Edie Wadsworth

Weekend Grace (Thanksgiving Edition)

November 24, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 7 Comments

A few things for your weekend-before-Thanksgiving preparations!

1. I made this banner 2 Thanksgivings and 2 kitchens ago, but I still put it up every year. I just print out the letters and staple them to a ribbon. Card stock works great, but last year, I used regular computer paper.

The pdf files for the letter are here for you to download and print.
G in Give
I in Give
V in Give
E in Give

T in Thanks
H in Thanks
A in Thanks
N in Thanks
K in THanks
S in THanks

Don’t forget to use my How to Host Thanksgiving Resource, to help with all the tasks of the next few days.

I just got my guest room ready and I can’t wait to see all my people! (Sources listed yesterday on Instagram!)

guest room

2. I’m not the only one saying Hold Your Horses! (Also, try Jeanne’s Pumpkin Spice Latte!)

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photo credit

3. Melissa’s Attitudes of Gratitude

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4. The first Sunday in Advent is next week. In preparation, I’ve been busy gathering my supplies. If you’ve never done an Advent devotional/calendar, you should do it this year. It will make Christmas all the more meaningful when you’ve anticipated the coming of His birth with your family.

I can’t wait to start our nightly Advent readings. We will be reading from Martin Luther’s Advent and Christmas sermons, and I also have used this book which has specific readings for lighting the candles.

You can order Advent Candle Set and even a Advent Candle Set which includes the wreath. I just use individual candle holders and arrange them in a circle and then add fresh green to the base. Ann Voskamp has a new book out on taking an Advent journey, called The Greatest Gift, which I’m sure is beautiful.

5. This prayer for the home:

Lord God, our home is among the most precious gifts we receive in this life.

We realize this all the more as we remember our Lord Jesus. He set aside home and family. Having no place to lay His head throughout His ministry, he chose to sojourn among those He came to save. We prayerfully invite Him to dwell in our earthly abode even as He continually invites us by Word and Sacrament to dwell forever in our heavenly home, which He prepares for us.

Make us ever grateful for this shelter from life’s storms.

Keep this house always the home of comfort, joy, peace, and forgiveness.

According to Your will, protect this home from the spiritual assaults of Satan, but likewise make our home a fortress against the calamities of nature and the wickedness of sinful man.

Grant us the virtue of hospitality, the joy of harmonious living, and the blessing of gathering around Your Word and bringing our families’ prayers before You.

May all who dwell in our home be blessed by Your presence and Your peace,

and may all who go forth give thanks for the grace they receive from You, through us, Your dear children

We receive Your loving kindness in our home as a reminder of the eternal home we inherit through Your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.
Amen.

The Best Quiche Lorraine {South of the Mason-Dixon}

November 22, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 30 Comments

quichelorraine

Y’all.

I know I’m melodramatic. I know I overstate everything. Whatever.

This is the best quiche I’ve ever eaten. You don’t even know.

And if you tell me you don’t like quiche, I will tell you to come to my house and then I’ll sit you down by the cozy fire, while I make this for you and then you’ll like quiche. And we’ll be jolly friends forever more, more, more, more.

Now, get into that kitchen and whip up a couple of these and freeze them for your company next weekend.

(This is all part of the How to Host Thanksgiving and Enjoy It series!)

Here’s where my lorraine is not your average lorraine. See, as much as I LOVE bacon, I don’t like soggy bacon. So, I use deli ham and then cook it in bacon fat. Because I can. It’s like bacon-flavored ham. Welcome to the South, my friend. And lest you think ham doesn’t need any help in the pork department, I say, you’ve never had ham cooked in pork fat. Don’t trust me on this? Stevie asks to renew our vows every time I he eats it. Or something like that.

Now, on with the recipe.

What you’ll need:

2 pie crusts (recipe coming this weekend, but you could use ready made pie crusts, too)
1 pound of deli ham, chopped, and cooked in bacon fat. Or olive oil, but I’m not guaranteeing it unless it’s bacon fat. ( I use honey or brown sugar ham)
1 bunch of green onions, chopped, and cooked with the ham
4 large eggs
4 large egg yolks
2 1/2 cups of half and half
2 1/2 cups of cheese (I usually use a mix of gruyere, white cheddar, parmesan or whatever I have on hand. But it has to be good cheese. Real cheese. Amen.)
1/2 tsp salt
fresh grated nutmeg or 1/2 t. ground nutmeg
a little pepper

What to do:

Saute the chopped green onions and the chopped ham in a little olive oil and bacon fat. When the ham is slightly browned, divide the ham and onion mixture evenly between the two pie crusts. Mix the rest of the ingredients and pour evenly over the two pies.

Bake at 375 for 35-40 min and then let cool. Since I’m making this for Thanksgiving weekend, I’ll cover mine with plastic wrap, then tin foil and then freeze.

Happy Baking!

Long live bacon fat.

quichelorraine

Also, my favorite internet radio station, Issues, Etc., is hosting their annual Live 24 Hour Bible teaching broadcast. Tune in today, or listen online anytime. I can’t wait!!

How to Host Thanksgiving {And Enjoy It!}

November 20, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 84 Comments

how to host thanksgiving

I think Melanie and I are the only two people in the free world talking about Thanksgiving. Christmas will have its turn, but not until after Thanksgiving and Advent.

Hold Your Horses, ‘Merica!

patience

Here are my master plans for the next 9 days, so that when my company gets here, I can convalesce by the fire, drinking lots of lattes and visiting with all of my favorite peeps.

5 things that will make your Thanksgiving weekend more enjoyable:

1. Give thanks.

thanksgiving

Don’t forget that this is the season of intentional gratefulness. I sometimes have to stop myself in my busy tracks and say thank you. Cup your hands around the faces of your people, look them right in their eyes and say thank you. A little smooch wouldn’t hurt anything either. We take SO much for granted. Stop and pay attention. Notice the smell of the pumpkin pie, the way light glistens off your pretty wine glasses, the color of the landscape, as it makes ready for winter.

As my way of saying THANK YOU! for meeting me here all these years, I’m giving my Hospitality E-book away today on my Facebook page! Just like the page and leave a comment with your email address and I’ll be happy to send this small token of my appreciation for all your love and support. It is jam-packed with tips for making your home and heart ready for guests.

2. Make a Menu

thanksgivingwithjoy

Here’s mine, in case you want ideas. I LOVE printing my menus out and placing one at each table setting, but at least print one out for yourself and keep it in your planner/notebook.

Turkey with Sage Stuffing
Chive Mashed Potatoes
Giblet Gravy
Maple Glazed Brussel Sprouts
Broccoli Casserole
Baked Sweet Potato Bake
Creamed Corn
Bedeviled Eggs
Cranberry Apple Relish
Parker House Rolls
Tart Cherry Pie
Pumpkin Pie with Brandy Cream
Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Pie
Chocolate Fudge Pie
Red Velvet Cake
Salted Caramel Lattes

3. Start NOW!

thanksgiving2

Here’s my list for how I will (hopefully) get all my food made (for 35 people) and get my house ready for weekend company! I realize not everyone hosts this many people, but this might help you see how I break down the large job into small doable pieces. And there’s a lot of wine and fudge involved. That always helps.

Tuesday (the week before)

Bake pumpkin muffins and put in freezer (to serve for breakfast next week)
Wash sheets on the guest room beds.
Brainstorm on Pinterest for table top and guest room ideas

Wednesday (the week before)

Bake a quiche lorraine for next weekend and freeze
Finish the guest room beds
Bake cherry and pumpkin pies and freeze (recipes coming this week!)

Thursday (the week before)

Clean downstairs bathrooms
Clean guest rooms
Clean and reorganize the baking center (full post on the baking center in my e-book, so head over the FB page and get a free copy!)

Friday

Big grocery shopping day (lots of baking supplies are on sale, so stock up!)
Stock up on candles (my favorite fall/winter candle but I love this one and this one, too) diffusers , Mrs. Meyer clove countertop spray,
Make broccoli casserole, bake about 1/2 time and then freeze
MakeGrannie’s fudge and freeze
Set up the bar cart for the adults and the Hot Cocoa center for the kids

Saturday

Get out all the linens and sort out how the tables will be set up (all mine will be mix-match)
Make blueberry muffins and freeze
Make toffee chocolate chip cookies and freeze
Clean living room top to bottom
Work on name cards
Wash all the glassware and plates (the ones not used very often)

Sunday

Rest and read Radical Hospitality (again!). Pray by name for everyone who is coming
Work on menus and place cards (I love the fox cards Emily made and you can print them for free!)
Print out the Thanksgiving Litany (10 copies) (I’m still working on the link!)
Outdoor scavenger hunt to find pinecones, acorns, driftwood, pretty branches, berries, etc

Monday

Bake pecan bourbon chocolate pie
Brew a batch of iced coffee
Make olive salsa and my favorite cheese ball of all time (company arrives on Tuesday!)
Check on votive candles (Are there enough for each place setting? Enough tea lights?
Clean kitchen and bedroom

Tuesday

Bake sweet potatoes and refrigerate them as is until Thursday
Make the cranberry apple relish
Cook potatoes and refrigerate. Finish them on Thursday
Make pizza bianca and modified shrimp boil for dinner (I don’t add corn, but the rest is pretty much the same)(serving 10?)
Bake toffee chocolate chip cookies (recipe coming!)
Add greenery/finishing touches to the guest spaces
Make chocolate fudge pie and freeze
Take out pumpkin muffins from freezer for breakfast tomorrow
Buy 2 13-15 pound turkeys and one turkey breast
Refill the small salt/pepper shakers for the tables

Wednesday

Make the Parker House Rolls. They’re SO good and well worth all the butter and effort.
If turkeys aren’t completely thawed, put in salt water brine
Remove the broccoli casserole from freezer to frig.
Roast the brussel sprouts and then refrigerate until tomorrow. Finish cooking with bacon fat and then drizzle with maple syrup and cook another min or two
Bake the Thanksgiving cake (I’m still waffling at this point, but I’m thinking red velvet or mocha)
Set the tables after dinner (I like to set my tables earlier, but we’ll have company and need to use them)
Make the sage stuffing, so that it’s ready to be stuffed in the bird early in the morning
Put turkey breast in the crockpot overnight (This is my favorite way to have some extra turkey and a LOT of turkey stock. You don’t need to do ANYTHING to it, just remove the giblets and cook on low overnight, until it falls apart, which is usually about lunch time!)
Take out all the pies to thaw

Thursday

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Stuff the turkey, brush with butter and put in a covered roaster. Start at 300 degrees and cook for 3 hours, then decrease to 250. For a 14 pound bird, at that low temp, I usually cook it for 10 hours, until it’s tender and falling off the bone. (Stevie also smokes a turkey, but I leave that all up to him!)
Take out all casseroles and finish them, finish the potatoes
About lunch time, take out the appetizers and champagne spritzers as a treat for all the helpers (we don’t eat until evening)
Delegate the drink stations and salted caramel latte prep to the young adults
Start the Thanksgiving music (I make a playlist from my favorites—the Avett Brothers, the Civil Wars, the Decemberists, Noah Gundersen, etc)
Finish the brussel sprouts
Don’t forget the cranberry relish
Make the creamed corn
Set out plenty of butter to soften/put on each table
Double check the tablescapes, fill the water glasses and light the candles
Read the Litany aloud, pray, and FEAST!!

4. Enjoy the day

Things will go wrong. You’ll forget to take the pumpkin pie out of the freezer, the mash potatoes will be runny (happened to me last year), the bread will burn, and a million other things will threaten to steal your joy. DON’T let it. This is a celebration of the people that you love. Enjoy them! Make eye contact and hug and laugh. The food, the decorations, the tables are all secondary and must take a back seat. Take a deep breath, have a glass of wine, relax, and love on your people.

Also? Make your siblings wash the dishes. Amen.

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5. Enjoy the day after

The day after may be my favorite day. Eating leftovers, sitting by the fireplace enjoying my family, beating twenty-somethings in Scrabble. I think we should reclaim Black Friday and call it I’m Staying in My Jammies and Eating Leftovers and Knitting Dishcloths Friday.

Happy Feasting!

If you’re new around here? Thank you for visiting my blog! I’m honored you’re here and I hope you’ll find some encouragement (and some laughter!) for your days. Visit my about page, which highlights some of my popular posts or will at least show you a peak into my crazy people. You can subscribe to this blog by email here. I am currently addicted to Pinterest, so follow at your own risk. I also post updates to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

When You’re Desperate For a Sign

November 18, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 47 Comments

For I was determined to know nothing among you, except Christ, and Him crucified. 1 Cor. 2:12

the sign of the cross

There’s a new wave of churches taking root in America and abroad that may surprise you—the athiest mega-church. This fascinating article about this movement starts like this:

It looked like a typical Sunday morning at any mega-church. Several hundred people, including families with small children, packed in for more than an hour of rousing music, an inspirational talk and some quiet reflection. The only thing missing was God.

These groups of athiests gather to hear good music, inspirational speaking about ways to become better people, and then are sent out to fight social injustice. Craig Parton points out that, unfortunately, they take their cues from American pop Christianity, which has been doing this same thing for years, only with a little God thrown in. He points out that the one thing often missing from many Christian church services is Jesus and the scandal of the cross.

Martin Luther first coined this phrase, the theology of the cross, in the Heidelberg Disputation, but many descendants of the Reformation may have never heard the term.

What it means is this: When I want to know how it is between God and me, I must look to the cross.

Everything for the christian must be viewed through the lens of this one, pivotal event. That is our center point, the hinge of our faith. We must know God there or we will not know Him aright. Jesus dying on the cross is the beginning of Christian theology. Our natural theology, a theology of glory, says that I can know how it is between God and me by looking at my life, my circumstances—in other words, a ‘me-centered’ theology.

And we do this all the time without thinking about it.

When we lost our home to fire in December of 2010, I couldn’t help but struggle with doubt. Why us? Why this? Why now? Where is God in this tragedy? It’s hauntingly similar to what Jesus uttered on the cross, when he said, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” And even though this question came from the lips of the Son of God himself, the heavens were silent. The cross stands as God’s final answer to all our ‘why’ questions.

The cross speaks across the centuries, across every barrier, and shouts to us in our suffering. The God who suffers unspeakable grief, loves us and gives Himself over to death on our behalf. The cross gives meaning to our suffering, to our doubt. The song of redemption rings loud and clear from the mouth of the suffering Savior as He speaks forgiveness.

But, we are theologians of glory. We have replaced the cross with everything under the sun. We don’t want its shame. We want to believe that man is basically good and his faults can be overcome by moral improvement, powerful spiritual experiences, or intellectual ascension. Maybe we sense that God is angry with us and we believe there is something we can do to appease that anger. We turn the Scriptures into a How-To manual and spend our lives climbing ladders to God. The most popular ladder in the past twenty years seems to be the mystical ladder of experience-based faith and worship. We chase spiritual worship experiences in order to feel connected to God. We’ve become masters at the carefully tailored worship service—so much so that the athiests can copy us and have their own inspirational services, often without changing much of anything.

But, Jesus offers us all He has at the cross. He delivers the salvation and forgiveness won for us there on Sunday morning in the preaching of the Gospel and the administration of The Lord’s Supper. And where those two things are missing, what we’re often left with is music and teaching that is designed to inspire and motivate, or worse manipulate. The preaching of God’s law and Gospel are not meant to inspire us, but to kill and make alive. The law, preached in its fullness leaves us no wiggle room to justify ourselves. We have sinned and are the enemies of God. The Gospel rescues us with finished work of Christ on the cross. It is finished still rings through the ages.

The theology of the cross is the theology of Scripture.

And when we forget, we live as slaves to our circumstances. We try to figure out where we stand with God by looking all around us or by looking into our bank accounts or our 401K’s. We want some tangible sign—hopefully in the form of health, wealth or fame, or some mountain top spiritual experience—to know that God is pleased with us.

But, there is one sure way to know where we stand with God—a signpost rooted firmly in the Scriptures that never changes.

It’s called a cross.

When you look at the cross, you can know exactly where you stand with God. At the cross, you don’t have to wonder whether or not you’re measuring up. You don’t have to wonder if you’re “spiritual enough.” You don’t have to worry if your sin has been too great. Your sin and your righteousness alike fall away here. You don’t have to battle the demons that rage against you and make you question whether or not God brought this suffering your way. He has crushed your demons, your sin, your self-righteousness, and your doubt, and He has taken your suffering into His own body. He has answered every accusation against you. Every single one.

Here, at the foot of this cross, the God of the universe has crawled into your skin, into your suffering, into your doubt and has rescued you from death, hell, and every snare of the Enemy. This is the place where you must learn to take refuge. Here, at the cross, you know you are loved with a love that will never fail. This is the perfect love of God on display for you.

This is your sign.

We can go almost anywhere and hear good music and inspirational speeches. We can venture out into nature and know there is a God. God may, indeed, be everywhere, at all times. He is certainly the author of all good things. But only here, at Calvary, can you know Him in love and mercy.

Only at the cross—where Jesus stretches out His arms forever, to the ends of the earth, in love for all mankind—do you know that God is for you.

Beautiful are the feet of those who bring us this good news.

I remember when our pastor made the sign of the cross on my little one’s forehead and on her heart when she was baptized, to mark her as one redeemed.

He has marked us with His cross forever—the sign from heaven that all has been renewed and all is well.

the sign of the cross

If you’re new around here? Thank you for visiting my blog! I’m honored you’re here and I hope you’ll find some encouragement (and some laughter!) for your days. Visit my about page, which highlights some of my popular posts or will at least show you a peak into my crazy people. You can subscribe to this blog by email here. I am currently addicted to Pinterest, so follow at your own risk. I also post updates to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

A Few Things I LOVE lately

November 15, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 15 Comments

1. A good stroll down Memory Lane

Okay. So, my 25 year high school reunion is this weekend. (Let’s go ahead and have a moment of silence.)

My sister sent me some photos to commemorate the special event and I nearly fainted. This is the only one I can show you and still retain any semblance of dignity.

Apparently, 1988 was a good year for hair and eye shadow. And that’s a fact. Since I didn’t lose any weight for the reunion, a leftover spray tan and some Crest white strips will be the extent of my preparations. Unless I can get my hair to do this again. All I’ll need are 3 cans of White Rain.

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p.s. My sister still has our cheerleading uniforms. I have no idea why except that we shared a closet in high school and finding things was a problem. I think she realized she still had them five years too late. And um, nice hair.

Well, okay, one more, since you begged.

Apparently, this was powder puff Homecoming, so I was dressed as a guy. That’s me in the rust colored three piece suit.

I hope we can still be friends.

2. Memory Lane, 2.0

I went to ETSU Quillen College of Medicine yesterday, with my beloved Taylor, who’s applying to med school this year. My two favorite people from that era of my life are still doing amazing work and it was SO wonderful to see them and reminisce. (Doug Taylor and Dr. Kwasigroch—I love you both dearly!) I graduated from there in 1998. 15 years ago. How is this possible? How old AM I?

I went through of brief period (3 weeks?) of ‘natural’ hair color, so good luck finding me. Here’s my message to my 28 year old self.

Dear thinner, but dumber version of me: “Get your highlights back, put on some more eye make up and stop over plucking your eyebrows. You may be a doctor, but you’re still a Southerner, now act like it. Also, enjoy the body. It doesn’t last forever. Love ya.”

photo copy 3

And how in the world can my son be applying to medical school already? Oh, yeah, that’s right, I had him when I was 10.

Well, 20, which is almost the same thing. He’s home tonight, too, so maybe I can strong arm him into a game of Scrabble.

3. Good Friends doing Good Things

Melanie’s giving a video tutorial on the side bun. Run, don’t walk. HI-LARRY-us, is what she is.

Ruth’s day of fantastic giveaways is here. I cannot believe the stuff she’s giving away.

My adorable friend, Paige, sells THE BEST jewelry. Check out her Noonday shop!

My friend, Jen, wrote about how to save $500 right now! Good stuff!

4. A Few Great Sale Items

Dayspring has a few great things on sale this week that would make a perfect addition to your holiday festivities and gift giving.

Visit DaySpring Home Page for some great things on sale and you can get $20 off $70 order with the code 20off70.

12 Days of Handmade Christmas (all in one day!)

November 11, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 9 Comments

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

I’ve hosted the 12 Days of Handmade Christmas for the last few years, but this year, I had too many deadlines. So, instead of 12 Days, I’m sharing my favorite 12 projects from the past few years, including a few I posted this year. Hope you will find some inspiration for making the holidays more meaningful and more handmade. Enjoy!

For a full list of the past projects, 12 Days 2009, 12 Days 2010, 12 Days 2012!

1. The Handmade Dishmat

I’ve made this project so many times. It’s my favorite thing to give for Christmas, with my favorite cookbook wrapped inside. This mat takes about an 1 1/2 and everyone I’ve ever made one for LOVES it. I have my friend, Darby, to thank. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. My sister just made me one and I’m in heaven!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

Have you made any of these projects?

What’s your favorite (easy-ish) handmade gift to give to others? Leave links or descriptions in the comments.

Happy Veterans Day and thank you to those who serve our blessed country and to those who love them!

If you’re new around here? Thank you for visiting my blog! I’m honored you’re here and I hope you’ll find some encouragement (and some laughter!) for your days. Visit my about page, which highlights some of my popular posts or will at least show you a peak into my crazy people. You can subscribe to this blog by email here. I am currently addicted to Pinterest, so follow at your own risk. I also post updates to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Weekend Grace (Thanksgiving Edition)

Lord God, our home is among the most precious gifts we receive in this life.

Keep this house always the home of comfort, joy, peace, and forgiveness.

May all who dwell in our home be blessed by Your presence and Your peace,

The Best Quiche Lorraine {South of the Mason-Dixon}

What you’ll need:

How to Host Thanksgiving {And Enjoy It!}

1. Give thanks.

2. Make a Menu

3. Start NOW!

4. Enjoy the day

5. Enjoy the day after

When You’re Desperate For a Sign

A Few Things I LOVE lately

12 Days of Handmade Christmas (all in one day!)

1. The Handmade Dishmat

2. The Linen Flower (Pin)

3. Large Zippered Make-Up Bag

4. Large Photo Prints (mounted to foamboard)

5. DIY Alphabet Crayons

6. Fabric Camera Strap

7. Hand-knit Dishcloth

8. DIY Felt Scarf

9. DIY Monogrammed Candle

10. Grannie’s Homemade Fudge

11. DIY Crayon Roll

12. Homemade Honey Wheat Bread