Crafted by Grace

It had been a few months since my young husband had passed away.   I certainly never imagined I would be a cancer widow at 25 years old, but I was doing as well as could be expected, I guess. Most areas of life I felt independent enough to handle. I was incredibly lonely - but able to continue on with life.   One life task deeply bothered me to do alone, however, and that was anything to do with vehicle repair.  It's a vulnerable feeling to now be alone in dealing with a male mechanics in a state and country not my own.  For whatever reason that was when I felt the stigma of singleness the most.  Hating a task doesn't make it go away, however.  The plain fact was my tires were in a horrible state. Living in rural central Virginia, the long drives on deserted roads alone were clearly unsafe for me at this point.  I needed tires, like yesterday.  I took a deep breath, picked up the phone and resolved to deal with this unsettling task....

I have lived a few decades now. In this decade, I know family, friends, and stability.  But it was not always that way. I know what it is to live in want. To have no idea if the love of your life was going to make it through the night.  To wonder how you'd make $10 of groceries last the week.   I've been there.  It was hard.  But ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS God provided.  He was there to give grace in the lean weeks, and provision when we couldn't handle it anymore.  He was there prompting others to pay our rent six months at a time while my husband went through chemo and could only work part time.  He was there in rides, in the grace to live in Detroit ALONE and make the long trips back and forth to Ann Arbor, even if I had to stop and take a huge breath to quell the fears. He was there holding my hand when I was in shock for the diagnosis.  He was there comforting me, washing over me with peace, healing traumatic memories.  The ...

Hello Crafters! Retreat Dates:  Oct.17-20  In case you  haven't heard the great news yet -- our fall retreat has found a new home!! It is right here in Arcade at the newly revitalized Longview Camp .  I've been searching for quite some time, and am thrilled to have finally found this - just about the time I was going to give up.  (Thanks, Missi for the tip!!) We have all the details & prices below (as well as how you can save $50! )   But FIRST ...  Why was it so difficult to find a place?  I'm glad you asked!  I have been hosting retreats for about a dozen years now -- and there are a few things I've learned are important to our group.   1. Beauty & Cleanliness: This is a getaway to refresh our hearts. The beauty of nature outside, and inviting accommodations inside are of supreme importance.  My aim in doing this has always been to provide a really enjoyable "home away from home." My heart ...

Winter blues got you down?  Let's cheer up with a look at one of our newest colors. My pick for Winter Blues?    Carolina I love this color because it is fresh and encouraging.  It reminds me of all the best parts of a snowy day, and none of the worst.    It is cheerful, but not brash.  Winter in our area of the world can be harsh, but I tend to focus on the astounding beauty and quiet of our snow-globe world.   This season, Carolina is featured in our  Love Blossoms  and  Something Fierce  kits!  These are available for a limited time. There's nothing quite like waking up in the morning to peer out at a 'brand new world' that was created overnight, simply by falling snow.   On the best of these mornings, there are a loads of blue tones and sometimes even this perfect  Carolina  blue painting the sky.   In  Love of Color ,  we learn that there are some beauti...

An online acquaintance of mine was recently struggling with criticism from others over her decision to homeschool. She asked if she was the only one who felt alone.  She also asked us for our "why." Her question brought so many feelings to the surface for me.  Here is my response. To:          Any mom feeling criticized, overwhelmed, and afraid to fail. From:    A mom who's been there. "As a family that feels a strong conviction to be a part of both worlds, I implore you not to stoop so low as to trash public schools in order to build yourself up while you homeschool.  I'm certain that we all feel misunderstood at times - wherever our children are being schooled.  I've received it in both scenarios.  I'm sure parents with their children in Christian or charter school face the same judgement.  No, you are certainly not alone.  You need support and are getting the opposite, and it hurts.  A lot.  *sigh*...