Author: RefreshHer

home · Home decor

My Favorite Photos of the Week

RefreshHer8 Comments

Here’s the camera roll for the last week:

In the morniing chalkboard

I’ve changed some decor around after taking the Christmas beauty down.  Why can’t I just scribble and draw on my chalkboards every day?  It’s a favorite past time.  This saying is so true – Jesus…He’s what I need every. single.day.

bedroom mantle

This is my bedroom mantle.  I love the painting of the skaters.  My talented mom painted this – it’s only one of many she’s done. Yeah, I scribble – she paints!   I usually hang this over my piano for the winter months, but the aquas look so pretty in my bedroom, I decided to leave it in there.

paper box

My organized daughter, Whitney challenged me to get my wrapping box in order after the rush of Christmas caused it to be a disaster in disarray.  All the gift bags are stacked according to size and holiday, the ribbons are in one place and the tissue is on top.  She approved.  =)

winter mornings

I love winter mornings.  When we get up, it’s still plenty dark outside.  Inside it’s cozy with candles flickering and soft lights glowing.  I came downstairs for a second cup of coffee this week and found my husband reading his Bible  on his phone and Liza Jane waiting for a treat  bowing in prayer beside him. =^..^=

latte

My daughter, Alli and I met in Jonesborough on Monday morning to catch up and chat at the cutest little coffee shop that’s recently opened in town.  I had my first Chai Latte.  It was delicious!   I hope it won’t be my last!

As I look back on these six photos, I see a thread –

~The joy of making the most of each day.

~Organizing to make tasks easier and more fun.

~Decorating, crafting and embellishing to create an inviting environment in our home.

~Simplicity that brings delight.

God is so good, so generous, and loving to allow eyes to see, hands to work, and hearts to love at home, my favorite place.

What have you enjoyed about home this week?

With love from my country home,

 

Husband · Marriage

Because Marriage Matters

RefreshHer11 Comments
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#Mondaymarriagematters

If you are an Instagram follower , you’ll understand TBT.  It stands for, Throw Back Thursday.  On that day, many people will post a picture that’s a throwback to the past.

I’m going to try to start posting a new kind of picture each week – specifically on Monday, called #MondayMarriageMatters.  On Monday’s I’m going to try to post a picture of something that my husband and I did together in the last week to make our marriage what it should be. We post pictures of our cat, dog, computer, backyard, meatloaf or new couch pillows, so why not a picture that will encourage marriages?

It might sound a little mechanical for me to say this is my way to  help Maintain my marriage, but maintenance is simply providing care and upkeep. Just like anything else, if a marriage isn’t cared for, it will fall apart.

Having a goal of posting a marriage picture each Monday will prompt me to be active in my care of making my relationship with my husband the best it can be, by God’s grace.  In a day when marriage is being redefined and changed from God’s original plan, I think it’s essential that we set good examples of a godly marriage – a man and a woman who love God and one another for life.

Another reason to do this is for the testimony of a loving marriage to your children and anyone else you choose to see your photo.

Can I encourage you to join me? #MondayMarriageMatters doesn’t have to be public, and it’s not an effort to be proud, but only to do your part in making your marriage really matter.  You can post your picture on Instagram or Facebook.

Your picture might be:

  • A date out
  • A book you and your spouse are reading together
  • A thoughtful gesture you did for him
  • A gift you leave
  • A special meal prepared
  • A task done for your spouse
  • A truth God showed you in His Word regarding Marriage

Again, this is just a prompt to do something special for your marriage each week.  If you choose to join me, use the #MondayMarriageMatters so we can encourage one another in making our Marriages Matter for Christ’s glory!

With love,

P.S. When I posted my first picture on Instagram with this hashtag, I found someone else has used the same name. I thought I was being original!  =) There’s nothing new under the sun!

 

Side dish

Sprucing Up The Baked Potato

RefreshHer3 Comments

Often it’s easy to find a great new main dish, but do you tend to get into a rut with your side dishes?  Green beans, corn and baked potatoes can get a little old if they’re not “spruced” up a bit! Let me share two of my favorite ways to fix a potato in the oven.

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Potato Wedges

Potato Wedges

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 4 medium unpeeled potatoes (about 1-1/2 pounds)

Directions

  1. Spread oil in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Combine the next five ingredients in a large plastic bag. Cut each potato lengthwise into eight wedges. Place half of the potatoes in the bag; shake well to coat. Place in a single layer in pan. Repeat with remaining potatoes.
  2. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until tender, turning once after 25 minutes. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Another delicious potato wedge is the Potato Skin.  If I’m in need of something in about 20 minutes, this is my go-to!

Image result for potato skins

Potato Skins

4 Baking potatoes, washed
Melted Butter
Paprika
Sea salt

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Bake the potatoes in the microwave until tender.

Cut into wedges and place flesh side down on a baking sheet.  Brush skins with melted butter and sprinkle with Sea salt. Place in oven for about 5-7 minutes.

Turn potatoes over and brush flesh with butter and paprika.  Return to oven and bake 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.

Serve With sour cream.

I love a good potato, and both of these are great accompaniments to a great main dish!  Do you have a favorite way you fix potatoes fast?

With love from my country kitchen,

 

 

Christian Life · Uncategorized

2016 – Pray, Plan, Change

RefreshHer1 Comment

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On Tuesday of this week I suggested time for a spiritual check-up before the new year rolls in.  If you happened to come in at the feverish end of the thermometer, don’t feel guilty, but feel hopeful!  Why?  Because a new year, clean and fresh lies in front of you with  grace and mercies to equip you to get healthy!

Can I give you a “prescription” or two that might aid your journey?

  • Pray – Ask the Lord to show you where you need to change in your spiritual life.  Be still after you ask.  Listen to the Spirit’s tugging in your heart.
  • Plan – Now you’re ready to take what the Lord has shown you and set set some goals so you’ll know when you’ve arrived at the desired place.
  • Change – Avoid getting into a dry, stale routine that will cause you to weary quickly.
    • Choose a different Bible reading plan.
    • You might even want to find a new place to sit and read and pray.
    • Start a fresh, new journal for your new plan!
    • Use a different color pen for this year’s prayer requests, so you’ll know that they were added to your prayer journal in 2016.
    •  Don’t have a journal?  Well, that might be another goal to set!

I implemented a Bible reading plan in December that is called Four Streams.  I found it on my You Version app.  I am enjoying it so much!  The four streams are the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs.  With this plan in one year I will:

  • Read through the New Testament 4 times
  • Read through the Old Testament once
  • Read the Proverbs 4 times
  • Read the Psalms twice

Another little tweak I’m adding is that rather than reading,  I’m listening to the audio version.  With my pen in hand and my notebook open, I listen and take notes as the Lord speaks to my heart.  This has been a really special addition to my devotional time!

Strive this year to make the Word the central focus of your life.  Reading regularly each day will enable you to do just that.  The entrance of His Word gives light; allow His light to shine in 2016.

How are you planning to be in God’s Word this next year?  I’d love to hear your plans!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Christian Life

The Best Thing To Do With Worries

RefreshHer6 Comments

I have a luggage tag attached to my overnight bag. It’s so pretty. It’s a gift from a friend and makes me smile at the remembrance of her thoughtfulness, but I don’t like the tag. Why? It’s convicting. Yes, this is what I read every time I look down at it…

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Worry. Are you ever guilty? I sure am.

What will this year hold?

What will happen in the upcoming election?

Will there be a financial, health or personal crisis with which I’ll have to face?

On and on the worries go. They march ahead of me like angry Hobby Lobby shoppers on the day after Christmas. As powerless as I am at Hobby Lobby, I am even less powerful at the feet of these worries.

Matthew 6 reminds us to “Take no thought of the morrow, for the morrow will take thought of the things of itself.” No thought. It’s not my business to think about all the things that might, would, or could happen. I don’t have to think about it because God is already there. He is eternal and He is omniscient.  Therefore, He is already there. He is omnipotent, therefore He is able to care for whatever the needs will be. No need for any thought on my part, but plenty God’s end. He has my steps mapped out.
So instead of worrying, I must pray.

That is all.

Pray for the one who wearies my heart. Pray for the scare in my soul. Pray for the unknown, the known, the best, the worst. Prayers are to be my only thoughts about these matters.

That pretty little luggage tag reminds me that just like a trip I may take, my life is a journey of trusting my God, one leg of the adventure at a time. Trusting God really is an adventure – one that is mapped out by my Creator. I’ll get to the correct place if I will just take my cares to Him.

What is causing you to fret today? Let me share some advice I really do like…

Stop worrying. Start praying.

With love,