Y’all! Come on in!
I’m Edie and I’m honored to have you visiting my online home. I am a Christian writer and the author of a not-yet-finished book to be published by Tyndale next year, called Coming Home—a spiritual memoir of redemption. I write here to remind you that you are loved and to inspire and encourage you to live with intention, love with passion, and serve your people well. It was nearly six years ago that I started this blog and I do not take for granted the privilege to write here. I used to have a job that required me to actually get dressed and leave the house in the mornings but most days now you’ll find me at home, teaching and raising children, cooking up a storm, getting lost in classic books, and learning to enjoy the beauty of ordinary days. I’m obsessed with art and design, all things Texas, banjo music, cowboy boots, colorful, quirky home decor, New Year’s resolutions and Southern-ness.
Six years ago, I decided to give up my career as a family practice physician to stay home full time with my family.
I’m not gonna lie. It ain’t been easy. The next year, I began homeschooling my girls. Whoa, Nelly.
There were days I wasn’t sure I’d make it.
The good news is, I firmly believe in inspiring spaces, so we school in this workroom/craft room/laundry room.
It’s a pretty great place to spend hours on end, even when the days get long and hard.
In short order, this southern belle became a blogger, a homeschooler, a Lutheran, and a self-proclaimed goddess of the domestic arts. I taught myself to cook, to sew, to craft, and am trying to learn how to garden. There just never seems to be enough hours in the day to do it all but I don’t go down without a fight!
I love teaching my girls to be keepers at home. They made this pom-pom wreath recently and are learning to be industrious little women.
I am humbled and grateful to be right where I am doing just what I’m doing, with all its trials and joys.
I am so glad that you have come.I will pour out everything inside me so that you may leavethis table satisfied and fortified.Blessings on your eyes.Blessings on your children.Blessings on the ground beneath you.My heart is a ladle of sweet water, brimming over.The Red Tent, Anita Diamanti
Oh I just love you Edie! I hope some day we can meet in real life.
Beautiful–You and the way you explained and expressed YOU. WOW.
I think the first time I read your blog was someone had linked your kitchen redo and I was in LOVE 🙂 I think I subscribed that day a month or so ago and over the past few days I've went back and read your whole blog. I was born and raised in Blountville,TN a little town between Kingsport and Bristol, so I was surprised that you lived in Morristown…not too far from where I grew up. I now live in Bluffton, SC, a little town just outside of Hilton Head. I just wanted to drop a line and let you know how wonderful I think you are…from your home and family to your recipes, which I haven't tried but can't wait to! Thanks for writing, and know that I'll be reading 🙂
it's nice to meet you, i am loving you blog!
Beautifully written! It's a blessing to meet you and to read you posts! Thanks for your honesty.
Love Sarah xx
Hello Edie
To all the one's out here who have never met her, I am so proud of her! I have met her and am a better person for it! She has a sister and brother that are just as special! Not only is she talented, creative, witty and full of grace…she was a heckuva short stop too!
Love you Edie!
Hi Edie!
I came across your blog today by way of another new blog (Life with 3 Boybarians) that I came across via the Nester. I've had a little extra time on my hands lately so I went blog exploring. Anyway, what really caught my eye and kept me reading initially was that you're from eastern Tennessee and I have been wanting to find a blogger from my (new) neck of the woods. Most of the other bloggers I read are from the western US so I learn a lot about the happenings in their area but am glad that now I can read about other "happenin's" in this area! Anyway, read more of your blog and love it! You've got me hooked! Can't wait to get to know you better!
Hi Edie!
I love your blog so much. Every afternoon I have 1 hour between teaching kindergarten and when my 2 girls get home from school. The first thing I do is grab a diet coke and then check your blog. You are such an amazing person. By the way, we have a 1 year old English Cream Golden that looks just like yours! How did YOUR training go? Ours – not so well! But, dang, he is sooooo cute!!!
Leslie
Okay missy – Where have you been all my life… Your style is amazing and nothing short of EXCEPTIONAL! Thanks for sharing! (I must get busy, Jesus)
Ok Edie, I have been on your blog for hours now. Some (my husband) might say that’s it my ADDDD. I say it’s because I’m trying to read your blog at the same time explaining how to make Grape Salad to my (husband) sweetie <3… Actually I really enjoy it! Great job :^) I'll be returning (daily) often.. PS I'm on a very restricted cal.diet too. This can make me a little bit of grouchier some times. Only 24 more days to go!! Looking @ all of your recipes sure doesn't help. I just keep telling myself ~ Nothing taste better then thin~
I admire your dedication to your family…I could take a lesson or two! I’m slowly reading through your old posts so hopefully some of it will rub off on me.
Great pictures and About page!
Hi Edie! I found your blog through Pinterest as I was looking for the perfect blue to paint my ceiling I clicked on a link and it brought me to you! Your header grabbed me because I am in the process of purchasing all of those books for my 9 year old. I clicked on your about page to find out more and I am just going to say that your words bless me! “We are trusting God to restore the years……the years the locusts have eaten—the mess we’ve made with the gifts he’s given us—the disgraceful way we’ve trampled on his goodness time and time again. He makes all things new. For the sake of Christ, alone.” I love this! I am leaving here today inspired and joyful. I will be back!!! xoxo
Go Girl!! I believe you DO deserve to live a LIFE-IN-GRACE.
Thanks for sharing and having so much gratitude for your blessings.
Peace ~ Holly
I just found your blog and am just tickled pink! I think I will sit and stay awhile. Thank you for being such the hostess..because I feel like I am home.
Faith
love you xo
Hands down my favorite blog ever…have enjoyed your writing since the day I found it many years ago. Your words and pictures are an inspiration.
Thank you for another wonderful year of enjoyment. I have stolen some of your decorating ideas, made some of your recipes and most of all just had fun scrolling through your blog.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2013!
Wow, Edie, you blew me away…or should I say that God blew me away through you. This is such a testament and wonderful story to hear. So glad I found your little home here and can’t wait to keep following along!
Beautifully done! Your style just keeps me scrolling and clicking…you, my dear, are my abyss of blogland. You have inspired me for a year now and for a year I’ve been saying, “I’m going to do that!”. Journal my life along the way!
I’ve begun the latter leg of my journey, I’m sixty (chocking on the thought and still not believing it) two years old, have raised 5 kids and have 10 grandchildren and one on the way. I’m a Jane -of -all- trades and I think that I’ve lost enough brain cells to believe that I could do a blog AND I’m a Texissippian! Born and raised in Mississippi, married my Mississippi HSS a and moved to Texas 2 days after we wed…that was 43 years ago. I still say “y’all” and “fixin to” and I have started to love boots.
Now, I’ve got 13 days to come up with a name and an about me …suggestions welcome on that name part.
I pray that your family has a beautiful Christmas and I am always reading whether I comment or not!
Hi Edie. I love your picture. The muted colors make you shine!
Thank you Thank you Edie as you have so greatly inspired me! Im so happy to have found your sweet blog and YOU. Everything you do here is seasoned with God I see it:)Thank you for sharing your lovely family and so much of your life with us all its truely a huge pleasure to get to know you.
I found you through Julia at Hooked On Houses, and absolutely love your heart and story. You have a beautiful family, and it’s amazing to see God work in your life even with all of its heartache and craziness. Keep in touch!
Kristina
Nook & Sea
I just discovered your blog after seeing your home in the January issue of BHG, which is beautiful. Oh my goodness, I have just finished DEVOURING the 31 day series on hospitality and all of your DIY pages. Love love LOVE this blog and am having to tear myself away to get anything done at home tonight!
Edie!
Yeehaw! that I have been introduced to you through this awe-inspiring site! First, through the magazine that I got a few weeks ago (wow!), and also another connection just today through my daily email from Jones Design Company. I know it sounds funny to say, and a bit hokey maybe, but I hear so many of my thoughts in the things you have here. Thank you for your transparency. (And that you love all things Texas…) And LOVE that you are homeschooling as well… (Whoa, Nelly! is definitely the right phrase!) Thanks for posting what works for you…always enjoy hearing how it plays out for others (and grabbing a few pointers, too.)
This space you have created is a blessing to all who gather ’round.
Grace to you, mama, and your family, too.
To God be the glory,
Erin
I found your blog via Emily at Jones Design Co blog and I am oh, so excited to read every post. My heart soars when I come across women with great taste and a desire to honor the Lord! Thanks for sharing your life and home!
I come across your blog the other day and was intrigued by your book “31 days to a Heart of Hospitality”. As one who serves on our church’s Hospitality Ministry and is rather new to this ministry I am always looking for ways to gain insight, be enlightened, and be inspired by others who also have a passion to love on others and share their hearts in Hospitaility. Edie look forward to read about all God has for me in reading your blog. God Bless!!
I already loved this – and then you quoted The Red Tent 🙂 Looking forward to reading more!
Hi,
I learned about your blog through Better Homes and Gardens magazine. It’s wonderful to learn you are as lovely as your home!
I am an RN that stayed home to home school our four boys, now grown; the youngest is 24, the oldest is 34.
They are the hardest and the best years ever, a two-edged sword. No one will learn more than you or be more blessed, even though you do it for God and the children. God Bless,
Sandy, from Upstate NY.
Dear Edie: I just recently came across your blog. I rarely read blogs. I live in Utah and I am a grown up “Mormon Mommy” at age 53. My husband and I are both designers so our house is a bit of surprise. On the outside it is a quaint cottage, but inside it reflects our love of travel with our only adopted beautiful son. We purchase one special piece of remembrance for our house wherever we go. Now I have a beautiful daughter-in-law and a two year old grandson. I know my daughter-in-law as a bit taken back when she first came into our home. Our home is one that we pray will always have the spirit of God in it and that many times a year my husband and I are able to use our God-given talents in fundraisers to help others. Finding your blog was no accident. I had never heard of it or seen it. Now I am a Grandma at home and the job is just as wonderful. Thank you for your heartfelt inspiration. You truly are an angel in the hands of God in delivering your messages of love, creativity and peace to all. God bless you in all you do. Sincerely, Maureen Pinegar
What a great “about” page!! Beautiful
Edie,
I am happy to be here.’
Kathy Bailey
Oh Girl, I’m not sure if I’m hormonal, but reading this has made me cry. I could literally feel my heart filling up. See what you did! I know I’m gonna love reading your blog. God Bless.
Edie I am absolutely loving your blog, your photos, your writing, your amazing creativity and good taste. I adore your gorgeous new kitchen and your bold use of color throughout your home. Such a treat! I found your site while googling “haint blue” – – looking for the perfect Haint Blue for my front porch in Boston. Lucky me I found a new friend 🙂 And some great ideas for my home. Thanks for sharing so much with us all.
Thank you so much for sharing your life with all of us here in the internet. Glad I found your blog and I really enjoyed your about page. We also had a fire and lost all including our fur babies (2 cats and a dog). It was so bad and hurt our hearts so much but you are right about God! He sure has blessed us in more ways then one.
Again thanks for sharing and I look forward to be reading more. 🙂
Thank you and bless you for your sweet words.
Welcome to the crazy!!
🙂
Hey there..Heard about you from a diff blog, and now am following you on every form of social media possible!! You seem genuine and dear…Plus I love your taste in decor!! Twill be fun to follow you! :0) I too love to cook, and am a stay at home mom…Not from Texas but a close neighbor….I look forward to following you.
With God’s Grace
Jenn
HELLO, I am Barbara Slauter and I am now back, full time, living on the lake here in Bean Station. I started here and was in a relationship and living in Ocala FL. Well, sometimes things just do not work out the way we hope/pray/try hard. So I have returned and been welcomed back into my little neighborhood here off Lakeshore DR, on Wildcat Road. Heaven again. Some healing work to be done for sure. I just got back to stay. Over the 4th of July my three adult sons and families were here. What fun. The almost 11 yr old twins, George and Nora, got out of the car from the airport, arriving from Chicago….and hit the lake in the kayaks….never before. Fun for all to watch. The latest addition, then 3 month old Lorelei was with us from Orlando. The two uncles and families had not met her. Will was here from Paris with his partner. Lots of barbecue, a little paper machie fun as Will and Guillaume brought it for us from Paris. The house was full of love and family and all things lake. So it was good to get your blog back in my computer. Not sure where it went for awhile. Like me, back. Barbara
Loving your blog. Almost cried over your home loss and just KNEW I recognized your girls’ room and then I read about the magazine article! LOVE your style!!
Hello!
I was so delighted to stumble across your blog! I was searching for “something” to help prepare for the upcoming holiday season. My home was lost in June in the Black Forest, CO fire. We are living in a rental now and are in the designing stages of our new home. In the meantime, Fall, my favorite time of year is here. I am reminding myself to enjoy the beautiful days. I too am very sad for my lost treasures. All of my recipes are gone. I have not been doing a whole lot of cooking. Something I do love! It is promising to see your beautiful new home filled with color and joy! I look forward to that for my family as well! Thanks for sharing!
In a world full of feminists and all it is refreshing to see that you are okay with giving Ur substance to Ur family; which is definitely not a bad thing! U r not just okay with it U r celebrating it! Look forward to soaking in your blog. Love!
Love your blog! (and the recipes!!) Truly and inspiration! (Go Morristown West!) Sorry, had to throw that in!! 🙂
Thank you, Tiffany!! Are you from Morristown? My older kids went to MW!
So glad my sister shared you with me. Thanks, sis and thank you, Edie.
Hi Edie!
I’m so glad Pr. Freitag encouraged me to read your article on the sign of the cross. How eloquent and how true:)
You whole blog is a celebration of the beauty of life redeemed by Christ Jesus. Thank you for all you do to raise your family in His love!
Pr. Paul Becker
Beautiful. Tears are rolling down my cheeks!
Thank you for the inspiration.
God bless.
Rachel Neff
I stumbled upon your blog via pinterest… and then as I kept reading and looking around, my thought went to an article in BHG and I said, hmm is this the same lady and her home? I loved the pictures in BHG and thought it so funny I linked it to you here on this blog before I finally saw you tell this here. 😀
You share such good stories. I appreciate them all. We are actually considering going back to homeschooling. Only got to do so for one year 2nd/3rd g. and for middle school years I think my children are somewhat over the whole aspect of school in a building for 7/8 hours a day. We may bring them back home.
You are inspiring. I don’t know how you homeschooled, rebuilt a home and decorate so beautifully. I am thinking you had a lot of help from your girls. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your lives here. Have enjoyed getting to know you and getting some great ideas too.
I lucked into finding your wonderful blog, think I was looking for granite countertops and you popped up… You surely have graced us with your presence on the internet, with the bonus of an amazing chocolate cherry cookie recipe!
I’m over a few blue ridges from you in Blacksburg, VA..
Found you through Pinterest while looking for a fudge recipe for the holidays. Can’t wait to try your Grannie’s fudge. Started reading though your blog and was devastated to read of your fire. I must say though, it is so refreshing to read your posts full of faith, hope , love, and that special southern charm. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas. I will think of you while I eat the fudge.
Awesome work! I knew it must be God as I read your story..so inspiring and soothing to the spirit. Thanks for sharing God’s blessings he gave to you.
Louisianagirl now living in California for the last 25 years, but I am grateful to God for my humble beginnings in Louisiana.
A worshipper of God in spirit and in truth that is learning to love and embrace the art of knitting.
Blessings to you and your beautiful family.
I am so enjoying all you write…I love the little one liners that make me laugh!! God has blessed me and given me little havens of delight and your blog, with all the domestic wonder from cooking and creating, to decorating and family love is one of them! Thank you for spreading the joy!
I recently found your site through the 4 Resolutions Every Mom Should Make from Living Well Spending Less. You article was humbling. I always make big goals for the year but do not pay attention to the little things. Thank you for sharing that article. I can completely relate to sometimes not listening to my kids. I look forward to reading your posts and I am glad I found your site.
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You grabbed me with the clothing tips for over 40.
You sealed the deal with a quote from The Red Tent.
Wearing my jeans and cowboy boots to see George tomorrow night (I’m sure I don’t have to say WHICH George) at the Staples Center. I’m in such a Texas mood and so happy to have found your blog!!
xoxox,
texicaligirl
So awesome!! And of course you don’t have to say which George!!
(I’m jealous b/c I’ve never seen him in concert!)
Wow this was fun to stumble across. May not get anything done for a few days as I try and catch up:)
Bless your heart!
I found your blog doing a google image search for a paint color and I’ve been on it for an hour now! I LOVE IT! And I love that you have the same C.S. Lewis obsession that I do 🙂 You’re awesome! God bless!
Hi Edie!
Thank you so much for opening your heart to your readers. I just found your blog last night and I am already obsessed! Your heart shines through your writing. I loved watching the video of you and Melanie Shankle. It cracked me up the whole time. I loved how you recommended so many wonderful books. If you ever need some ideas of children’s literature, I have a blog where I recommend picture books and such to teachers and parents. Would love for you to stop by. Again thank you for creating such magic in your writing! Have a wonderful day!
Courtney
ramonarecommends.com
You are DARLING. Period!!!!!
I’m so excited to dig into your sweet blog..what a beautiful interduction! I love your spunk!
I walked into the church office and saw your picture on the Lutheran Witness. I gasped out loud! The church secretary asked what was wrong. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your wonderful self with our church body. You make me think Lutheran is pretty cool.
Paging through my copy of the Lutheran Witness, I just had to read your article. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! It’s so easy to get caught up in our expectations of what is required of our vocation, that we can forget that all the things we do to care for those around us is what God has called us to do. My girlfriend (a.k.a. our pastor’s wife) and I were reminded once again that we are doing exactly what we need to be doing to care for all He has given us. God bless you and your family!
P.S.- would you ever consider speaking at a women’s retreat?
Edie,
I remember stumbling across your blog sometime last summers while dreaming about my “someday” kitchen renovation. Here I sit, in the middle of the night 2 months past our own house fire. I remembered vaguely about you and your family and your own experiences. After finding your blog and reading nonstop for 2 hours I am filled with hope that I too will move past this. I waffle between huge moments of gratitude of Gods blessings on my family and sadness and frustration of the unbelievably slow process after a house fire. Although we didn’t suffer a total loss, I am overwhelmed with the day to day tasks of dealing with the aftermath. Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your journey and reminding me that there will be better days ahead very soon! Blessings to you and your family
I saw these sentences today. I need them desperately. Thanks so much. They are encouragement, chastisement, and hope. “We are trusting God to restore the years—–the years the locusts have eaten; the mess we’ve made with the gifts he’s given us—the disgraceful way we’ve trampled on his goodness time and time again. He makes all things new. For the sake of Christ, alone.”
You have designed an amazing site. Very inspirational.
Keep up the good work! I am in the process of designing a blog site.
So much work but I’m loving it!
Happened upon your blog and I am so thrilled to visit! You have such a beautiful family. And I’d love to keep in touch, so that’s what I’m going to do! See you around!
I came across your blog and have been browsing for the last hour. I can honestly say I am choked up over all your beautiful words. Especially those glorifying our perfect God in HEaven. So neat to see you professing your love for Christ! Keep on sweet sister! xoxo Blessing to you
I truly enjoy your photos and blog. Your podcast is wonderful. I especially loved your podcast “A Life of Calling.” Your words are edifying and a blessing. Thank you for taking the time to share such wonderful information on your blog and podcast.
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Hi Edie!
I love your site and am so glad I stumbled upon it via Pinterest. Have a great day!
p.s. Your family is beautiful.
Thank you so much!
Bless you!
xo
Love love love your blog and thoughts…already passed on to a friend:)
You didn’t say what your husband does for a living?
So glad I stumbled upon your facebook page and followed to here! In process of rebuilding life right now and not really sure. It is messy and hard, but I can see God’s hand everywhere in it like never before. Thank you for the inspiration! Kelly
Great thoughts about The Will of God. My late sister and I were at odds with one another about “God’s Will” for many years. She thought it was important to hear God’s spoken voice, telling her exactly what she was to do every minute of every day, even whether to show up for Family Christmas Dinner. I always felt that God’s will was for me to engage in exactly where I was at the time. Unfortunately, fearing she would do the wrong thing, my sister lived her life in a virtually frozen state and didn’t do many of the things which could have brought her (and us) happiness. She always thought she had missed God’s plan by not living on a foreign mission field, when she had four nephews who needed her inspiration and influence in their lives. Thanks for sharing the thoughts. Useful.
You ae a very very special angel, I will learn much from you.
I continually grow in GRACE each day.
I love what you are doing here and your authenticity shines through!
I am enthralled this morning in your blog…I’ve got such a busy day ahead of me but I am hooked. I shall read every word over the next few days. I feel inspired and excited. 🙂 oh and my husbands mother was a Wadsworth. Great heritage.
I’M HAPPY TO BE A PART OF THIS SITE. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELPFUL IDEAS!!!
Hi Edie,
I’ve been following your blog for a while now, and find it so uplifting and comforting. Thought you might be interested in my 365 project, where I create a Cross each day and post it. Only two months in, and it’s often challenging, but it’s one of the best things I’ve done and feels like a daily meditation or prayer. You can see all my posts (and the meanings/inspirations behind them) on acrossaday.com.
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Your morristown event is coming up jan my daughter in law is such a fan of your are the any vip tickete available cant seen to figure out how to get them….oh my goodness she wouid go cracrazy to get them and see you..listens and commits every tim.e your on…..sure sue would appreciate your help….my facebook account is under Gail Jarrard Runyan…..if you can help…. I will be covering you with prayer as you prepare for your event …..sincerely Gail Runyan
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Hey there Gail! That is so sweet. I don’t think there are any VIP tickets left but we are opening up another block of tickets in October so be sure and stay tuned to the Life in Grace Facebook page for updates!