and evil. I’m deeply saddened by the devastating death of innocent school children and heroic teachers…but I’m not surprised. Honestly, I’m sometimes surprised that there isn’t more continuous destruction…that God has graciously restrained us from utterly destroying ourselves. I’m surprised when I see His grace hedging me in from the cliff of my own self-sufficiency, my deceptive pride, my self-righteous temper, and my wandering heart. Left up to myself, destructive, […]
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» Continue ReadingI am so pleased to introduce the sponsors of GraceLaced for the month of December. Please take advantage of the discounts and giveaways that some sponsors have offered to GraceLaced readers for this month. Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant, Leslie Cook, is offering a giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway Visit Leslie Cook, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant’s website here. ************************************************* Date Lady is offering a giveaway! a Rafflecopter giveaway The dates, date syrup, and soon-to-arrive date caramel sauce from Date Lady are all organic, gluten-free, vegan, kosher, and never contain processed sugars! ************************************************* Moses Kountry Heath Store is offering a giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway For NM locals: Moses Kountry Health Store has live blood analysis, microlight pain therapy and foot reflexology by appointment. They are also offering 50% off gift cards until December 24th. (Maximum value of a $100 may be purchased per person, per day.) Gift card may […]
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» Continue ReadingFriends, do you ever wonder if what your’re doing as a family to help others at Christmastime is “enough” or the right efforts? The holiday season is such a paradox isn’t it? It is an incredibly materialistic time of year; and yet, there is seemingly such a cultural focus on doing good and showing generosity to others. I am such a work in progress in this area–I definitely don’t have all the answers. But, I have a great desire to see my family understand what true generosity is…and TO WHAT END we are to be generous. I’m at The Better Mom today, thinking through the difference between worldly generosity and the kind modeled by Christ. We have so much to learn from his example. Won’t you join me there? Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for December’s Sponsor Day, full of great giveaways and promotions from my sponsors! Have wonderful […]
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» Continue ReadingWe took a walk down by the river a few weeks ago… …there’s nothing like the sound of crushed leaves beneath your feet paired with the cool autumn air. Everyone is off discovering something beyond the monotony of his everyday life… …gazing further than what can usually be seen from within the walls of your house… …and we discover these guys… …who seem to be sitting still and going nowhere… …but in reality, have already shed their infant shells… …and taken flight in their matured wings. Did you know that the cicada takes up to 17 years, nestled beneath the shelter of the soil, before it emerges ready to try out it’s adult wings? Be patient, Mama. This is but a short while…preparing them to shed that insufficient shell and take flight. What they will become is being molded day by day, hidden away in the safety of yours […]
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» Continue ReadingThe lady at the checkout greeted me with the obligatory “How are you today?” as my handful of grocery items ran through the register. As I was in a hurry to get home, I quickly replied, “I’m doing alright, thanks.” I smiled. She smiled. I ran my card, and was on my way. As I loaded my groceries into the back of my car, the thought crossed my mind: That gal has no idea what a crazy day I’m having, how overwhelmed I feel, how much I’m struggling with patience– how I’m attempting to homeschool, feed my family, and keep up with laundry in a home that is under major reconstruction…while living in it with five young boys. “Alright” just doesn’t really cut it. But no sooner did I finish that thought when another thought countered: I have no idea what kind of day she is having either! Does SHE feel overwhelmed […]
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» Continue ReadingI have been long influenced and encouraged by the motherhood-mentoring heart of Sally Clarkson. My heart for homeschooling was largely shaped by the book she co-wrote with her husband, Clay: Educating the WholeHearted Child, and Sally’s The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child’s Heart for Eternity gave me a sweet perspective for all that I can impart to my children through home and heart. I met Sally at Allume in October. I immediately felt a kindred connection visiting with her. I was so honored when she asked me to join her team at Mom Heart, a site “where any mom can come to be encouraged, equipped, and enabled as a mother after God’s heart.” I’m excited to share that I will be a monthly contributor at Mom Heart. In addition, I will be attending my first Mom Heart conference in Denver in January. Wanna join me? I’d love to meet you if you plan […]
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» Continue ReadingWe say we believe that God is sovereign and God is good. We say that we believe He always does what is best for our lives. And yet, we don’t always respond to life’s circumstances with absolute trust, submission, and peace in our loving God. I know I don’t. In fact, I can recall the past six ultrasounds accompanying the last six pregnancies. The first ended in miscarriage and the subsequent ones revealed little boys added to our family. Each time I trusted in God’s plan, but each time I inwardly struggled through tears and disappointment in not getting to welcome a little girl in our lives. I even wrote a psalm about the disappointment last time with Number 5. I share this to give Him glory…to praise Him for transforming my heart. Not only was I not prepared for this pregnancy, I couldn’t imagine the Lord entrusting me with […]
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» Continue ReadingOur family rarely gets sick. I’m so thankful– because in a family of 7, you’d think we would be sick all the time! However, when one of us falls ill, especially with a stomach bug, our entire family often goes down HARD. You may recall that week before and after the birth of Number 5. As a result, there is a bit of fear among the older boys when the beginnings of a virus starts making its way through our family. I can see it in their faces. I sense it in their questions. They are worrying. And, how can I blame them…as one lies in bed, waiting for the other’s tummy trouble on the bottom bunk to take its toll and rush his brother to the restroom. What is a boy to do but to worry about catching the virus, about the sleeplessness, the pain, the canceling of fun […]
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Hello, friend...I'm Ruth. Welcome to GraceLaced, where you will find my imperfect, but grace-filled musings on the Gospel, motherhood, crafting, art, domesticity, cooking, and the often-times overlooked joys of finding grace in the everyday of life. Read my full profile here.
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