If we had the chance to sit over coffee and share our stories, I can pretty much guarantee that we would run out of time for mine. Not so much because I would hesitate to tell it, but because the story is filled with heinous brokenness and injustice. It’s almost laughable- in an unbelievable kind of way. Honestly, sometimes I feel like my life is a soap opera. You know, the kind where the same stupid thing happens over and {Read More}

As I mentioned last week, God blessed me with the opportunity to represent Teach them Diligently and learn more about blogging by attending the Allume conference. Before the conference even began, I was blessed by Lisa who invited me to dine with her over lunch. Those first two hours I met 3 ladies with amazing stories, all with a passion for ministry. It wasn’t long before we headed to dinner to hear Phil Vischer, the creator of Veggie Tales, share how {Read More}

As you read these words, I will be flying through the friendly skies headed to a blogging conference called Allume. It’s funny how God works things out, as this conference was not even on the radar a month ago! But mountains moved and here I am headed to a place where God is going to speak. I can hardly wait. While I’m there, I’ll be hanging out with 400 of the coolest bloggers on earth compliments of Family Matters and {Read More}

Today’s post is from a dear friend, Lara. Will you join with her and help bring God’s word to the people of Vidunda? You will be blessed with a copy of her book…an excellent resource for learning to truly savor God’s word! Really looking at what’s going on in the world at large can make me…uncomfortable. It’s much easier to just sit in my cozy house with my iTechnology while eating all my favorite foods that I picked up at the {Read More}

  I am thrilled to announce that Dawn L is the winner of the Simplified Dinners ebook. I know that you are bummed that you didn’t win, but I have good news!  Mystie is offering $3 off until the end of September.  So go grab your copy today! (Enter “notconsumed” at checkout.) I know you will be blessed by her innovative method of making menu planning possible for anyone! Click here to read more about the ebook. There’s still time {Read More}

Last week on the Not Consumed facebook page I posted about my recent trip to the farmer’s market, which incited a conversation about cooking okra.  Given that okra is my absolute  favorite food, I feel the need to defend it’s slimy reputation and I can’t think of a better way than to show you my favorite way to prepare it.  I promise it’s worth a try.  It will change your mind about okra! The ingredients are simple: okra (fresh or {Read More}

I remember the day she said it. Eyes puffy from the wailing, I sat as she whispered truth into my heart. Just moments before I had stood at the door as he walked away, casting 10 years of marriage casually aside for the arms of another. The pain pressed so deep that it was hard to breathe. Fear threatened my tomorrows and the loneliness fell cold onto the dark of my life. “You get to choose. Will you grow from {Read More}

Today we are blessed to have Beverly Weeks from Intentionally Yours as our guest. She is a sweet friend and I would love for you to help her feel right at home!   SO I weighed in today. I don’t know about you, but before I step onto those scales, I like to remove my shoes, my socks, my jewelry, just about everything so that number can register at its lowest. I even take into consideration the ounces. After a {Read More}

I remember as a girl days spent sprawled out on granny’s couch with the JC Penny catalog. 500 pages of glory kept me busy for hours. When the new catalog would finally come, she let me clip and save my favorite images. At age 7, a future pinterest junkie was born. It didn’t take long before I was collecting food magazines and parenting magazines and clipping my favorites. Trouble was, where do you keep all of this stuff and how {Read More}

Sleep had finally come after hours of wrestling with the fear of circumstances and finances. Dawn had not yet broken, but the silence was pierced by her text. There was another woman. Again. I could hardly breathe for the pain. The horror pressed down on my soul as I grasped for words. I wanted desperately to whisper “everything is going to be alright,” but the words wouldn’t come. Read the rest of this post over at Intentionally Yours, where each Tuesday {Read More}

A special thanks to my August Sponsors:   Scholaric Homeschool Planner promises “painless record keeping” and that is certainly what I have found! Record grades, track hours, or simply make a plan. It’s up to you…and it’s easy. Sign up for a two free trial today and be sure you tell him that I sent you!   Looking for an excellent and safe place to buy nutritious foods for your family? Pantry Paratus is your one stop shop. Learn to make {Read More}

Months ago I read the story. I wept with her as she lived a pain so close to my own. I wavered between wanting to reach through the pages and hug her or reaching through just to shake him silly. Every word of their story burned. Then it ended…not at all how I would have imagined. My tears were uncontrollable at the thought of it all. He had abandoned their marriage for greener grasses, with a claim that he no {Read More}

I am such a poser. Here I am, writing a guest post for a blog about homeschooling and having kids when the closest I’ve come to homeschooling is attending the 2012 Teach Them Diligently Convention, and I won’t, technically, have a kid for another hundred days or so. In preparation for having that kid, though, I’ve been thinking a lot about “schooling” him in the things of God.  Oh, the pressure! Stacks of books, like Dare to Discipline and Family Driven Faith lay {Read More}

Today’s guest is Leslie Nunnery. I know you will love her! Does this conversation sound familiar to you?            Well-meaning friend, “Hey, is there anything I can do to help?”             You, “No, no. We’re doing fine. Thanks for your concern, though.” Meanwhile, your heart is broken or you’re completely overwhelmed with all that’s on your plate…            •  You’re caring for 3 little souls, aged 3 and {Read More}

Welcome to Weekend Whatever!Here you will find posts in all different genres and from many different blogs. Each week I feel so very blessed to have so many women share their hearts and creativity with us. Makes you realize how big the world is, but also how very alike we all are. Hosting are: Sara of Your Thriving Family Justyn from Creative Christian Mama Kim from Not Consumed Lori from My Evident Faith You can read and link up at {Read More}