The process of making pretzels was once used to teach kids about prayer during Lent. The shape of a traditional pretzel mimics the folding of hands in prayer. Make homemade pretzels as a family, and while they are baking, think of someone nearby who is in need of prayer. The following verses are great discussion starters about talking to God in prayer: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” James 5:16 (HCSB) “I call on You, God, because You will an ..read more

St. Patrick’s Day is coming! Here are a few ideas for you and your kids to do to celebrate this fun holiday! Teach about St. Patrick and his desire to spread the news about Jesus. What do we really know of St. Patrick, in who’s honor patrons don green? To look around at the way modern day folk celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you’d think it all had to do with shamrocks, leprechauns, rainbows and the ever-famous pot of gold at the end of them. Well, that and the traditional “wearing of the green” to prevent any pinching that might occur on March 17th each year. But there is actually some wonderful ..read more

Could you use some free Valentine’s Dinner recipes that are perfect for a couple or a crowd? How about some make-and-take treat ideas and some accompanying whimsical gift tags? Is there someone who would be encouraged by a scripture verse card from you about love? All of these and more can be yours in a free printable PDF if you purchase a copy of the new cookbook my daughter-in-law Macey and I wrote called Come and Get it!: Recipes to Warm the Heart & Satisfy the Soul by February 15th. (NOTE: If you have already purchased the book, there is still a way to receive the bonus PDF. See below ..read more

Cast Iron Fruit Crisp The perfect fall treat to put a sweet ending on your meal. Ingredients: For the Fruit Filling: 7 cups fresh or frozen fruit such as peaches, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, tart cooking apples, or tart cherries. (My favorite is a combination of 4 cups peaches and 3 cups raspberries) ¼ cup cornstarch 1/4 cup brown sugar For the Crisp Topping: 2 cups old-fashioned oats 1 cup all-purpose flour ¾ cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup cold butter Instructions Place the fruit in large bowl and toss with the cornstarch and ¼ cup br ..read more

Our annual Summer Sale is kicking off over at MyMentorshipCourses.com and we want to invite YOU to come take 50% OFF ALL of our courses NOW! This offer won’t last long! It is the first day of August and fall is almost here. It is the perfect time for some “back to school” learning for you too! Choose from any of these topics: *Silencing the Noise: How to Hear the Whispers of God Through the Loudness of Life *Breaking Free From The Prison of People Pleasing *Learning to Pray *Living with Grief and Loss *The Strong Single Mom These helpful courses are: *Convenient – Yo ..read more

Welcome to those of you who read my Proverbs 31 Ministries devotion on stashing God’s word in your heart. As promised, here is a free PDF full of ideas to help you do just that! Happy memorization! How-to-Stash-Gods-Word-in-Your-Heart-2Download ..read more

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30 (NIV) I sat outside on our back deck, vigorously stirring my iced tea with a striped straw, until the ice cubes formed a tiny whirlpool in my glass. But my mid-day beverage wasn’t the only thing stirring. My emotions churned as well. This was due to scrolling through social media posts on my cell phone screen. Tap after swipe made my heart sink further. I was already in a gloomy state having dealt with a child’s poor choice, a tension-filled domestic dispute with my husband and the too-tight jeans I wore that d ..read more

Hey, everyone! It’s Macey here – Karen’s daughter-in-law and ½ of The Farm on Federal. Last year, my husband, Mitchell, and I bought 15 acres in East Tennessee, and we are venturing into full-time regenerative farming. We love food and especially knowing where our food comes from, the life it has lived, and that the ingredients that we use to make our meals in our home are clean and promote optimal health. (I’m sharing my sourdough Irish soda bread recipe below, so be sure to scroll down to get it! Karen’s Irish beef stew recipe is there too!) Jasper, 1 year old We also love any chance to fel ..read more

The Irish are well-known for potatoes and a good, hearty, stick-to-your-ribs stew. Try this slow-cooking recipe. It will make the house smell wonderful. Can also be done in a crockpot on high for six hours or low for 10. INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs eye of round, chunked 1 large onion, chopped 1 lb. bag baby carrots 2 cups frozen corn or peas (or one cup of each) 6 cups red potatoes, peeled and chunked  14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes  8 ounce can tomato sauce 1/4 cup minute tapioca 1 t. minced garlic Salt & pepper, to taste INSTRUCTIONS: In a Dutch oven or large roaster, place all t ..read more

Here are the books I am currently reading, along with my thoughts about them. Please note that I may not agree with the entirety of the authors’ views and ideas, but overall I thought the books were very helpful and/or worthwhile. The Intentional Year We struggle to keep up with the demands of life?but God invites us into freedom. We feel anxious and overwhelmed?but God promises peace. We’re stretched and empty?but God offers purpose. The Intentional Year is an invitation to stop right now, right where you are, and choose to live on purpose The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age ..read more