Dear friends,

As summer welcomed fall, and now winter temps dance with fall beauty, we are invited to embrace the changes in every area of our lives. Rather than protect, hide or defend, may we nurture our souls with Truth, warm them with fellowship, and draw near in our winter seasons to the One who alone can renew life. For it is only through death that life can come. May we walk bravely through our valleys, knowing that Jesus promises to walk closely with us, carry us, and remove all fear of danger. Though He does not promise to remove our troubles, we will see His radiant light shining through the brilliance of fall, and the serene silence of winter. He is with us, whispering comfort and Truth, if we will lean in long enough to listen, looking always for the beauty in every day, hardship, and season.

Body //

~ Here are some new recipes that I’ve enjoyed lately : Home Baked Grain-Free Organic Coconut Flour Bread and Sauteed Kale for Kale-Haters. Both are easy and good – bonus!

~ Farmer’s Markets – I’ve been trying to do a better job of looking for farmer’s markets and local food, and am having a great time doing it! There is something amazing about getting to talk to the people who are growing, raising, and making your food, and certainly supporting your local economy is a great benefit to you and your family. Having grown up on a farm, I have first-hand knowledge and a huge respect for the amount of work that goes into growing, raising and preserving home-grown food. It is a labor of love that is totally worth supporting. The Local Harvest website can help you locate CSAs, farmer’s markets and more in your area. Some other benefits I have noticed from shopping locally is the added inspiration when meal prep can feel mundane, as well as finding ways to connect with like-minded foodies.

~ Post on Mindful Eating – it doesn’t have to be stressful to eat well, friends. 🙂 In fact, there are ways to really enjoy life, eat well, and feel good about your choices (without having to give up on dessert – wink)

Mind //

~ Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All (affiliate link) – I’ve shared this book link elsewhere, but I’m really being challenged to follow through on finishing it myself. Choosing to use your words wisely is a ministry to your home, relationships and life legacy that you will never regret.

~ Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change (affiliate link) – Love, love, love anything by Paul Tripp and this one I’ve been needing to read for a while. So challenged and encouraged by his Gospel reminders of God’s sovereignty, grace, and glory. We can only change and help others change when we focus our hearts and minds squarely on the hope found in Christ.

Soul //

~ Suffering and Sovereignty – Kara Tippetts has passed into glory, but this post is a great reminder to suffer well, without faking happiness.

~ Soak in the beauty of Lauren Bath’s amazing photography on Instagram!

~ Beautiful baby photos shortly after birth

~ Hebrews 13:5 – this verse has been my meditation for the past several days after hearing this podcast and the whispers of His love throughout my days. We must embrace His presence to be able to share that with others…

Blessings on your week!