Thankful Thursday: The Stories They Hold

 

I happened upon a Facebook post written by someone named Skye Hitchcock, and it said this:

                Someone told me that when their grandma leaves this earth, they want her things to come to me, because they know I’d cherish them and take care of them.

                And honestly…I can’t think of a higher compliment than that.

                It isn’t about owning things. It’s about honoring what they meant to someone. The dishes that held decades of family dinners. The quilts that kept people warm through hard winters. The photo frames that held faces and stories and whole lifetimes.

                I wish I could save every grandma’s home. Every drawer. Every box in the attic. Every little piece of life that meant everything to someone.

                It made me think about the pieces scattered around this home that belonged to our grandmothers – and mothers.

                We have the Hoosier Cabinet that sat in my Grandma Freelan’s house for years. It was in quite a state of disrepair when she died, but Mom loved it, so Dad hired Grandma’s neighbor to refinish it. It sat in the same spot in Mom and Dad’s house for close to thirty years before I asked if we could have it here at the lake. Mom was happy to have it stay in the family, and I am happy to have this piece of my history as part of our story.

                I have Grandma Kesot’s wooden rolling pin. I can only imagine how many hundreds of pie crusts and noodles it rolled over the years. I am not good at making either of those things, but I do crush a mean graham cracker with it! I think of her every time I reach into the white pitcher that holds all the wooden utensils, including that rolling pin.

                We have the wooden glider that lived in Allen and Nita’s cabin. I rocked in it the last time we went to the cabin to help Allen sort through things…just a couple of weeks before he died. We didn’t have room for much in our house, but I did want that so we could rock babies when they came to visit, and I do love having it here by our fireplace.

                I inherited the little glass baking dish nestled in a wooden basket that Grandma used to serve macaroni and cheese at every family gathering. The first year I hosted Thanksgiving (in my early twenties) I cooked her recipe in her kitchen and served it in her dining room in her dish. What a sweet memory!

                One of my favorite story-laden pieces is the kitchen island that Mom’s friend customized for her years ago. She didn’t want it sold with the house, so it came to live here when they went to Swiss Village. We use it all day every day and it makes me so happy that we have it here in our home.

                I love these pieces, but what I love most is what they represent…who they represent. Indeed it is an honor to be a keeper of the stories. Preserver of the memories.

                Maybe it’s the same for you?

Wednesdays in the Word: Fret Not

 

Last week I told you that I’d be spending Wednesdays this year sharing some thoughts I’ve learned in Bible study. I also told you last week that I’ve settled into Psalm 37 as my key chapter for this year. I’ve spent the past few days camped out in the first verse alone, and I come to you today gulping a bit from the conviction of the words I’ve studied. Maybe they aren’t a struggle for you, but if they are, welcome to my boat.

                For the record, I do my primary studying in the ESV, and in that translation, the words of Psalm 37:1 say, “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!”

                Fret is a fun word, isn’t it? We don’t use it much in everyday conversation, but it’s fun to say. It’s not fun to embody. Honestly when I think of the word, I think of pacing around and wringing hands, but my word study said it actually means to heat or inflame oneself. It’s not just wringing hands. It’s way more worked up and anger-filled than that.

                Unfortunately, I think I did a little fretting at the last wrestling match I went to. I had some first-class fretters near me, and they were so heated and inflamed that I found my own blood pressure rising. I ended up walking out into the hall because I knew my rising anger wasn’t doing me or anyone around me any good. It was better to walk out than to let my face betray me, all heated and inflamed and fretting.

                I don’t think the verse is really focusing on wrestling matches, though, so let me look at them from a different angle.

                Fret not yourself because of evildoers. Don’t get all worked up because of those who seem to flourish and prosper for all the wrong reasons. You’ve seen it. You’ve felt it. You do everything you can to honor the Lord and live according to His commands and nothing seems to go right in your life. But everywhere you look, you see people living any way they wish, and everything seems to go effortlessly right for them.

It feels like cause-and-effect gone wrong, doesn’t it? It may not make sense, but our job isn’t to figure it all out. Our job is to fret not, to not get worked up, inflamed, and heated over it. It’s easier said than done, but it matters.

                So this is what I’m marinating on and learning about this week. Fret not, Bekah.

Tuesday Tales: Wedding Photography

 

Last fall, one of my friends from church asked if I’d serve as a photographer at her wedding. I really just began to get to know her well a few weeks before that. I’d gone to spend the day at the hospital with a family from our church for a lengthy, serious surgery, and she was also there for the day, supporting her friends.

                That day she told me all about this man she’d been seeing, and she felt like there was something special there. Both of them had outlived their first spouses, and they hadn’t been looking for love, but they met and quickly became inseparable.

                I remember the first day she brought him to church, and I tried to strike the balance between welcoming him warmly and not being TOO excited to finally meet this man I’d heard about in so many stories!

                He kept coming to church with her and they were just as adorable as they could be – like a couple of teenagers!

                The news of their proposal came as a surprise – but at the same time, it really wasn’t a surprise. I knew it was coming. I could feel it.

                I was surprised when she asked about the pictures. I quickly rushed to tell her I am NOT a real photographer and probably shouldn’t be in that role. She just as quickly rushed to tell me she didn’t want a “real” photographer. She just wanted someone who would capture candid moments, and she knew I would.

                I recruited Ryan to help me, and a few weeks later, the bride told me that another friend of hers also wanted to help with pictures. I felt better knowing there would be more pictures in the mix. Whatever I messed up, the other photographer would surely capture.

                Ryan and I went to the rehearsal this past Friday night to practice with the lighting in the sanctuary, and then I was there early Saturday to snap a few getting-ready pictures.

                I asked if they planned to do a first look and they didn’t seem familiar with that. I nudged them to do it. I knew they were nervous underneath all that excitement, and I thought they’d feel better if they had that moment all to themselves.

                They were just adorable. He stood on the platform, staring at the cross at the front, and the pianist softly played some love songs in the background. The bride climbed the steps and turned to look at me. I ducked out from behind my camera and mouthed, “Tap his shoulder!” she did, and OH my goodness. What a sweet moment it was.

                The wedding was sweet, and I haven’t yet had time to peek at the pictures to see what I have.

                I learned that I love capturing moments, but weddings really are too stressful. I’ve done three now, two as the main photographer. Those are moments you can’t get back, and I would far rather capture the stories of the day than be responsible for the once-in-a-lifetime moments.

                But it was a privilege to be entrusted with that task, and it was an even bigger privilege to witness the milestone of their marriage!

Menu Monday: Nourishing Body and Soul

 

Last week felt a bit like a culinary fail. I didn’t mess up any recipes…it wasn’t a fail in that direction. I just didn’t find myself home nearly as much as I’d like, and therefore I didn’t have time to cook as much as I’d like! But even in that, I bring you the joy of leftovers. They really can save a busy week! I also bring you a few new experiments and returning favorites!

Monday: Greek Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan

What I Loved: This was so easy to put together and marinate – and then it only had to bake for a half hour. We love the flavors of Greek food, so it was tasty, and we paired it with leftover sweet potatoes from the appreciation dinner at church.

What I Didn’t Love: I MADE THE WRONG MEAL! I was supposed to make Greek Chicken Bowls and grabbed the wrong recipe. Whoopsie! Food was still delicious, but I had some ingredient misuses as a result!

Tuesday: Leftover Greek Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan

What I Loved: This recipe from the day before made enough for six servings, so we were able to have it again on this very busy night, when I did not have time to cook dinner. We still had sweet potatoes left, so we redid the same meal we had Monday.

Wednesday: Leftover Chili

What I Loved: I was gone nearly the entire day on Wednesday – something like 10 hours – so I had zero time to prepare a new meal. Happily, we also still had some chili left from the appreciation meal on Sunday, so we made that. We didn’t get to eat together this day (a rarity) but I believe Ryan also made grilled cheese to go with his chili.

Thursday: Stuffed Pepper Soup and Healthy Snickerdoodle Cookies

What I Loved About the Soup: I’ve made the stuffed pepper soup before and knew we would love it. It is tasty, filling, and loaded with veggies. It also comes together pretty quickly on the stovetop, so while it definitely gets better with simmering time, it’s easy to make in a hurry if necessary.

What I Loved About the Cookies: This was my first time to make this recipe, and I think with some tweaking, it could be a winner. The taste is extra cinnamon-y, thanks to cinnamon IN the cookie dough, not just in the cinnamon/sugar rolling adventure once the cookies are made. I used coconut oil (butter was another option), freshly milled wheat, and coconut sugar, which was new to me. Some of these ingredients work differently from the ones I’m used to, so while it was different, I thought it had great taste and was worth the modifications.

What I Didn’t Love About the Cookies: They spread really flat and thin. That could have been because of the ingredients, or it could have been user error. I like a thicker cookie, but that may not be possible with this one.

Friday: Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

What I Loved: The rehearsal dinner was at a local Mexican restaurant, and Ryan and I discovered that double fajitas were an actual menu item. We chose that and shared it. We had enough for double leftovers, too! I donated my rice, beans, and shells to Ryan and just ate the meat, veggies, and guacamole, and it was so tasty.

Saturday: Wedding Reception Dinner

What I Loved: The green beans! All the food was excellent, but the theme was Italian, so it involved a lot of pasta. I took extra green beans and half the lasagna, and it was good. I did enjoy some strawberry shortcake for dessert, which was their alternative to a wedding cake.

Sunday: Leftover Stuffed Pepper Soup

What I Loved: I was WORN OUT by Sunday, so a day of heating up leftovers and taking a Sabbath on the couch was so appealing.

                Perhaps this week (though honestly just as busy as last) will afford me more time in the kitchen?? The good news? I’ve purchased all the ingredients. I just need time to make the dishes.

Sunday Scrapbook: Moments from the Week

 

                We made it to Sunday! What a week it has been. Even when looking ahead at the scribbled squares on the calendar, I did not anticipate this year beginning with such fullness, but it has. I’ll try to pick the highlights of the week to share with you. There were so many more pieces and parts to this week than what you see here!

Last Sunday, as I mentioned a couple of days ago, Ryan and I hosted an appreciation lunch for our deacons. I was so thankful that the meal went well, and everyone seemed to have fun together. I am (again) so grateful for Ryan and all his help in preparing and serving the meal. I never ever could have done it without him!

Monday was the only day I did not have any appointments outside the house, and I knew Lexi would be on her own way more than we like this week, so I made a point to work from home and spend time with her. It was actually a little bit warm (for January in Indiana) that day, so when Ryan got home from work, we went on a walk around the lake! It was so pretty.

Ryan announced a wrestling meet this week. I’ve been enjoying my entrance into the world of wrestling, but this was a rough one. There was so much blood! Those noses took a hit all the way through! The meet was so long, and by the end, the tensions were high in that gym! I was proud of Ryan for powering through all the changes and long matches.

One of THE most beautiful moments for me this week, on multiple levels, was the return of our midweek Bible studies. I am teaching the book of Nehemiah this winter/spring, with two different weekly sessions of the same study. To see the women walking in the rooms, with a mix of excitement, anticipation, uncertainty, and nervousness, was such a blessing to my heart. I welcome them to bring ALL the feelings if they’ll just come and learn! And it was also a privilege to get to pray over the leaders and rooms where other studies were taking place starting this week.

My friend Julie and I had a lunch meeting this week – at the coffee shop we love so much. Our servers showed us some extra love by making little BBQ sauce hearts on our plates! You know you live in small-town county when they know you and want to brighten your day by making your lunch pretty. I loved that meeting because any time spent with Julie is time well spent!

Our Friday was full from start to finish, and it included a story I’ll probably share eventually on the blog – about God’s perfect timing. We ended our day at a wedding rehearsal for a couple from our church. They asked us to help with photography at the wedding, so we went for some practice shots and to meet the wedding party!

And then yesterday was wedding day! It was a really beautiful ceremony, and I loved being part of some of the sweetest moments before the service began. Big thanks to Ryan for running home in between appointments to spend some time with Lexi, since I was gone alllllllll day.

I’d love to say that the week to come is going to be calm, but I know that is absolutely not true. So come back next Sunday for more stories!

Saturday Suggestions: Inspirations for Your Weekend

 

                This week has been full to overflowing. I think it was Tuesday when I said, “If I can just make it to Sunday…” We’re almost there, friends. Almost there. Today I’m photographing a wedding, and I’m excited for this couple. While I’m snapping pictures, here are some things for you to read and enjoy!

I’m such a quirky person when it comes to art. I like such a random collection of pieces and need each one to hold significance. Some of you might remember that when I was going through the process of applying for my job at the church, I found a picture of Jesus – from Peter’s perspective when he was sinking beneath the waves. I bought it for my office, and Ryan loved it so much that he wanted one for his! I recently ran across this drawing of Jesus, and it’s not so much the picture as it is the creation of the picture that caught my attention. It’s made of Jesus’ name, written over and over, alongside some Bible verses.

We are a few days into the new year now, but that makes the words of this (in)Courage post no less true. If you are already feeling compelled to fill every moment of every day (a compulsion the Shaffers well understand), you should take the words to heart. I put them straight into my journal the moment I read them and am doing my best to call them to mind each day. We are so much more than full calendars, friends!

It’s not just a new-year thing for me…it’s an all-year-round thing: I love looking for ways to freshen our home. Lauren’s post about quick improvement ideas was a great springboard for me as we enter 2026. I’ve done several of her suggestions already, but I read through and tried to choose one thing from each section that would be fun to explore. My picks are as follows. Kitchen: install under-cabinet lighting. I love adding cozy lighting everywhere, and there are some easy, wire-free options for under cabinets! Bathroom: hang a new shower curtain. I’ve even pondered rotating them seasonally! Bedroom: paint your nightstands. I’ve considered this many times since we moved to the lake, but I’ve never actually done it. Living Room: rearrange furniture. Ryan and I talked about this recently. The living room is packed tightly with furniture that really is much bigger than our space. I don’t think we can move around what we have, but I don’t know if we could reimagine it or not. Outdoor: add window boxes. I don’t know if we will ever follow through with it, but I do love how they look on houses! Office: declutter your desk. (AND KEEP IT THAT WAY!)

Like Tara Beth Leach, I love seeing the work of God displayed in creation. While it’s true that I am fond of heaters in the winter and air conditioners in the summer, it’s also true that I love going outside and simply being in what God made and finding fresh awe for who He is. I loved her words in this post and the reminder to start each day with praise. It really does set the tone for the day!

I have a friend who wears black and white almost exclusively, accenting now and then with a color (usually blue or red), and she always looks so classy. The advantage of having a limited color wardrobe is that it’s just that much easier to mix and match your pieces, right? Angela’s post features all-black outfit inspirations, and I think she has some great ideas in here! How do you feel about sticking to one or two colors?

I’m a recipe girl through and through. (Rules for the win, right?) I am not great at just throwing something together to eat, and honestly, sometimes I wish I could be better at this. But Amanda’s recipe post about a grazing board might just be the key. Enough rules to feel like a recipe and enough freedom to use what I have an feel good about it. I’m actually thinking this could be a great idea for Sunday lunches or Friday nights – two times I’m frequently too tired to cook and too hungry to wait! Alternatively…if you prefer her suggestion for a protein box, this one looks intriguing, too!

Friday Fun: Baked Potato Bar

 

                This past Sunday, Ryan and I hosted an appreciation luncheon for our deacons, to thank them for all the hard work they put in throughout the year to care for the people in our church.

                I know the term “deacon” can mean different things at different churches, but where we worship, all our deacons are couples, and they wear many ministry hats throughout the year. They serve communion, assist with special services, help us make new attenders feel welcome, and try to encourage our families throughout the year in times of celebration and hardship.

                One of the pieces of my job is to serve as the staff liaison for the deacons, and over the past year, I’ve worked really hard to try to equip and encourage them. I knew they always had a luncheon at the start of the year, so I decided to turn it into an appreciation lunch. I didn’t want them to have to provide their own food, so Ryan and I took on the task of making lunch for about 50 people. (Deacons, staff, and their families were included in that number.)

                My long-term goal is to have a rotation of meal plans so that we can have different options for a handful of years. This year’s plan was a baked potato bar.

                A few days before the meal, I went shopping for all the supplies, and then I marked out the day before the lunch as food prep day at our house. I absolutely could not have done this without Ryan’s help. Who knew a baked potato bar could take that many hours to prepare?

                I baked cookies (we had a box of ready-to-bake cut out cookies on hand) and made frosting for them. They were not what I would call decorated, but they were frosted.

                Ryan made a giant vat of chili for those who don’t like baked potatoes or wanted chili ON their potatoes. And then he washed, scrubbed, pierced, oiled, salted, and wrapped 52 white potatoes and 6 sweet potatoes.

                I had gone through the church kitchen to collect all the serving bowls, platters, and utensils I would need to house all the toppings. (We had things like ham, bacon, broccoli, cheese, ranch, BBQ sauce, sour cream, butter, French fried onions, shredded cheese, salsa, queso, onions, and probably a few other things I’ve forgotten.)

                I also went with a “thanks snow much” theme, complete with snowflake patterned tableware and decorations. And I had some appreciation gifts for all the couples, with special gifts for the two couples who were completing their terms and stepping down.

                Ryan and I carried all the things to church the night before and then we had right about an hour after Sunday School to transform our Activity Center into our banquet space. We worked hard, in tandem, to set the tables, set up the buffet, and get everything ready for them to arrive.

                I loved watching them talk as they ate, and then we had a brief business meeting and ended with a “Winter This-or-That” game to get to know one another a little bit better.

                And then it was over! That part was kind of sad. All that preparation and anticipation, and then it was done. But oh goodness, how proud I am of this team of friends who work so hard and so joyfully! I’m excited to work with them for another year and see what God does through them!