I love ranch dip, but I don’t like the MSG and preservatives that come along with it. Plus, I have a daughter with allergies, so this was a necessary discovery. First, start with your own homemade ranch mix (MSG free!)

Homemade Ranch Mix

2 T. Salt
2 T. Dill
1/4 C. Onion Powder
1/4 C. Garlic …

Category: Recipes: Dips and Salsas, Recipes: Gluten Free | 10 Comments »
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I love to see children helping in the kitchen. Busy hands, happy hearts, mother-child time. But my patience level is often lacking. Children spill things. They make mistakes (don’t we all?). They make a bigger than necessary mess. I’m faster than they are. So why should I allow them in the kitchen at all? Wouldn’t it …

Category: Motherhood, Perfectionism | 11 Comments »
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“The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.” Proverbs 14:1

Hosted by the Southeastern Christian Home Discipleship Families

January 29-30, 2010
At Grace Community Fellowship Church
of Newnan, Georgia

With special sessions led by author Stacy McDonald (Raising Maidens of Virtue, Passionate Housewives Desperate for God) and her daughter, Tiffany McDonald

For …

Category: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
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This morning, I noticed William, chubby cheeks resting on his hands, gazing thoughtfully into our nativity scene.

“Oh, I remember doing that as a child!” I said nostalgically.

Eyebrows raised, my daughter, Tiffany, noted, “I don’t think you did quite what William is doing it.”

When I looked a little closer, I saw what had William’s undivided attention…

Category: Family Photos | 22 Comments »
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Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the Moon, entered lunar orbit on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1968. That evening, the astronauts shared on live television (from lunar orbit) pictures of the Earth and Moon seen from Apollo 8.

In a recent sermon, my husband, James, referred to this event and described how it impacted him when he saw it on television as a boy, many years ago.

Command Module Pilot, Lovell, said, “The vast loneliness is awe-inspiring and …

Category: Video | 7 Comments »
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We watched “A Christmas Carol” (Patrick Stewart version) with some of the older children last night. One of the most moving parts to me is the scene where the “Spirit of Christmas Present” takes Scrooge on a whirlwind visit to see all the people simultaneously singing “Silent Night” in various parts of the world…in prison, …

Category: Christmas, Reviews | 6 Comments »
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If you’re looking for last minute gifts for the young (or older) ladies in your life, I highly recommend this charming set of how-to videos produced by Franklin Springs…

The West ladies are back — Vicki, Jasmine, Hannah, and CeCe — in the popular “how-to” Homestead Blessings DVD series that teaches timeless homemaking skills to …

Category: Homemaking | 5 Comments »
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These songs were written by the four oldest daughters of James McDonald (and Melinda) in honor of his 50th birthday party. The first song features three of the deacons from Providence Church singing “Superhero Pastor James!” Great job, guys!

Category: Family Photos, Video | 3 Comments »
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Tonight we threw a surprise 50th birthday party for my husband, James. Our whole church gathered together; family and friends from miles away sent letters of remembrance and thankfulness for James and the first half century of his life, and we viewed a slide show that represented 50 years of God’s loving care toward my beloved. We all had a wonderful time feasting and celebrating. Thank you to all who helped make this night memorable!