Home Sanctuary

The Holidays are Not a Good Time to Think About Painting

Stop me, people.

I keep pinning gorgeous, lick-able paint colors on Pinterest.

christinasadventures.com

 

I'm this close to pulling out rollers and paint trays and slathering every room with some new shade of deliciousness.

 

rachaelgathers.com

 

The only thing that's stopping me is one last shred of good sense, and the "oh, riiiight....we don't even have our Christmas tree up yet" thought that snaps me back to reality.

But really.

 

Blues, grays, whispered whites....I'm dying for something new to brighten up this place.

via Pinterest

 

How about you? Have you ventured into new color territory?

Are you "so over" the saturated tones of the early 2000's?

Fallen in love with Fixer Upper style?

 

HGTV Blog

 

I'm ready to take down the tree I haven't put up yet, so I can throw down the drop cloth and get going.

 

Do you have a "go-to" paint color that works for you? Are you eager to try a specific shade? I'd love for you to share your ideas...because I'm this close to skipping Christmas and starting on January.

Need Courage to Clean? Strap it On, Baby.

For over six years (2008-2013+) I used to post daily Small Things here. They were little tasks that we could do together that would help us create a sense of sanctuary in our homes. Peace, order and beauty were always within reach of our collective, disorganized selves!

 

I do miss those Small Things sometimes! 

 

And I worry about you, my dear loyal readers.

How are you managing without my goofy jobs to keep you focused? How can you possibly cope with the chaos of life, without Small Things to ground you??

I'm kidding, of course. But since we are on the subject, I found myself needing a Small Thing in order to strap on some courage as I dealt with some disgusting trash. I'd made the mistake of leaving a garbage bag on the back porch overnight, and had awoken to the lovely sight of rotten vegetables and smelly diapers strewn about.

Thank you, raccoons. You rock. 

I nearly fainted in fear of handling the slimy debris, until I remembered this FANTASTIC Small Thing - one of my all time favorites. And I thought maybe you might could use a simple task on your Friday.

Do you have a task that makes you tremble in fear and trepidation?

Come on! It feels GREAT to be brave! Read on:

 

 

William Wallace had awesome face paint.

 

Rocky Balboa had Adrienne.

 

 

Luke Skywalker had The Force.

 

 

Wonder Woman had that boost-ee-ay.

 

 

And I?  Why, I've got rubber gloves.

 

 

Some household jobs call for extra courage, and that's when I pull out the gloves. 

 

Dog barf is no match for the latex armor that can be strapped on in a moment's notice.  Rotting trash that has been ripped open by marauding raccoons (or the dog) can be dealt with mightily, clogged toilets defeated, cat litter boxes exorcised and HAZMAT diapers removed swiftly and easily with the power of rubber gloves.

I love gloves for their fierce protection against the elements of cleaning products and common waste. I use the gentler versions for the dishes (cold spaghetti cannot faze me when I am so clad), but my true heroes are the tough blue guys who come out when the harshest cleaning battles rage. I'm amazed how calmly I can deal with the most disgusting of situations, like bathroom mold and toilet rings. And let's not forget wet bed-sheets or middle-of-the-night nausea.

 

Today's Small Thing is to do one job that requires, yea even begs for, rubber gloves.  

 

Clean the inside of your kitchen trash can, scrub a tub or potty, or simply wash the dishes under the protection of your stretchy five-fingered friends and see if you don't relish the inner peace you'll find. 

 

You pick the job, but let the gloves pick the fight.

 

Strap on some courage today, girlfriend!

What will you tackle with the aid of your gloves? I'm going to face the deepest bowels of our antiquated toilet that is so hard to clean, blech.

I can do this I can do this I can do this.....

And if I were to pick a Song of the Day: It would be Courageous, by Casting Crowns

Hat Birds Know the Secret of Sanctuary

Courtesy of Wendell Long

The Hat Birds are back.

Tiny little House Wrens, they made a luxurious nest in an old straw hat that was left in the breezeway last year. Back then, we hadn't noticed the nest until the babies had hatched, and the sounds of eager chirps filled the porch each time the mama or papa would arrive with food.  

We stood on a chair, held our breath and tilted our heads so we could peek into the soft cavern. Ridiculously large beaks opened wide in unison at any movement beyond the opening, especially fingers wriggled in a gentle tease. Amazingly, the gawky, awkward babies with their sparse feathers would jump the nest for independence in a matter of days.

And now the mama and papa are back with another batch of blue eggs to tend. They've been remodeling, fixing up the place and making it perfect for their new brood. I think they've added on. I know they've certainly worked on the curb appeal.  

It is charming.

Oh, the delight of finding a glorious nest so close to our curious eyes! 

 

We can peek in and see the feathers, bits of grass and leaves, some string and even some dried moss from a nearby window box.  Tufts of fluff, twigs and petals make this carefully crafted structure sturdy, yet simply welcoming to the small family of perky-tailed birds.

I have to hand it to this little wren couple.

 

They've managed to make their home a sanctuary with creativity, ingenuity and flair.  Of course, finding the right location, high atop a hat tree and nestled inside a straw chapeau, was a wise choice. But the tending, the decor and the creature comforts are what make this place such a wonderful family home.

These wrens know the secret of sanctuary.  

They know that using what you have, no matter how modest, is the key to sleeping well at night.

 

They know that good food, and lots of it, is a perfect way to strengthen the little bodies who will soon take flight.

 

They know that families must be tended by both parents, and that protecting and caring for their brood is their most important job. 

 

They do fuss and scold, but their cheery song tells me that they find joy in their existence. 

 

The fluff and tufts show that even the tiniest of creatures need a soft place to land.

What is Home Sanctuary to you? 

 

 

 

Is it a place that smells good and has good food on the table? 

 

Is it a place that reflects your family's personality - all crazy aspects of it? 

 

Do you enjoy walking in the door after you've been away? 

 

Beyond the unmade beds and toothpaste on the mirrors, does your home give you a sense of belonging?

Today, take a moment to create a bit of Sanctuary for yourself. 

 

 

 

Fluff a pillow in an easy chair, pull a lamp close and open a book. Cuddle up with a sweet-smelling, freshly bathed child. Pour a cup of tea. Cut a flower from the garden.  Pick up the toys with gratitude for the children in your tending. Fuss a little over the placement of a picture, or vase, or a memento. Fill a tub with bubbles and lock the door to the outside world.

Take a few moments to do something that delights you. 

 

Find sanctuary in the tufts and fluffs, the sticks and leaves that make your house.....your home.

 

What will you do to create Sanctuary today?

 

 

*this post first appeared in 2010, but I had to repost when I saw the return of the little wrens...this time atop a ladder which was set "temporarily" on the porch. Now the ladder is there permanently...until the babies fly.

It's Christmas, People. Get Moving.

 

This is one of those years that I feel behind. Especially after spending some time online and seeing everyone's gorgeous photos of their Christmas decorations, which have been up for like, two weeks. I hate to admit that I have not even started.

So I'm resolved:

Today, I WILL put our tree up.

I won't rest until it, and all the decorating, is done.

Can you tell I have my game face on?

This is not how I like to approach Christmas decorating. You know, with a battlefield mentality. I like to envision the process taking place with dreamy fog around the edges, Nat King Cole crooning Silent Night in the background, wassail simmering on the stove. Me, in a darling Christmas sweater, carefully trimming the tree, while a fire crackles in the fireplace.

The reality is that today will be a bit more like a D-Day invasion, with boxes of decor landing on the back step beach head with great thuds. Tom will have hoisted them on his shoulders, bringing box after box, while I try and make sense of the garland and untangle lights. Flash and Henry will look on with utter disbelief, and wonder what the fuss is about. We'll have a battle plan for unloading and installing. I'll give marching orders.

Real festive, huh?

But once that tree is in its stand, and I put some Nat King Cole on, I know that the battlefield will become a wonderland. My resolve will give way to reverie, and my game face will melt into a joyful smile. Once I see the kids' ornaments come out, all will be well. I love that Christmas has the power to soften edges and bring beauty to my busy life.

 

Perhaps your Christmas season has become a project to accomplish, rather than a season to savor? 

 

Like me, you feel behind and the only way to "get it done" is to don a helmet and grimly march forward. I'm there today, sistah.

Would you take a moment with me to pause?

Let's remember that much of the activity and hustle and bustle isn't "necessary," and we can actually choose how much or how little to do. We can say "no" to some things so that we can enjoy the BEST things. And we can let the spirit of the season fill us with memories and hope...if we'll stop and remember what it's all about. There's a baby in a manger - the hope of glory - and He's not worried about whether or not the garland is hung artfully on the stair rail.

He simply whispers, "Come, on bended knee."

It's Christmas, people. Let the joy begin. 

Giving Thanks for These Wee Ones

(Warning: Photo Overload)

(But I'm not very sorry, because I have some catching up to do.)

 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, the quiet holiday that gets squeezed between the revelry of Halloween and the frenzy of Christmas, is my favorite day of the year.

Humble, perhaps a little shy, this day is sometimes mistaken for Turkey Day, or Football Day; two misnomers which Thanksgiving, in typical self-deprecating style, says, "Well, we do eat turkey, and we do watch football. I can see how that could happen."

You've got to respect a day that doesn't light itself up with fireworks and yell, "LOOK AT ME!" He simply lets his name speak for itself.

 

On Thanksgiving, there are no gifts to wrap, no parties to attend, no concerts, yard decorations or long lines in department stores. Yes, there is a lot of cooking involved, but that means food, which means that people I love will be gathering together to eat it.

 

Most of all, this unassuming day brings with it an occasion to count blessings. To see silver linings. To recount the things we are grateful for. Even during my bleakest years, the ones I lost babies in, or the ones that money was tight, or the ones that loved ones were gone, there has always been something for which to offer my thanks.

This year, I am most thankful for two little girls that have graced my life.

 

Heidi Joy was born in August and I am just smitten with her.

 

And Ivy Grace is now 18 months old, and charms us every single day with new words and new abilities.

 

My little Company Girls:

  

 

 

I guess I AM trying to catch y'all up on the photos with one blog post.

 

My heart is full, and I am grateful. This has been a good year, and I wish I could have glimpsed it during the ones that were tough. But I'm learning that Thanksgiving isn't just one day on a calendar, but it's an attitude that finds blessings and silver linings every day of the year. It's a heart that looks to the One who is faithful, who promises to be with us always, and who never, ever forgets His own.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week, my sweet friends! I am thankful for each of you.

Rachel

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 107:1 (NLT)

 

 

Flash Gets His Book Cover! Check It Out!

 

 

Flash - Coming May 2015 from Tyndale Momentum

 

You guys!

I got a happy little email this week, with my book cover artwork inside!

The cover is done!

It's ready! 

It's so CUTE!

You can't see me right now, but I'm actually jumping up and down and hyperventilating with excitement.

Flash. My crazy, silly donkey. On a book cover.

Let's all join hands and jump up and down together! Eeeee! I'm so full of love for all you dear blog friends who have been with me on this journey. This is "one more leg" that's complete, and it feels amazing. Thankyouthankyouthankyou for being with me, for enduring my long silences, for holding my hand, and for being giddy with me.

Flash is OUR donkey...and we're doing it together. Happy sigh.

So, you ask, what happens next?

Well, next I tell you that Flash's website (and my "Author" website) is being updated. I'd love for your to pop over and take a sneak peek!

First, let's visit Flash's page, where you can sign up to be part of his book launch, y'all! (Then I'll tell you about when Flash's book will be available.)

Let's go!  FlashTheDonkey.com

 

I'll wait for you to come on back......(elevator music, please)

 

OK, now that you're back,

Did you notice the big sign about the Launch Team? The one that took you

HERE?

 

 

 

Be honest now.

Haven't you secretly wished you could take part in a Flash Mob? Well, now you can. I'm going to take a limited number of people to be part of Flash's Official Team that will help me spread the word about the book. Team members will receive a free copy of the book, in exchange for things like a book review, a blog post and social media activity. You'll also receive special artwork from me, and will have a chance to chat with Flash himself! I'll let you more details as we get closer to the release, but if you want to participate, please sign up on Flash's website. 

I know this is going to be a fun ride, and I want you to join me!

 

 

Now everyone wants to know, WHEN IS THIS BOOK COMING OUT, right? Here it is:

 

May 1, 2015

 

Flash

{The Homeless Donkey Who Taught Me About Life, Faith and Second Chances}

Will be available at retailers like Barnes & Noble, Family Christian Books, Mardel, and Target, as well as Amazon and online stores.

 

 

 

Available for Preorder

 

Flash is a book that I think people will want to share with their friends. It's not *simply* an animal story, but it's a story of finding lost dreams, learning the power of friendship, and remembering that life's interruptions might just be God's way of reminding you just how much He cares for you.

 

I believe this little donkey can change the world.

What do YOU think?

 

* * * * * * * 

P.S. If you go to the Home Page, you'll see the beginnings of my new, official author website. More to come....

 

 

Good for the Soul: A Little Vacation

I'm in Colorado for a few days this week, enjoying the beauty of the autumn aspens and sipping coffee in quaint shops. Well, actually I haven't done either thing yet, but I'M HERE in the mountains and we are getting ready to head out for a fun few days. This was me (photo above) heading to the airport.

Tom came up a several days early to take photographs and scout out the scenery, and Gray actually joined him over the weekend. They caught this beauty at Maroon Bells, near Aspen:

It looks grainy because I took a phone photo of the camera screen so I could show you. What a treat!

It's hard to get away sometimes. It is for us, anyway. When you are self-employed you don't get a two week paid vacation, and nobody can fill in for you while you're gone. It takes so much work to plan ahead, get ahead on work, arrange everything....we almost decided that it wasn't worth it. But it was on the calendar, and it's been two years since our last time away, so we forced ourselves to do it.

And now that we are here, we wonder: why is it so difficult to pull away, anyway? The instant I got on the plane to join Tom, I knew this would be good for our souls. I could feel myself breathe freely and let go of the stress of trying to get all organized. So I left a few things undone, oh, well. It will be there when we get back, and it will be all right.

We're here.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Catching My Breath

Oh, what a whirlwind the last couple of weeks has been.

First, there was this:

The joy of having Heidi arrive safe and healthy and perfect is almost more than my little heart can bear. I've said, "Thank you, God. Thank you, God. Thank you, God!" over and over and over, because there are simply no other words.

All the fingers. All the toes. Hair so velvety soft you swear you can hardly even feel it. Milky breath and glimpses of smiles as she sleeps.

That new baby smell that you just can't get enough of.

Thank you, God. Thank you, God. Thank you, God. You are good.

 

 

Then there was the Declare Conference, and speaking and decorating. Which was followed by a visit with Jan Long Harris and Sarah Atkinson of Tyndale House. They wanted to meet Flash in person . . . and so there we stood, in my barn, with my donkey.

In my barn. With my donkey.

It seems so ludicrous when I put it that way.

But I have the pictures to prove that it actually happened and I didn't just dream it. 

 

I think Flash is smiling!

 

Topping off the day was a visit from Ruth Samsel, my agent. We talked about projects and books and book covers, and took a field trip to Barnes and Noble. (We left Flash at home, for obvious reasons . . . he can't make the seatbelt fit.)
 

 

I am catching my breath.

On Monday, I took at nap at 10:30 AM. Is that too early? I didn't think so either. It was delicious. On Tuesday, I spent the afternoon with my grandbabies, replenishing my need to feel their skin and kiss them all over. Ivy, my fifteen month old, is getting very good at giving kisses and it makes me very, very happy.

 

 

Today, I am back to writing and editing. I fell a wee bit behind over the past week or so, and have some ground to cover. But my cup is full and I feel re-energized to make it to the finish line. Sleep, food and connection with people I love are the things that recharge me and inspire my best creative thinking. I am ready to take on the day.

 

What fills YOUR cup?

What do you do to get refreshed and re-focused? Do you have a special juice concoction that gets you going? An exercise regime? Or a nap philosophy, like mine? I'd love to hear the ways you rejuvinate, catch your breath and charge your batteries. 

Waiting for Heidi Joy, and Catching Up

Today is my daughter Meghan's due date! Heidi Joy will be arriving any day now and we can't wait to meet her.

Will she have her mama's red hair? Or will she be dark, like her daddy? We figure this little girl's gene pool will make for a beautiful surprise.

So all this waiting has made me feel a little distracted. My phone is fully charged at all times, and never far from my person....just in case I get The Call.

And meanwhile, I'm enjoying this little thing: (a little blurry, but still). Ivy Grace turned one in May, and is now officially a toddler. She is a heart-stealer!

 

I love these girls so, so much. I can't even stand it. That's Ivy's mama, Lauren. She's my oldest red-head, and this has been such a special year for us. I love talking with her on the phone every day. I also love FaceTime with Ivy!

Grayson just returned from Colorado, where he guided groups up mountains with TEAM Ascend. I wasn't sure he'd want to leave the Rockies, and I have a feeling he will end up living there someday. For now, I get to enjoy him as much as I can.

 

Also, Gray teases me constantly. Which I secretly love.

Boys....

 

 And I'm in the editing phase of my book about Flash, and how God is full of surprises. As I write, I'm reminded of His faithfulness through difficult times, and how when you least expect it, He shows up with a reminder of His love and care.

So that's what going on around here. What's happening in your lives?? Shoot me a comment, email or tweet!

Rachel

PS I will keep you posted on Meghan's baby...I just can't wait to hold that little one!

I'm Speaking at The Declare Conference!

I am SO EXCITED to be speaking at The Declare Conference this year!

 

Declare is a conference for women with a desire and a calling to use their words and online influence to know God and make God known. At Declare, women are equipped with encouragement, support, resources, and community to become more effective at sharing and declaring God’s goodness.

The weekend includes several speakers (including ME!) and sessions to offer tips to help you grow as a blogger, find your voice, learn to really connect with your readers, increase the impact of your words, and make the most of your online platform. There will be sweet times of worship, lots of fun, decadent food, and intentional time of prayer. 

IT IS A FABULOUS CONFERENCE, Y'ALL! This year's theme is Wild Obedience....oh yes.

I’ll be speaking on (1.) Patience in the Waiting, and (2.) Using Blogging and Social Media for your Home Based Business.  Two subjects I love and know a little bit about. :)

 

Before I take the stage and the mic, the conference organizers suggested that I share a little bit about me: 

 

Family:

Married to Tom for 31 years. I was 19 when we got married (do the math!) My best job ever has been that of Mom to 3 kids, who turned out great in spite of eating an inordinate number of quesadillas for lunch and watching too much TV. (I was very tired, a lot.) I now have a darling granddaughter who is one, and another granddaughter arriving in July.

This is an awesome season of life.

 

Currently reading:

The Antelope in the Living Room, by Melanie Shankle - so funny, so wise, so completely charming and real.

Walking on Water - Reflections on Faith and Art, by Madeleine L'Engle. This has been on my wish list for quite awhile and I can't wait to dive in. Because, you know, faith and art.

 

Favorite song:

I love contemporary worship music, but deep in my heart, I'm kind of a Hymn Girl.

Amazing Grace, a capella

Great is Thy Faithfulness

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher

Cornerstone by Hillsong

 

Coffee or tea?

Coffee, definitely.

 

Dream Vacation:

Great Britain, Norway and Italy

 

Dream Writing Spot:

Coulter Bay, Wyoming...by the majestic Grand Tetons. But short of that, my little corner in the guest room is prettttttty perfect. 

 

Favorite Season:

Autumn! When you live in Texas, you are in Survival Mode during the summer. Fall feels like heaven when it arrives.

 

Comfort food:

Big plate of nachos.

Blue Bell ice cream, Homemade Vanilla. Dear Lord, so good. I grieve for people who have never experienced Blue Bell.

 

Night owl or Early bird?

Probably night owl, by default because I'm NOT an early bird. I really love/need/crave sleep. Don't judge.

 

Little Known Fact:

I went to high school in Mexico City. Hence, my deep affection for Mexican food.

 

Wild obedience is:

Wow, this is a good question. I think most people think of Wild Obedience as doing something amazing and noteworthy.

 

But for me, Wild Obedience has been saying "yes" to the Wait. 

 

I'll be talking about Faith and Patience in the Waiting at the Declare Conference. I can't wait to share what's on my heart, because every single person in the world is waiting for something.

And I love that God is with us in the waiting. He really IS.

Again, here are all the sessions....it is going to be hard to pick which ones to attend! But pick mine. Definitely mine. 

 

Declare is August 7-9, 2014 in Dallas, Texas and I hope to meet you in person! Registration is underway! Click here for more information.

Will I see you there??