Life

Heather Smith
It’s a question that was posed to me a few months ago and as a result, I’ve been walking every other week with a friend.  It is a time of encouragement, fresh air (although the weather seems to turn poor only on those walking days!), exercise, and sometimes general brain dumping about our lives.   
Debbie
Some days (ok – most days) I crave something sweet.  Typically, a small bite of chocolate will do the trick to satisfy my sweet tooth.  Other days, well, those times require a more decadent treat: warm, gooey, rich chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven.  Even better is a skillet cookie for two baked in my favorite vintage mini cast iron skillet. 
Milo
Once March comes, I find myself grilling a lot, and with Saint Patrick’s Day just around the corner, I want to share some of my favorite St. Patrick’s Day-themed recipes.
Guest Author
For this Valentine’s Day we have a Special Treat!  Cookies and Poetry! 
We thank our guest bloggers Beth and Jenilia. 
Guest Author
by Angie Clayton
I was watching the grandbabies the other day….
Angie Clayton is a freelance writer. She writes from her experiences with warmth and humor. She is lives in Kansas with her husband, and has two grown children and three small grandchildren who provide much of her inspiration! 
orange cake
Guest Author
One of my family’s favorite cake recipes.
by Carolina Gutierrez
Milo
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. 
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” 
Debbie
Who could use a hug? Warm soup is like a comforting hug from the inside. I love soup anytime but when the weather starts to cool, the cravings begin. My mind turns to thoughts of velvety bisques and brothy veggie packed bowls of deliciousness.
Debbie
How often are we faced with “warning lights” in our life?
Heather Smith
Confession:  Sleep is a hobby of mine.  I like naps.  It’s one of my favorite things. 
Guest Author
I have been divorced now for a number of years and I have experienced both the positives and negatives of both married and single life. As they say, the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence.   
Debbie
I like to sleep in as long as possible, so I need a quick meal that is warm and satisfying.
Milo
 We might always carry our fear, many of us because of past emotional or even physical trauma. People hurt us in the past, circumstances broke our strength, trauma scarred us—but we can be strong and courageous knowing that God is near. We can trust Him to never forsake us!  And yes, it took my dog’s actions to remember that-we forget so easily but the Spirit is good at reminding us. 
Heather Smith
It’s going to get ugly, my friends, really ugly.  The next 2 months have to.  Everyone has to be angry or it won’t work.  WHAT?!? It is presidential election season:  The goal of both sides is to get you angry because the angriest side has the best turnout. Don’t be angry, but vote anyway. 
Milo
I started to hear rumors about the awakening of the legendary and mighty Pumpkin Spice Latte, and stores already have their fall and Halloween decor out. While I do love fall, I did get a little sad. What happened to all the grand adventures I was supposed to do in the summer? What happened to the summer? Like seriously, where did it go? 
Heather Smith
I’m wearing a wet mask… Four months.  Four months since I’ve seen some of these faces except through a screen and now I only get to see half of their faces.  From 6 feet away.  Every other pew.
Debbie
Summer is here and it is hot! One of my favorite treats has always been ice cream. It is cold, smooth and satisfying on a hot, humid summer day (or cold winter day when I am dreaming of summer). Sadly, dairy decided it was no longer my friend. Thankfully, I found other frozen delicacies that help satisfy that craving for an icy, delicious treat. Grocery store non-dairy desserts can get spendy, so I have experimented with different homemade versions of “nice” cream. These are similar to a dessert found at a very famous mouse theme park but a lot cheaper! And it is fruit, so a healthy option.
Guest Author
By Carolina Gutierrez. Cooking became a matter of optimizing: how can I get the most nutritional bang-for-my-buck without sacrificing enjoyment and flavor? So, below are some important things I learned in the past few months: