"Home is Where the Heart is" Wall Hanging

I love these needlecraft kits by Dimensions.  I have made several of them at this point and they are wonderful!  This one is interesting as it looks like it is a cross-stitch, but it is actually embroidery!  It is a woven fabric with the design printed on it to stitch on top of.  Very clever and cute!  

The Heart of Thanksgiving

“Thankful” is probably not the first word that comes to mind when we think of 2020. Life as we know it has been turned upside down for the greater part of this year. In a year where it doesn’t seem like there’s much to be thankful for, I’m reminded that Thanksgiving doesn’t depend on our circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic has robbed us of many things, but what it cannot eliminate is an attitude of thankfulness.


We may be closer to the true spirit of Thanksgiving this year than we have for many, many years prior. The first Thanksgiving celebrated in America was rooted in battles with famine, illness, and death. Despite these overwhelming obstacles and heartaches, the pilgrims chose to celebrate the blessings they did have. It’s not our circumstances that determine our gratefulness, but rather our attitude. It’s easy to express gratitude sitting around the table over turkey when the times are good. But will we still persevere and count our blessings when the going gets tough?


The apostle Paul instructs in his first letter to the Thessalonians to be thankful in all circumstances. This is the same Paul who was repeatedly shipwrecked, imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and endured countless hardships and persecution. Again, it’s not the circumstances surrounding us but the temperature of our hearts. So as we approach this Thanksgiving, we can still choose to look for the blessings.


Thanksgiving dinners may be smaller or nonexistent this year. Our favorite Christmas traditions may be canceled. We may mourn the absence of friends and family this holiday season. The painful realities of this broken world sting deeply - there’s no denying it. In spite of all this year’s hardships, we can choose a heart of thanksgiving over troubles, blessings over bitterness, and love over loss.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV


“Our greatest freedom is the freedom to choose our attitude.” - Viktor Frankl

Books I Want to Re-Read

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Since I so enjoyed re-reading several books from my summer book list, I decided to compile another list of books I want to re-read.   As C.S. Lewis wisely noted: "I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once" :).

Christy by Catherine Marshall

 I have talked about this book so. many. times. at this point, I'm sure. What can I say?  It's one of my favorites!  :)  In this book, a young Christy Huddleston leaves behind her extravagant lifestyle to teach at a mission school in the backwoods of the Appalachian mountains.  It is just. so. good.  The TV series was alright, but the book is better. 

The Love Comes Softly Series by Janette Oke

There is something so comforting about these books.  Reading them is like watching a Hallmark movie.  The families have their fair share of troubles, but the stories always end happily.  It is so fun watching the families grow and mature over the "years" as the books progress. 

A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich

This book is also very similar to the Love Comes Softly series.  It's another grown-up Little House on the Prairie style book.  Do you see a theme here yet?  :)  There is a sequel to this book, A White Bird Flying, that I still need to read too!

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

This is a classic book set in World War II times.  There are quotes in it that are applicable to any situation I'm currently in.  It's a book that sticks with you long after you've set it down.   

The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble

This book has a lot going on - It's very busy with a lot of storylines.  Best of all, it has a lighthouse setting that caters to my lighthouse obsession. 

Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman by Gladys Aylward

Gladys Aylward is one of my FAVORITE missionaries.  She was a missionary in China where over one-hundred children called her "mom."  It is so beautiful to see how God was working through her and her life. I've read several other books about her life and ministry, but this one has been my favorite so far.  

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

It has been a few years since I last read this book, so I think I'm due!  I've heard there is a really good BBC Pride and Prejudice remake that I'm hoping to watch soon as well.

In His Steps by Charles Sheldon

In this book, a church congregation is challenged to ask themselves "what would Jesus do?" before every thought and action they make.  What they never would have guessed is how this simple question would radically impact their lives and the lives of those around them. 

What books do you turn to again and again?

My Favorite Authors

I am often asked who some of my favorite authors are, so I compiled a list of those I turn to again and again.  I find works by these following authors to be so rich and full of wisdom - I could probably never tire of their works. 

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Elizabeth Prentiss - "Stepping Heavenward" is one book I have read over and over again through the years. She also has beautiful poetry that points you towards Christ.

Elisabeth Elliot.  So many amazing works by this great lady of faith.  Her example is very inspirational!

Corrie Ten Boom.  Wow.  Just wow.  "The Hiding Place" is one of those few books that will rock you to your core.  I am continually amazed and blessed by this woman's astounding faith in the Lord.  "In My Father's House" is another one of my favorites by her.  

Andrew Murray.  If I had to choose only one word to describe this man, I would have to choose "humility."  Actually, he has a book of that same title!  His books are so packed full of wisdom and truths that they take a while to read, and sometimes I reread several times before grasping everything packed into his chapters.

Janette Oke.  As far as fiction goes, Janette Oke is one of my favorites.  Her books have Christian themes throughout and are very refreshing.  The Love Comes Softly series is my personal favorite, but you can't really go wrong with anything by her.

Ben Carson.  Great inspirational author!  I read many of his books in high school and always found them to be very motivating.  I enjoy the medical themes interwoven with life truths. 

What authors do you find yourself returning to again and again?