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Why is the World So Snarky?

January 19, 2015 by Edie Wadsworth 24 Comments

babychild

As you probably know, my sister and Caiti and I recently flew to JamieKnoxville’s in South Jersey to help her move into a new place. It was a wonderful/exhausting trip that involved an eight hour stint in IKEA, dinner at Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City, a canceled flight, a 50 yard sprint going the wrong way on a walking sidewalk (wish you coulda been there), 75,000 pieces of IKEA furniture parts and hardware that needed assembling, and a lot of buttercream & coffee. JK is my first cousin but because of the years of childhood ~~trauma~~ memories we have together, she’s more like a sister to us. After 48 hours of tugging and pulling and flat out laying on the floor laughing until we cried, we ended up with this photo and that’s when I repented to IKEA for all the things I said while I was hangry (hungry + angry) and tired.

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Jamie or Sister as we call her is a very thin beautiful woman who may or may not be one of those people who “forgets to eat.” Bless her skinny little heart. All I can say is that I did not get that particular piece of genetic code. When we got to her place, here’s what she had available in her kitchen—a bountiful supply of dog treats, 2 heads of lettuce, 18 boxes of coffee, & some low fat yogurt. As June Bug (her dog) as my witness, that’s not a word of a lie. I got excited when I saw a tin full of peppermint bark until I realized it was more dog treats for June. I was immediately hungry and panicky. In Sister’s defense, she had gone to a lot of trouble to order a birthday cake for me from this fancy bakery in Maryland and it was all kinds of wonderful. Needless to say, we did not go hungry. We ate a lot of buttercream, drank a lot of coffee, and ate out at a few amazing places. But we did tease her all weekend about her lack of ALL THINGS FOOD. We laughed so hard about the sad state of her pantry and she even gave me permission to blog about it. I was in charge of decorating so when I suggested that we put a large glass container of peppermints on the Stockholm dresser, we all laughed because she knew what I was getting at—at least there will be some snacks around here!

But knowing someone well enough to know what’s fair game to laugh about and what will cut them to the core is part of loving other people well. Good humor comes from a place of love, sarcasm comes from a place of contempt and insecurity. We are all very good at knowing the difference when it comes to how others treat us, but not as good at seeing it while we’re dishing it out.

This has been the subject of many a conversation in my house lately. Why? Because as lenient as I can be with my kids at times, I don’t tolerate snarky sarcasm very well. And 8th grade is nothing if not the place where sarcasm seems to be part of the curriculum. And we’re all guilty of it at some time or another, but so many people operate their whole lives from this place of biting criticism. And since it’s been a topic of conversation in our house for the last few weeks and months, I’ve noticed something interesting. If you are sarcastic to your kids, it will come back to bite you.

I was on the receiving end of this type of sarcasm not too long ago from one of my kids and it cut me to the quick. Immediately, I got angry, then defensive, then sad. I wondered if I had been that way to them lately? Is this coming from something they’re seeing or hearing at home? From friends?

Sometimes I marvel at how kind my kids are to me most days, how tender they are to me so much of the time and when that turns to snarkiness, it’s a biting reminder that the world has enough cynicism and sarcasm and nastiness. What the world doesn’t have enough of is kindness. I hope their hearts (and my heart too) will remain open and tender and compassionate. I hope they astonish the mean world with kindness.

And I hope they find plenty of reasons to laugh until they cry without breaking someone else’s heart to do it.

kindness

5 Ways to Bring the Magic Back To Your Kitchen

January 12, 2015 by Edie Wadsworth 36 Comments

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Last week, I spent two days working in my kitchen wondering if the greasy film that covers certain parts of my stove can ever be clean again. Then I remember what I say all the time, “You can have a clean kitchen or you can cook in it a lot, but you can’t have both.” I know that to be a fact at my house. I’ve cooked in this kitchen for 3 1/2 years and by my rough calculations, I’ve made over 1500 meals here. It’s a hard working space & although I love it when it’s shiny and unsullied, I like it better when the wreckage from dinner reminds me that this is the place where I take care of my people. Feeding people is hard work but one of those things that is so worth the time and effort you put into it.

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So, if cooking more is on your list of things to do this year, let me offer a little encouragement and a few tips for bringing the magic back into the kitchen.

1. Start wearing an apron

It just makes you feel like you should be cooking. My morning routine looks something like this—shower, brush teeth, put on cute outfit, put on apron. Every single day I wear an apron. Something simple with pockets, like this one. When you walk into your kitchen in an apron, you naturally want to saute an onion and as I confessed on tv the other day, sometimes cooking an onion in some olive oil will inspire me to make dinner even if I don’t know what I’m making. You will think to yourself, what a shame that I have on an apron and haven’t cook anything yet. I dare you to try it!

Kitchen

2. Listen while you work

I love being in my kitchen with my hands in bread dough but I also love it when I can work with my hands and use my brain at the same time. I listen to oodles of hours of podcasting every week while I’m doing my other chores and especially while I’m in the kitchen. It actually makes me look forward to kitchen work, which can sometimes feel dull & repetitive. You can listen to my podcast archives or try out Issues etc or find a podcast related to what you’re interested in and listen to that.

3. Start early & stock up

I’ve written a fair amount about meal planning and I will gladly give you free access to meal plans in my monthly newsletter, but honestly, I often don’t follow a meal plan very closely. But I do have one trick for getting dinner on the table most nights and that is—start early in the day. I wrote a whole post about some of the tricks I use to get dinner started early. If I don’t follow my own advice, we scramble and then eat bad food, unless we’re lucky enough to have ample leftovers. If I have an onion sautéing by 9 am, good things are bound to happen! But this only works well if you’re pantry is well stocked so that you have what you need to get meals started & on the table.

4. Get a good dutch oven

I did a segment for our local television channel on cooking & decorating the other day and lugged my 9,000 pound soup pots FULL OF SOUP to Knoxville and back. Because having a good pot to cook in is a game changer. Maybe you have some Christmas money lying around and even if not, you’ll make your money back in less than a month by eating at home. You don’t have to get Le Creuset but get a good pot and you won’t be sorry. (Sometimes TJ Maxx has them for a steal!) I use mine every single day for nearly everything I cook and it’s the best investment I’ve ever made in my kitchen and in my family. I have fed them well from my dutch ovens. And January is SOUP SEASON if ever there was such a thing. It couldn’t be a better time to get in the kitchen and make a big pot of soup. Here’s a list to get you started!

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5. Be patient with yourself

It takes a while to get good at anything. You have to do it over and over again and fail a lot and make lots of messes. Don’t get discouraged when the veggies are soggy & the meat is tough and the bread is burned. I still mess up but we are doing something so profound when we feed people. This is how Christ chose to take care of us too, by feeding us. And when we partake in the mystery of food, we are partaking in the mystery of life. It’s deeply satisfying and humbling and rewarding. But it’s not easy. Nothing worth doing is. So go slow and be good to yourself. Order out when life is chaotic but you will find that getting into a rhythm of cooking will ground you and will give your family untold comfort and security and nourishment. It’s so worth it.

Tell me how you bring the magic back to your kitchen!!

Only Love

January 9, 2015 by Edie Wadsworth 9 Comments

* A little love from the archives, with new content resuming next week.

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None of us escapes it. We are a bruised and broken people, in desperate need of a rescue. We are all plagued with sin, doubt, fear, greed, selfishness, addiction, evil, and most assuredly self-righteousness. We are harsh and unkind and lacking in mercy. Or we are weak, undisciplined, and lacking in courage. But we are all the same.

Fortunately for us, our Father knows it all. He is not surprised or angry or aloof.

He doesn’t seek revenge but only redemption.

He became one of us to know the depth of our struggle and He is right there in the dirty midst of it all.

He won’t leave. He won’t lose His nerve. He will never give up.

So, when your strength has left you and you can’t hold on……

Don’t worry. Love holds. Love never fails.

He, who is deeply acquainted with your grief, will bear the weight of it all, even this, and will never grow weary.

Trust in your Father, who works every circumstance for the homecoming and healing of His glorious children.

He will not rest until you are remade and restored.

He will persevere until the end, because of Love.

Only Love.

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MY NEWEST BLOG SPONSOR:

This post is generously sponsored by my YL. I am into natural choices for my family, and this is the main way I help boost our immune systems and alleviate lots of minor aches, pains, and injuries. Read more about how we are using them everyday! My Young Living essential oils are also my newest business venture, and the oils are so well loved that they sponsor my blog!!! Thank you, friends! Enroll by clicking here. I also have a new private Lifeingrace & Wellness Facebook group for those of you interested in using the oils to promote a healthier lifestyle for your family. Just let me know if the comments and I’ll get you added.

My 7 Favorite Life Lessons from 2014

December 30, 2014 by Edie Wadsworth 32 Comments

I’m a New Year’s girl and always have been. The week between Christmas and when the kids go back to school is my nirvana. I guess it helps that my birthday is January 4th but when everyone else is wallowing in that 2nd week of Christmas vacation (Okay, I’m wallowing too!) my wheels are turning a mile a minute. I’m scheming and planning and goal setting and wanting to start 147 new exciting projects. I wake up extra early and write down things as fast as my fingers can keep up. The winter morning light has its own special glow.

I have to MAKE MYSELF slow down enough to reflect on the previous year, but it’s a very good thing to do and it helps that I have a blog to help jog my memory. So here are some things I learned in 2014.

1. God’s Will is not sexy. When I wrote about my struggles with FINDING GOD’S WILL last January, I had no idea that so many of you have struggled with the same thing. I want to do something big and important for God but He doesn’t need my big and important. In fact, He doesn’t need anything from me because He’s the giver of all good things. My neighbor needs me and his will is for me to serve my neighbor. So I spent the rest of the year remembering that every time I stir the soup pot or clean the bathrooms or pay the bill, I am right smack dab in the middle of God’s will for life because I am serving my neighbor. Here’s the short and skinny or you can go read the whole post.

God’s will is for you to be saved. He has made every provision for that salvation Himself. He has given you everything you need in Jesus’ perfect life, death, and resurrection. You don’t need to do ANYthing to please Him or find Him or discern His will. He is pleased with Jesus and sees you as one redeemed by Christ.

He has placed you in various stations in life and called you to serve your neighbor, since all of YOUR needs have already been met in Him. He has gifted you in certain ways, so that you may serve your neighbor and meet his needs. And the beautiful kicker is this—God hides Himself in your vocation, so that all the service you render to your neighbor, is sacred, because it is, in reality, GOD at work through you, meeting the needs of the neighbor.

2. Jesus is the father to the fatherless and you are more loved than you know. I’ve struggled with father wounds, striving to make up for it in a million ways, wanting the approval and love from people who could never give it. I visited my daddy’s grave site and the truth of who I am washed over like a flood. My Father loves me and that is always enough.

3. Podcasting is fun and exciting and LABOR INTENSIVE. In the spring, I did a trial run with podcasting with a little series on The Life You Love. The Life of Faith podcast was downloaded a bajillion times, which has given me some ideas for a Life of Faith series. Maybe in 2015?! Anyone want to be my podcast producer?

4. Miracles are everywhere if we have the eyes to see. I’m so thankful for my family and they continue to amaze and bless me. Nick moved out and made ALL A’s in chemical engineering. Taylor started medical school and rocked it!! Caiti is nearing the end of nursing school and has been such a blessing to watch. Emme and Elea are having a wonderful year and our older kids are finding their way in the grown up world of work and life. We are so blessed.

5. We are the first responders to the people in our lives. Let’s respond with gentleness and kindness and love and meekness. Let’s link our arms in theirs and walk them home.

6. Writing a book may in fact be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s feels a lot like a difficult labor. And it’s not over yet. Speaking of writing a book, my dear friend Ruth is launching her baby into the world today so GO GET IT!! It’s already #2 on Amazon!!!!

7. There are two things I never want to be without. They are—good books (I think I read nearly 60 this year) and Young Living Essential Oils. Finding and using and sharing these oils has been like the amazing intersection of everything in my life—health and wellness, caring for people, a way to stay home and still use my skills. I LOVE this company. I love these products. They are changing my life everyday. And you seem to love them too—so much so that I may be able to go ad free on my blog this year, which is my hope and prayer! Go get yourself some healing from the inside out.

Okay, smooches and love to you all.

I can’t wait to share my thoughts and plans for the new year!!

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My December newsletter is going out January 1st and it’s full of all the things I neglected to blog about in December along with an update on my crazy midlife crisis hair decision!! #growingoutapixieproblems

It also contains a link to a private page on my blog with free downloadable things, free meal plans, and other good stuff.

You can sign up here!

12 Secrets of the Good Life {& a few Christmas photos}

December 27, 2014 by Edie Wadsworth 6 Comments

Morning lovely friends!!

Where have you been all my life? Oh wait, I’m the one who left—so sorry about that! But wow, did we have a wonderful, restful Advent & slow stroll toward Christmas. We did a lot of fudge making and bread baking and oil using and knitting and in general enjoying each other, even our little Scooter who looks like a gangsta rapper in this photo. He says, Holla and peace out bro. Or whatever it is gangsta dog rappers say.

I was rollicking along at a slow and easy pace until the Thursday before Christmas when I it finally dawned on me that the gifts weren’t gonna buy themselves, and although we have scaled it back by epic proportions, we still like to bless our kids with a few things. Oh well, I work best under pressure.

I hope you enjoyed some sweet memories with your peeps too and a time of reflection on how blessed we are to be loved by a God who would be born into our flesh to die for our very salvation. What a miracle!

The week between Christmas and the new year is perhaps my FAVORITE week of the year and I’m planning some changes for the blog and working on some fun goals for 2015, including a New Year Wellness Challenge that I’ll tell you more about soon!

And as you might guess, I’ve also been reading because books are my FAVORITE and my favorite book on my nightstand right now is my dear friend Ruth’s new book Living Well Spending Less—12 Secrets to the Good Life. The book officially launches this Tuesday, December 30 and you are in luck, because if you order it by Monday, December 29th, you get Ruth’s 150 page Home Planner Guide for FREE, which will make your planning and goal setting for 2015 all the more easier!

I interviewed Ruth about the book, also known as, we talked and laughed for 20 minutes and I hope you’ll listen in to hear her heart about this book and what she hopes it will mean for you. Watch the trailer and then get listen in as we chat it up!

Video #1 How a Book is Born!

Ruth & Edie 12 Secrets 1.mp4 from edie wadsworth on Vimeo.

Video #2 My favorite “secret”

Video #3 What you get for free!!!

PREORDER BONUSES

Right now, when preorder your copy of Living Well Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life, you can take advantage of these AMAZING pre-order bonuses! But don’t wait—they’ll only be available for a limited time!`

ORDER 1 BOOK:

When you order one book, receive this beautifully-designed, ultra-practical digital home planner. With pages for yearly, monthly, and weekly goal-setting, plus pages for planning your schedule, setting your monthly budget, and keeping track of important dates, phone numbers, and passwords, this amazing tool is the perfect way to implement all the practical tips found in the book.

You’ll receive instant access to the digital file plus instructions for how to assemble it. You can even have it coil bound at your local office supply store for just a few dollars to give it as a gift this Christmas!

ORDER 2 BOOKS:

When you order TWO books (one to keep and one to give!), you’ll receive instant access to our digital home planner PLUS instant digital access to this gorgeous original artwork from popular watercolor artist Ruth Simons of Gracelaced.

Ruth’s exquisite artwork features inspirational quotes and scripture verses, and her waiting list for custom art is months long, and her 8×10 fine art prints normally retail for $16.00.

This beautiful chalkboard print makes the perfect Christmas gift for anyone on your list and you can let them know the book will be coming soon! We recommending printing using your highest resolution settings on linen cardstock.

ORDER 5 BOOKS:

When you order FIVE books, you’ll receive both instant access to our digital home planner AND instant digital access to our original artwork from Gracelaced PLUS a limited edition Secret 13 Key pendant from Cents of Style.

This stylish gold necklace has a 30” chain and is the perfect reminder that you already hold the key to the Good Life in your hand. Please note that quantities of this special necklace are extremely limited!

How to Get Your Bonuses:

First, preorder your book here Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life and then…

Head over to Ruth’s page to fill out the preorder form and be sure to have your receipt handy so you can include your receipt/order number.

And I’ll see you back on Monday as I attempt to return to posting somewhat more regular!

xoxo,

edie

MY NEWEST BLOG SPONSOR:

This post is generously sponsored by Young Living Essential Oils. I am family physician by training, on sabbatical from practice and into natural choices for my family, and this is the main way I help boost our immune systems and alleviate lots of minor aches, pains, and injuries. Read more about how we are using them everyday! My Young Living essential oils are also my newest business venture, and the oils are so well loved that they sponsor my blog!!! Thank you, friends! Enroll by clicking here.

Becoming:: The Unfolding of You

December 16, 2014 by Edie Wadsworth 17 Comments

This January you are cordially invited to join 21 amazing women for an 8 week study all about finding your true identity in Christ.

I’m so honored to be a part of this class and the best news is—it’s free!

Each week you will hear unfolding stories from the women in this study.

We will be sharing truths about who the Lord says we are and our personal journeys to accepting and living out these truths. [Read more…] about Becoming:: The Unfolding of You