Stitching Through the Snow: A Cozy afternoon of Sewing and Chai

February 2, 2026February 1, 2026 RefreshHer1 Comment

This weekend’s winter storm was unexpected, and I’m sorry for those who were challenged by its arrival. However, for me, it was a blessing. Winter storms are different than other kinds of weather because they make us stop and hunker in.

After a couple of very busy weeks, we were forced by the snow storm to stay inside, to slow down and rest. We didn’t have little ones tugging at our arms to go outside like young parents did. We had the blessing of quiet peacefulness as we watched the snow fall all day Saturday.

I took advantage of the opportunity to settle into my craft room and do some needed, yet fun sewing projects. I mended an item, then made a couple of little zippered pouches. I’ve shown before that I made small bags using my dad’s old ties for the fabric. The first make-up bag I made for myself a couple years ago had gotten tattered, so I made a new one to replace it. The large bag below is tie fabric. The smaller coin bag is just a piece of fabric I had left over from another project. It was fun to have the time to create something at the sewing machine.

Once I get started, I want to keep making these! I have hopes to create a bunch in the future.

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January Recap

January 30, 2026January 29, 2026 RefreshHerLeave a comment

After a lovely six weeks of rest and time at home, D and D Ministries started back up the second week of January. We jumped in with both feet, hosting our first Refuge and Refreshment retreat. That means that we planned and hosted a two night, three day retreat at a retreat center. We had precious friends come and cook all the meals, our daughters and one son-in-law were there to serve alongside us, ministering to so many needs.

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God's Presence

The Comfort of His Presence

January 26, 2026 RefreshHer2 Comments

Imagine going to town this morning. You pull up to the red light and turn to see that the car in the lane next to you is someone that’s close to you – your husband, parent, pastor, or friend. You nod and wave, acknowledging their presence. The light turns green and you go on. When you arrive at the library to return your books, you open the car door and there’s that same person that was at the green light. They smile and watch as you go into the building. “I didn’t know we were going the same direction today,” you might think. You jump back in your car and head to the salon for your hair appointment. When you walk in, there sits that person again, reading a magazine. You laugh, perhaps, shake your head and walk into the room where your stylist is waiting for your arrival. Imagine that everywhere you went today that same person showed up. They didn’t threaten or frighten you, but you are very aware of their presence.

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freezer · Saving money on groceries · Uncategorized

A Grocery Challenge

January 19, 2026January 19, 2026 RefreshHerLeave a comment

There is something comforting to me about having my pantry and freezer well-stocked, ready to help me pull a meal together at a moment’s notice. However, after the holidays, I decided I needed to use up what is on the shelves so they don’t go to waste. That was when I told Dale, I’m only buying perishable items until I use most of what I have.”

It’s challenged me to get creative with my menus. I’ve taken a longer look in my pantry before deciding what we’ll have for lunch or supper.

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Cooking · Home making

Making Cooking a Little More Fun

January 16, 2026January 16, 2026 RefreshHer2 Comments

For the most part I have always enjoyed working in the kitchen. It’s the art of creating something new that pulls me in. But as with any kind of creativity, I have found that using the right tools and ones in good condition make the work more like a fun outlet rather than work.

The right size bowls, pretty wooden spoons, a beautiful dish, wooden cutting boards, sharp knives, lovely linen towels, shiny canisters and herbs at my fingertips is what I’m talking about. When I go to cook or bake, it’s so much more enjoyable if I use my favorite bowl made in England that I found at a thrift store, or my cute little wooden spoon that reminds me of the spoon Goldilocks uses in The Three Little Bears.

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