A Blogger’s Confession

April 7, 2016April 6, 2016 RefreshHer11 Comments

On Monday afternoon my husband took deliberate, necessary time out of a busy day to take me bike riding at the Biltmore Estates. Our season pass gives us access to the bike paths, and hearing that it was going to be a beautiful day, and because we were going to Asheville for other business, we decided to strap the bikes onto the Jeep and go for it!

The weatherman was right – it was beautiful! High 70 degree weather greeted us as we pushed our bikes to where we would get a map of the estate and begin our peddling expedition. However, before I ever even peddled my first inch forward, I had a minor accident (leave it to me!). My husband had climbed aboard his bike and was too far ahead to see that when I lifted my leg to go over the bike bar, I lost my balance! Jumping on one foot, I tried to steady myself, but to no avail. The bike and I came crashing down together onto the pavement like a waltz gone bad! (I see you laughing, and I don’t blame you!)

A kind group of people nearby saw me and hollered to ask if I was okay, and began to scramble up the hill towards my awkward situation. I assured them I was okay – only a bit broken in spirit! I knew I hurt, but I also knew nothing was broken, thank the Lord. I picked up myself – and my poor dance partner – and caught up with my husband, who had no clue what his clumsy wife had just done!

I laughed it off and we were able to take the paths and enjoy the views and the ride. It was a fun time – while safely on the seat! It wasn’t until later that night when we got home I saw the damage my little crash had done to my upper leg. A purple-ish bruise was beginning to show its ugly face. The next morning it was black and blue and much larger. It’s tenderness kept me from sleeping on that side without groaning. The arm that caught me and softened my fall was also sore. “Oh well, it was worth it!” I thought to myself.

As I pondered this scene in my mind this week, I realized that this is so much like a blogger’s life – or anyone who opens their life up for others to see. I tell you

“We went to the Biltmore to ride bikes!”

and you see this –

Biltmore bikes.jpg

smiling faces, blue skies with puffy clouds, and the mansion beyond the lake. You may think, “How perfect. How serene. Wish that was me!” But what you don’t see is the ugly, painful bruise on my thigh! Why not? Well, that’s personal! Who would show that?!

I say all this to be honest and to perhaps open your eyes to what you know is true. No one has a trouble-free life. Recently I received a precious email from a dear reader who assumed that our family had not gone through parenting woes. She sees my girl’s posts and it looks like there are “no bruises.” This was a reminder to me of a truth that needs to be shared.

There are some things that should remain unspoken and unseen, and though it’s not mentioned they ARE there. There are difficulties. There are painful times. There are trials. There are internal bruises and hurts that no one else knows but the Lord. It’s not that I desire to be a phony, because there are times when I share difficulties, but there are some times and some things that are not for sharing.

Bloggers, pastor’s wives, speakers – anyone in the light all have imperfect lives. They struggle just like you. Be careful not to assume that because you can’t see their bruises, they have none. They are there – they’re just wise to protect their families and loved ones, and even themselves. Don’t put them up on a pedestal. They (I) have dusty houses, selfish hearts, burned cookies and mood swings – just like you.

If this blogger can encourage you with some of my bruises, and with some of my “happy biking days,” that will make my heart smile. I’m not writing because I’m perfect. I’m as far from that as I am from purchasing the Biltmore for our vacation home! I’m writing because God has put a message in my heart to share, because I want to be a blessing and encourage your heart, home and life with some small thought or idea.

Thanks for remembering that I have bruises and imperfections – and thanks for reading anyway! You and I are on the same path. I hope yours is free from falls and bruises today!

With a desire to refresh you,

It’s Done!

April 6, 2016April 5, 2016 RefreshHer6 Comments

This has been a year in coming and I still can’t believe my eyes when I look out the back windows of my house. Are you ready for the backyard patio reveal?

Before:

backyard

After:

Of course this will be a work in progress as we add landscape to it a little at a time, but to see the beautiful hard-scape finished is enough to make me shout and cry, and I’ve done both!

In June the area between the smaller circles will be connected with a low brick wall. I’ll plant rose shrubs there. The grass between the circles will remain. Perhaps a birdbath or the like will go on the grass. Shrubbery will be added along the sides of the large circle, flowers will be border the edges. Can you see it? I can! Slowly and in time it will come.

Here are a couple more pics:

patio 3

The smaller circles will be for a cafe’ table on one side and a bench on the other. We want to have plenty of seating options for our guests.

patio 2

This patio was dreamed about as a way to really be able to utilize, for God’s glory, the huge backyard we have. This really invites you out there! It’s our desire to use this as a meeting place for people. I have a fun plan for the early fall, but I’ll not share that quite yet. =)

I hope I never forget all that the Lord has taught me as I’ve waited for the completion of this project! Let me write a few of those here for my remembrance and your encouragement:

God is always at work – even when we cannot see the evidence with our eyes.
God can take ugly situations and make them beautiful in His way and His time.
His timing is always perfect.
His provision is always complete and beyond what I could ever do.
I can trust God to do the work needed in my life and others’ lives.
Sanctification happens one step at a time – just like my backyard project.

So,

Trust Him dear Mom.

Trust Him single gal.

Trust Him wife.

For all the needs in your life, the Architect of your life is at work.

With praise to my God,

Bread · breakfast

French Breakfast Puffs

April 4, 2016April 2, 2016 RefreshHer2 Comments

Has anyone you know well ever walked past you without speaking? Or maybe they spoke, but they just barely gave you the time of day? Well, I realized that my dear sweet friend, the French Breakfast Puff kind of got overlooked; slighted if you will here on my blog! It’s just wrong because these little guys are the sweetest and the best breakfast treat! I shared them on my blog about five years ago, but they just did not get the attention and recognition that they deserve! Soooo, without further ado, I give you The French Breakfast Puff:

French Breakfast puff

I made these last Easter weekend and realized that I needed to post them again, just in case some of my readers hadn’t tried them. These are a cross between a muffin and a donut – how does that sound?!

French Breakfast Puffs

1 1/2 C flour
3/4 C sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 C milk
1 egg, beaten
1/3 C butter, melted
1 tsp cinnamon
Topping
1/2 C sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/3 C butter, melted

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Add milk, beaten egg, and 1/3 cup melted butter. Mix well. Fill greased muffin tins 2/3 full and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove while still hot, dip in melted butter, then mixture of sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Makes 1 dozen

puff platter.jpg — I made up a double batch and shared them with my neighbors, along with an invitation to join us for Easter services!

Let’s give this treat the rightful place they deserve – your breakfast plate or even dessert plate! Run, don’t walk to the kitchen and mix up a batch. They require no special ingredients and can be made in a flash!

With love from my country kitchen,

Home making

Be Sure to Wash These!

April 1, 2016March 30, 2016 RefreshHer2 Comments

pillow washing2.jpg

I’m not sure why I didn’t realize a long time ago that bed pillows can be machine washed and dried! They really come out of the dryer so soft and fluffy, clean and fresh smelling that I can’t believe I didn’t do this before. I used to just pitch the pillow and buy new ones! Now I try to make a regular habit of throwing them in a nice warm wash and getting them fresh once again.

In your spring cleaning, be sure to gather up all the pillows and wash them, a few at a time, then keep up the routine through the year. Your beds will be nice and fresh and you might even sleep better!

Am I the only one who didn’t learn this until later in life?!

Stay refreshed,

Christian Life · waiting

Progress

March 31, 2016March 31, 2016 RefreshHer4 Comments

Look friends! Look what is happening in the hole in my backyard!!! It might not look a whole lot different than when I posted about it here, but the point is that progress is being made!! I can see it! I can even hear it as the compressor goes over the sand and gravel. Oh, what a wonderful sight to my waiting eyes!

This project has taken far longer than I’d anticipated. It’s caused disappointment, frustration and even despair! At times I even believed it was impossible. I have gazed out my window so often and pictured what that finished patio was going to look like. I could see people sitting around the fire pit, laughing, talking enjoying the warmth of the fire while piling toasted marshmallows onto golden crackers. I could imagine it – but I couldn’t really see it, because it wasn’t a reality.

But now I see progress! Something is moving out there! There is tangible evidence that change is being made, and I can’t contain my excitement!

Can we make the connection with the trial that you’re facing right now or with the prayer request that seems impossible? Or the person that shows no interest whatsoever in coming to faith in Christ? At times all you see is an “ugly hole in your backyard!” Nothing is happening or changing! Let me encourage you to keep peering out the window with eyes of faith! There will be a Day when you will say, “But Now I see progress…”