Andrea Barnett

When motherhood and I were just getting acquainted, I thought I could approach her like taking a test. If I prepared well and made few mistakes, I could ace this thing and therefore send my children into the wild blue yonder with nary a carry-on size bit of baggage. I assumed good parenting would fit nicely within my hard work ethic and efforts, and the results would be few mothering mistakes. Yeah, right. Let’s all just take a moment to … [Read more...] about 3 Ways Your Mess Makes You a Great Mama

Today we launched our new Fall/Winter catalog, so we're celebrating with a peachy recipe that's sure to bring a smile to your taste buds: Peach Cobbler Cake. This time of year in the midwest/south is the BEST time for peaches. If you're able, support your local farmers market and purchase your peaches there. If you need an excuse to whip up this easy recipe, consider making this a "YOU DID IT!" dessert after the kiddos first day of school. Or … [Read more...] about Peach Cobbler Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever watched fireworks, then you know how mesmerizing the view can be. Each tiny light makes its way into the darkness, and two perfectly-timed fuses within a shell perform their duty to create an illuminous masterpiece. If the shell sits in a covered box, protected from anything that might ignite it, then the beauty it contains is never seen. The incredible vision of light it provides is, sadly, never displayed. We should have faith … [Read more...] about Faith Like Fireworks

We are so excited to share this recipe today because it comes from one of YOU! Mary & Martha Executive Consultant Anne Bakker submitted this recipe to us. The best part: it's her daughter's creation! We love the idea of spending time together in the kitchen creating this delicious bread as a family (a great way to spend an afternoon when avoiding the summer heat!). It has a refreshing taste, the lavender bringing a floral touch to the … [Read more...] about Lavender Tea Bread Recipe

There’s nothing like a good ol’ neighborhood gathering, and summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and connect with nearby folks in your community. This comes naturally for some of us - we chat with neighbors daily, the kids play together, carpooling and housesitting are the norm. Other neighborhoods aren’t quite as connected; someone moves in next door and you haven’t met them in six months. People come and go from work and all you see … [Read more...] about How to Share God’s Love Through Neighborhood Gatherings

The Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children. Psalm 103:17 NIV Few things in a man’s life are more impactful than becoming a father. The focus of his heart, the use of his time, the stewardship of his resources are all drastically affected for the rest of his life. As you celebrate a new dad in your life, here are a few ways you can help him as he navigates the many changes that this daunting … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Encourage First Time Dads