living with passion

What We’re Sowing

May 15, 2014 by Edie Wadsworth 29 Comments

I married a biology major who loves and studies birds and trees. In the house before this one, he planted 90—yes you read that right—90! trees. His middle name is Martin so maybe he comes by it honestly. In this house, I lost count at around 40. He was planning the trees before the foundation was ever poured and every year, he plants a few more. Bushes too. And bird houses, but that’s another post all together.

This is the first year that we’re beginning to see real fruit (pun intended) of all this sowing and planting. [Read more…] about What We’re Sowing

The 3 Secrets to Radical Hospitality

April 15, 2014 by Edie Wadsworth 53 Comments

My love for hospitality began when I was ten years old and a giant ornate bar was delivered to our dining room complete with a crystal whiskey decanter and a set of brandy sniffers. I don’t think we had ever owned anything quite so nice and I was completely awestruck at the possibilities. My sister and I bartended for hours on end, with the likes of chocolate milk, apple juice, sweet tea, and some fancy swizzle sticks. Sometimes we would dress up in our snazziest clothes and pretend to be the patrons, holding our pinkies out just so while we sipped on beverages from dainty glasses. Apparently, this was an eat-in bar establishment because my favorite part was to set the tables and take the faux orders of a host of make believe (and very demanding) restaurant goers. I hustled. I was in it to win it. I took CARE of my customers. I hired my sister off and on but I didn’t hesitate to fire her if her enthusiasm waned. Now I’d give anything to work beside her everyday. She’d keep me organized and she’d make me laugh all day. Alas, I didn’t know how good I had it.

(Go ahead and take a minute with this photo. There’s a lot to study here.)

I perfected the art of running the home restaurant over the next few years until it all came crumbling down in 1983. [Read more…] about The 3 Secrets to Radical Hospitality

Why Marriage is So Hard

January 22, 2014 by Edie Wadsworth 134 Comments

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“Now, I see, my most constant mistake, is I don’t know what I love till its gone.”

You’re sitting smack dab in the middle of the hardest thing in your life—your marriage. How do I know? Because I am too and I know how the days can seem dark.

You’re probably not gonna like my answer, but I think I know why being married is so hard. It’s not because women are from Venus and men are from Mars. It’s not because Scripture is old-fashioned and marriage is passe. I don’t even think it’s because modern times are so much more volatile to marriage than previous ages, though they may be.

The reason marriage is so hard is because you’re more sinful than you think you are.

You don’t yet grasp the depths of your own depravity. You want your own way. You think your faults are less offensive than his. You justify yourself in a thousand ways and give yourself every benefit of the doubt. But, his faults and sins are magnified to you. You’re convinced that you give more in the relationship. You are always the hero in your mind. Or maybe it’s just me.

I’ve stayed mad for 3 days because he fails to acknowledge all that I do around here, only to realize that I never once told him thank you for going to work so faithfully all these years—for shouldering the financial responsibility of this gang of kids like a rock. For coming home every single night. For staying when staying seemed so very difficult. Never complaining. Never asking to win an award or be noticed. Just steady and sure and strong.

You are not yet what you ought to be and so God has been gracious to place you in this very relationship, because He means to sanctify you and bring you to repentance. This relationship is hard because it’s life and death. What you do here means everything. And you can grumble about the myriad of things that are wrong in this union or you can start to see it how God sees it—as a sacred picture of what He is doing to redeem the world. Christ is the bridegroom and we are the bride. And we will finally be lovely because He has so loved us, not the other way around.

God knew what He was doing when He gave you this particular person. He knew the flaws in your character and personality that this person could sharpen. He knew that this person could expose the sins you try to cover and hide. He knows better than you what you need and the sooner you submit to Christ and His purposes in your life, the sooner you will see what He is up to in your marriage. This relationship is not for your happiness, it is for your redemption. He is not trying to make your comfortable, He is desperate to make you holy.

He will go to any lengths to transform you because He loves you so much.

So, what about all his sins, you say? Oh, I know. He is not what he should be either. He has been a failure at being Christ for you. He is selfish and unkind. He’s been untrue and weak and childish. He doesn’t cherish you the way he should. His love has so seldom been sacrificial.

That’s why I’m so glad that we begin every Sunday morning service with confession and absolution. We stand shoulder to shoulder, he and I, and say what has been so hard to say all week long. And we say it together.

“Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart and we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.”

I stand there holding the weight of the world—my most grievous sins always against the ones with which I share the pew. I barely make it through those words most weeks because I know what I am and I know how I fail. This is not some “generic” neighbor I’ve sinned against. And his have torn me apart too. We are faltering and crumbling every day, until these beautiful words restore what we keep trying to tear down.

“Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you, and for His sake, forgives you all your sins.”

God doesn’t overlook what you done. He sees it all and yet calls you forgiven and redeemed. Every week—this gift, of restoration, healing and grace, that astounds us and brings such peace. Words that He paid dearly to speak to us. Words that have power to do what they say. Words that reach back into the mess we’ve made of so many strings of days.

In the briefest of moments, I glimpse eternity. I see that this day is not just another block of 24 hours, but a day that always has been and always will be. Maybe, a day marred by my tired rebellion and refusal to give up my ground. Or just maybe, a day staked with my broken confession and the Blessed Absolution that comes from knowing He has redeemed every single hour for His glory. This day will come and go and then DAY will be gone. Eternity is breaking through, shouting from beyond—that all this matters and that in the end, only Love will be left standing, as He holds us both in His glorious Light, darkness falling away around us like a dream.

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Press play to listen to Day is Gone by Noah Gundersen

Day is Gone

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How to Make the Perfect Pie Crust

November 25, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 34 Comments

How to Make the Perfect Pie Crust via lifeingrace

Well. It’s Monday and despite the fact that I always have grand plans for my Thanksgiving preparations, I’m way behind. As in, I’m on Saturday’s list behind. My first round of company arrives tomorrow and I can tell one thing for sure—my guest room is ready and I’m thinking of moving in there myself. It’s the best room in the house, as well it should be!

The blueberry muffins, the toffee chocolate chip cookies, and the clean living room are all figments of my imagination at present.

But I’m in to win it, so don’t you worry about a thing.

Now, on to pie crust. Here’s why I think you should make yourself a student of the pie making arts—because there’s a dangerous shortage of pie makers in America. People don’t make pies anymore and we are worse people for it. Do you know anyone that still makes pies? My point exactly. Pies are hard and take time to perfect. But, I can tell you without a doubt, that there is almost nothing as rewarding as making a beautiful pie and serving it to the people you love. And eating it. So, I’m now a pie evangelist, hoping to start a pie revival.

I learned a few tricks from Martha Stewart years ago, but when I met my mother in law, I soon discovered that her pie making skills could not be topped. She is the pie whisperer. She makes better pies than any I’ve EVER had anywhere. Which means that my husband has had some pretty amazing pies. I’m more of a cake girl, myself, but if pie is his love language, I shall learn to speak it. Amen. His mom been making pies for 50 years, I bet, and she still thinks it’s worth it to labor over it, to do something for the people she loves that has her handprint and her heart all over it. I’ve been lucky enough to watch her work her magic and though I’ll never be the pie maker she is, it’s one of my favorite things to make now.

I’ve been making pies for maybe 10 years and I’m getting better, but I’m not an expert. I’m still learning and tweeking and enjoying the process . Some things— like pie making and kid raising and book learning and are good reminders that nearly all the good things in life are hard and take time.. As well they should. I’ve deconstructed the process for you and given the tips I’ve learned over the years. Hope you’ll give it a try. Put on your apron and some good music and get out that rolling pin.

Let’s do this. Eye of the tiger man, eye of the tiger.

How to Make the Perfect Pie Crust via lifeingrace

For a 9 inch double crust pie, you’ll need:

(I use a combination of lard and butter, which I highly recommend. You could use all lard, all butter, or all shortening, but I like the taste and texture of the combination best.)

2 ½ cups all purpose or pastry flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (for a fruit pie. Omit sugar for a savory pie.)
6 T cold butter, cut into chunks
1/4 cup cold Leaf lard, cut into chunks
¼ cup cold water (it doesn’t always take all the water—just add slowly until the dough comes together)

You can mix the dough in a food processor and then slowly add the water. I use a pastry blender, because I’m lazy and don’t like to clean the processor. Whatever you do, keep everything cold. Mix the flour and fat with a pastry blender, until the chunks are about pea-sized. The, add the water slowly, just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and don’t over handle it.

Flour your surface and roll out the first disc as evenly as possible, until your circle shape is larger than the pie plate. Roll from the center to the edges, rotating the pie crust a little as you roll, so that you get a fairly even circle. You’ll trim the edges soon, so don’t worry if it’s perfect. Also, don’t incorporate too much flour into the dough or it will be dry and tear easily. You can use parchment paper to roll it out on, too, but I find I like working straight on the counter tops. Put the rolled out dough into the pie pan and then take a sharp knife and trim the edges until they’re even all around, leaving the edge flush with the pie pan. Add the filling (cherry filling recipe below) and dot with butter.

How to Make the Perfect Pie Crust via lifeingrace

Since this will be a double crust pie, after we put the filling in, we’ll layer the top crust and then fold the top crust over the bottom one, tucking the edges under.

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Then crimp the edges however you like. I just use my fingers and make a fluted edge, usually. And this pie wasn’t my best work. The crust was a little dry and tore a couple of times. It looks a little sad, but it turned out beautifully in the end.

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Make an egg wash, mixing one egg with a little water, and then brush the top of the pie with the egg wash. Sprinkle with sugar and cook according to directions. If you’re going to freeze the pie, lessen the cooking time by 15 minutes, let it cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap and tin foil and then freeze. Thaw it out overnight and put it back in the oven the next day to finish cooking.

Perfect Cherry Pie!

What you’ll need:

2 cans tart cherries, drained, but save the liquid (I use the Oregon brand, found with canned fruit)
1 to 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed in about 2 T. of the cherry juice
1/8 tablespoon almond extract (optional)(I use it, but just a drop or two!)
Perfect pie crust, enough for double crust
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, to dot
Egg wash and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, to sprinkle on top
Can add a little red food coloring, to get that beautiful red color

I will often mix the filling and then precook it in the microwave for a 2-3 minutes.

Bake at 375 for about 50-55 minutes, until top is slightly browned.

How to Make the Perfect Pie Crust via lifeingrace

Serve with a big scoop of ice cream and ENJOY!

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Closet Organizing Tips, {and my favorite clothes}, part 2

April 10, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 165 Comments

(This is re-adapted from a chapter in my ebook on Hospitality called The Well-Appointed Hostess.)

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Also, join my ‘fashion’ board on Pinterest for ideas and amusement!

So, now that we’ve all cleaned out our closets and made peace with our inner hoarders, here’s a few of my favorite tips for dressing yourself.

Y’all listen close. Lean in. (I defy all personal space rules and I always have. My apologies.) There is no amount of makeup or clothing or hair products that can ever make up for the beauty that lives within you. You are beautiful! Did you hear me? God has made you in His image and He has poured Himself into you and you are unique and special and lovely in all the ways that matter.

But there are a few principles I follow when dressing myself that might help you too. Take it all with a grain of salt because I’ve always been a little eclectic and risky with my wardrobe. And? I’ve been looking high and low for a red fitted jumpsuit, something akin to the one Sally O’Malley wears—you know, for those nights when my girls like to see me do my best rendition of her kick and stretch routine. So, maybe my advice on clothing is completely worthless. But that’s never stopped me before.

1. Find clothes that are ‘yank and tuck and hitch free’.

And by that I mean, who’s got time to keep readjusting clothes that don’t fit properly? No one, in the history of ever. So as much as you and I both hate it, try things on to make sure you’re not gonna be hitching and tucking and yanking and in general driving yourself to the brink of insanity. And we all may have gone too far in rebelling against mom jeans. It may be time to give up the teeny bopper jeans that won’t stay up. Which brings me to my next point.

2. Invest in some good jeans.

Okay, I want you to go right now to your closet and count how many pairs of jeans you have. Go on, I’ll wait. How many was it? 10? 15? More than 20? Don’t lie to me. Do any of them really fit? If you’re like most women, the answer is no.

Now, if you could sell or trade in all those ill-fitting jeans for one pair of amazing, butt-lifting, perfect fitting jeans, wouldn’t you do it? How much would you pay for one pair of awesome jeans? Well, it’s gonna cost you. But save your pennies and put it on your ‘list of things I must do’. My favorite pair is from True Religion and they were VERY expensive. I like Seven jeans and Hudson’s and Paige jeans. Go to a high-end department store and try on some good jeans. Just do it. You won’t regret it, I promise.

Buying one pair good jeans will stop you from buying 20 pairs of mediocre jeans. It’ll save you hundreds of dollars in the end.

Let me break it down for you.

—Stitched jeans make you look thinner. See that stitching on the inner thigh? It’s your friend. It makes your inner thighs play nice and also makes you look like you’re from Texas, getting ready to go to a honky tonk. Win-Win, in my book. Add a trendy, flowing, silky top and you’re ready for almost anything, which in my world would be going to a square dance or feeding the chickens.

Top: Belk

Jeans: True Religion Women’s Becky Bootcut Jean, Lonestar, 25 (not my exact jeans)

Shoes: Gold wedges, Micheal Kors

Chan Luu Turquoise Wrap Bracelet

—Trouser Jeans make you look taller and look so cute with summer wedges or sandals or cowboy boots, of course. Last season, American Eagle even had trouser jeans in white, which were super cute.

Jeans: Trouser jeans from CABI

Top: from T.J. Maxx

Wedges: Miz Mooz Women’s Lucie Wedge Sandal,Tobacco/Yellow,7.5 M US (not mine, but I like them!)

Woven Belt from CABi

—Skinny Jeans make you look, er, ummm, skinny? This has never been true in my case, so I just tuck them into my boots. I can’t think of another good reason to own skinny jeans, y’all. Unless you’re 22 and skinny or are in a hipster band or are Justin Beiber. But they’re good for tucking into boots. So, yeah, I’ve highjacked the skinny jeans for my own 43 year old purposes.

Jeans: Hudson Women’s Tilda Straight Cuffed Crop, Whitcomb, 31

Top: T.J. Maxx

Boots: Frye, tall, jackie riding boots

Okay, so I’m passionate about denim. Sell a bunch of the stuff you don’t wear and buy some good denim. It’s the 11th commandment.

3. Buy every color of Sugar Lips tank top you think you’ll use.

These tank tops (Sugar Lips Seamless Rib Tank Top 409 (Ivory)) fit amazingly well and have a lot of ‘stretch’ in them. They stay put and help you feel all tucked in. I wear one every single day. I don’t ever want to talk to you about any other tank top, ever! These are amazing and pretty cheap. Buy yours today. Don’t delay. You’ll be singing my praises. And all your ‘situations’ around the midsection will be put in their place. They are ‘one size fit most’ so I’ve found that most people can wear them with great satisfaction.

4. Dress like a woman.

Do not underestimate the power of a good wrap dress. Dresses are beautiful and feminine and can hide a lot of buttercream icing indiscretion. I LOVE dresses and wear them all the time. They’re not just for Sunday. Dress them down with cowboy boots or flip flops. I love this wrap dress and wear it in the summer by itself with flip flops or in the winter with a shirt, sweater and boots.

5. Do not buy ‘outfits’ or fall for every trend.

Never, ever, {like ever} buy something that comes in a set. Except maybe for china and false teeth. Buy individual pieces that you love but resist buying things as ‘outfits’. Buy some good jeans, a few great sweaters, some girly blouses and a few great wrap dresses. Outfits were outlawed in 1985. I have such bad memories of outfits. Remember, in high school, when everything you owned was in outfit form? I almost always had matching shoes to go with my outfits back then. Clothes shouldn’t be married to each other. They are free agents, to date around, with whomever they choose.

That said, don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. Trends are there for a reason. They give us something to laugh about in ten years. And, there are some trends that seem to work with those of us no longer 25. The new trend of the colored pants, aka ‘hot pants’ from 1960? I love them. You can get them in every conceivable color. I love these army green ones from American Eagle. But be choosy with the trends you fall for. I tend to LOVE them all and then live to regret it. Buy them cheap. The’ll be like track suits before you know it.

6. Learn what looks good on you and what doesn’t.

Why did this take me 37 years to learn? I do not know. But I’ve finally figured out a few things about what I can and can’t wear. I can’t wear flat shoes or peasant blouses or empire dresses. I don’t look good in boxy sweaters or long skirts or high waisted anything. I have a boyish shape, with strong thighs and narrow hips, so I have to do things to give the illusion of a more feminine figure. I look good in blouses but not so good in turtlenecks.

The bottom line is—-you need to find your lists of do’s and don’t and abide by it. Stop trying to force things that aren’t good for you just because they’re on sale. Think of the things you feel great in and try to deconstruct what it is about those pieces that you love.

7. Buy fewer things but better things.

We all have way too many clothes. We buy things because they’re on sale but then complain that we don’t have things to wear that we really like. Be patient. If there’s nothing this season that thrills you, just wait and save your money. Invest in a few really awesome classic pieces and then try out a few trendy things when they’re on sale. Buy less, but better.

8. Remember why you should care

We should take some pride in our appearance because beauty is God given and should not be despised or neglected. And our husbands appreciate it. They are visual creatures and they are drawn to beauty. We love and serve them by taking care of ourselves and trying to be the best we can be. We aren’t trying to win beauty contests, nor are we trying to be 20 years younger. But we are trying. It’s important. And trust me, they notice.

I spend 90% of my time in good jeans with colorful, girly shirts. Add some cowboy boots and it’s an easy, comfortable way to spend the day and feel good about myself. I want to be pleasing for my husband so that to the best of my ability, the outside represents the beauty that God is cultivating in me on the inside. My goal is to be comfortable enough about what I’m wearing and how I look so that I don’t have to worry about it. It really frees you up to focus on others, when you aren’t so self-conscious about what you have on.

But the inside is where all the hard work happens. And it’s way more important than all the rest of it.

In real life, I do a lot of layering, but someday, it needs its own post.

I’m also now OBSESSED with Stitch Fix and have nearly quit shopping altogether since they’ve been sending 5 pieces to my door every month!

And tell me your favorite clothing items. What is that one piece you can’t live without?

Also, does anybody have that red jumpsuit I mentioned?

Love. On Purpose {A Link-Up}

February 27, 2013 by Edie Wadsworth 15 Comments

This year, I made a goal to live with more intention-—to find ways to spend my time, my money, and my gifts more wisely.

It’s so easy for us to fill our lives with so much stuff that we leave little room to serve others, to dream our dreams, to make art, to love well.

This month our focus is love. C.S. Lewis said of love,

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless–it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”

It’s your turn. Tell us about your broken, beautiful love!