I’ve been meaning to share this with you since before Christmas, when I made these as handmade gifts. They are worth sharing because it is a craft that is super simple, affordable, and meaningful. Not only are handmade gifts precious to give and to receive, your favorite sentiments, in this case Latin proverbs, make these coasters heartfelt conversation starters. Here’s what you need: Set of tumbled travertine tiles from a home improvement store a Sharpie…or stamps if you are a stamper. I’m a Sharpie-er. cork drawer liner glue clear acrylic fixative spray Cut the cork drawer liner so that each square measures 1/4″ smaller than the size of each piece of tile. Center and glue to the back of the travertine tile. Place a book or two on top of the tile for added weight while the cork dries and adheres to the tile. When your set of tiles are […]
It is exhausting to keep up appearances. It is the all-American favorite pastime. To be the best, to look flawless, act confidently, live extraordinarily…is it not our national obsession? Everyone does it, and these days…there are lots and lots of ways to put your “best face forward.” Do we not, at times, betray our addiction to approval by the way we puff ourselves up, hide our sin, and wear religious garments of speech and association? I’m over at Beautifully Rooted today, sharing about seeking appearances, approval, and doing all things for the applause of one. Come visit me there today, and say hello!
Welcome to Grace Laced Mondays! Grace is found in the everyday when you are intentional about taking note of it. It is found in the sink full of dishes awaiting you after a family meal, it shines in the faces of your imperfect children, it soothes from the pages of God’s Word, and it is tucked into the enjoyment of a fresh batch of cookies. Grace is in a beautiful moment and a heartbreaking one alike. Grace is blessing beyond what you and I deserve. ********************************* Jenny at The Toddler Whisperer found grace last week by counting the blessings of God’s provision in her life: “Father, thank You for loving us, and caring so much about us. For calling us your children, because of the sacrifice Christ made for us. Lord, help each one of us who struggle to pick up the shield of faith, and stand strong against the […]
The boys are always outside storming a castle, hiding in the trenches, rallying the troops, or chucking grenades. Each new baby boy is always swiftly initiated into the games, and it’s been no different with Number 5. Big brothers build up forts and what they lovingly term “The PPD”: private playing deck, a specially designed and barricaded fortress for their baby brother to stay out of harm’s way while joining the allied forces. Baby brother keeps watch, guards the gates, and tries to figure out which side he’s actually on…really.
Sometimes I receive questions from readers, the answers to which I hope may encourage and benefit others here at GraceLaced. I’m an unfinished work, and do not have wisdom in all things…but I count it a privilege to share here. You are welcome to contact me with your questions! Hi Ruth! I found your blog recently, and have been so touched and encouraged by what I’ve read. Thank you for being so transparent and willing to share. Can I ask you what your time alone with God looks like? Do you have an order in which you go in or some sort of structure? When reading the Word, do you read the Bible only or do you use study guides? And if you use the Bible only, how do you choose which book in the Bible to read. Do you journal as you go along? This has been such […]
Right around this time each year, I get a yearning for nightly grilling. Summer nights sound so appealing already. Do you get this way too? The Preacher’s dad, my dear father-in-law, gifted us his specially formulated blackening spice mix at Christmastime. A dusting of this fragrant mixture transforms fish and meats alike. A ubiquitous, modest chicken breast starts tasting a bit like something served up at the neighborhood bistro when “blackened” on the grill, and served over a crisp cobb salad. And because he’s a generous kind of guy, Dad is sharing his recipe with all you lovelies today…enjoy! Cajun Dust Blackening Spice Mix 4 tablespoons paprika 3 tablespoons black pepper, coarsely ground 3 tablespoons basil, dried (flakes) 3 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons oregano, dried (flakes) 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons white pepper 2 tablespoons thyme, dried (flakes) 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon […]
We are in the fifth chapter of Feminine Appeal this month: The Pleasure of Purity. I hope you’ve joined in by reading with us month by month as we study this encouraging book on the seven virtues of a godly wife and mother found in Titus 2. The topic of purity in sexual intimacy can evoke feelings of restraint or that of freedom. Clearly, we live in a culture that regards biblical purity as the former, but we as God’s beloved know better….Or do we? “Purity’s pleasure is receiving sex as a wonderful gift from our Creator and enjoying it for His glory.” (p. 82) Intimacy in marriage was intended for our enjoyment. But, let’s be honest…how often do we echo, in the way we act, the world’s perception that the most fun to be had is before marriage rather than in the God-honoring union of marriage. It’s everywhere in our […]
Welcome to Grace Laced Mondays! Grace is found in the everyday when you are intentional about taking note of it. It is found in the sink full of dishes awaiting you after a family meal, it shines in the faces of your imperfect children, it soothes from the pages of God’s Word, and it is tucked into the enjoyment of a fresh batch of cookies. Grace is in a beautiful moment and a heartbreaking one alike. Grace is blessing beyond what you and I deserve. ********************************* Michelle, of The Willing Cook, shared honestly about mom guilt last week–specifically in the area of food allergies…and pointed us toward grace for embracing the life we’ve been given: “How do I forgive myself from things that I want to control, but have not? I don’t know that I can, not fully, at least. I have to get hold of this thing called forgiveness […]
Sponsors make it possible for me to have this little piece of cyber-space. I am so grateful for these local and web-based businesses to choose to advertise with this blog, and to support GraceLaced. If you are a blog, an etsy shop, a web-based business, or a local business and would like exposure to the GraceLaced readership, please contact me for more information about sponsorships. I am so pleased to introduce the sponsors of GraceLaced for the month of February. Please take advantage of the discounts that some sponsors have offered to GraceLaced readers for this month. ******************************************** Visit their website here. ******************************************** Please visit their website here. Mention this post, and enjoy 10% your total purchase in the month of February! ******************************************** Please visit their website here. For in-store purchases, please save and print above image for $10 off purchase of $50 or more in the month of February. ********************************************* Please visit the […]
There has been some sickness at our house this past week, ending with the littlest succumbing to antibiotics for an ear infection. Poor little mancub…he’s been miserable! There’s also been heart issues around our household: broken hearts, weary hearts, angry hearts, impatient hearts, fearful hearts, mending hearts. I dare say, heart issues are more trying than physical issues. These are the weeks that I’m on the computer less, I hold the kids more, and the house stays a bit messier. These are the weeks I crave time alone, but I have to fight for the desire for time alone with the Lord. Surely you know what I’m talking about. These are the weeks I am reminded that my roots cannot be shallow; they must go deep… That’s what I’m writing about today at Beautifully Rooted. (my first post as a contributor!) …It seems that we oftentimes display luscious foliage and fruit […]
Indulge me one more post about my latest culinary craze, won’t you? After serving numerous breakfast versions of Dutch Baby–dusted with powdered sugar, smothered with mixed berries, engulfed in whipped cream, or dripping with bacon maple syrup–I found myself in need of a quick lunch option one day last week. Turns out that Dutch Baby is just as delightful savory as it is sweet. Place your skillet or baking dish in cold oven, and bring to 475F. 3 eggs 3/4 cup flour 3/4 cup milk 4 Tbs. butter In a blender, combine eggs, flour, and milk. Blend on high for 30 seconds or until frothy. When oven is to temperature, put your butter in the skillet with some diced onions. Return skillet to the oven until butter melts and is brown (2-3 minutes.) Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar to melted butter in pan. (I’m sure feta, swiss, and any other […]
I’ve always seen blogging as a creative outlet, a ministry, and an opportunity to impact the lives of people I may never have met otherwise. I really feel blessed to have a voice in this small corner of the world wide web, and am continually encouraged by the community here, the ideas exchanged, and the ways I’m growing, myself, just by writing regularly. As ministry and community is currently in the midst of transition in my life, I’ve been praying about what the Lord would have me invest in, who to invest in, and how to use my time most wisely. A blog is just another whitewashed tomb if there is not real living behind the words and pretty pictures. Like I’ve said before, blogging is not that important; living in the reality of grace is. I pray my blog will always reflect that kind of living. While praying through these […]