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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Heart To Home Women's Conference 2015

This post was written to promote the Heart To Home 2015 Women's Conference, as well as to enter a contest with Family Christian to win a free VIP pass. All opinions are honest and are my own.
I've been writing this Homemaking blog for almost seven years now, and I don't think I've ever been as excited about an opportunity to promote homemaking as much as I am about the Heart To Home conference taking place next month! Family Christian, official sponsor of the conference, is sending one extremely blessed blogger to the conference with a VIP pass! I can't even fathom how awesome it would be to meet some of the Duck Dynasty cast, hang out at Willie's Diner, and be blessed by the corporate worship and special teaching that each guest will experience. Oh, and did I mention I'd have a car trip there and back? That means cranking up the music loud and sipping on sweet tea---all by myself! Sometimes the best thing you can do as a homemaker is leave home for a couple days!

Our family has lived in Arkansas for 14 months now, and we're already feeling like born and bred Southerners! We have formed relationships with so many people who have made us feel loved, welcomed, and part of the family. One reason I'm totally looking forward to the Heart To Home conference is that it's hosted by some of the South's best hostesses: the Robertson ladies of Duck Dynasty, along with author, speaker, and radio host, Dr. Joneal Kirby. I just know I'm going to come away from this feeling super motivated and ready to bring a refreshed attitude to my family and my homemaking. What better place to learn from the best!

As a brand new Southern lady, I'm already feeling that spirit of homemaking and hospitality that the women of the South pride themselves on. There are so many aspects of my home that I want to continue to nurture and grow; but more than that, it's experiences like the Heart To Home conference that give me the opportunity to nurture and grow my own home-focused heart. The women of Duck Commander are excellent examples of the kind of godly woman I want to be: committed to family, centered at home, graceful, humorous, and not afraid to jump in and get a little muddy from time to time!
If I'm not able to attend the conference in person, I'll still be able to get in on all the encouraging sessions via live simulcast. Make sure to check it out in case you and your friends want to make your own ladies weekend centered around this excellent conference, as well.

I'd love to hear if any of you plan on attending the conference or watching it live. Let me know and we'll do some follow up on our favorite topics.


Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Faith and Finger Food ~ Cranberry Meatballs

Wow! I have really been enjoying the great articles from my mom lately---how about you? Not only has it been great to take a couple weeks off from writing, but I'm feeling so blessed to learn from the wisdom she's brought to her guest posts. She's a huge part of why we are all enjoying a successful blog here at Hope In Every Season. If you missed my mom's recent posts, check out Bonding With Your Spouse, Finding Peace in Busy Times, and Uncle John's Fudge.

Welcome to The {Not Just} Homemaking Party! Many people have contacted me saying they don't think their posts are relevant to homemaking, but this link up is for everyone! So, share your stuff---we wanna see it! My mom, Christy, is sharing again today---a great recipe and a special gift!


My daughter gave me a special kitchen set for Christmas to match my turquoise mixer. It is a pretty kitchen towel, crock, spoon holder and salt and pepper shakers. The verse on the crock reads, "Giving heart, prayerful spirit, trusting soul...You are a woman of faith!"


This boost of confidence in my faith sent me straight to the kitchen recently to make a fun finger food for my game night date with my husband. I pulled out some items which I had on hand and set out like a warrior in battle!


I served these delicious meatballs with crackers and my husband loved them. The next day, I served the remaining meatballs over rice for dinner.

I used venison burger and made the meatballs a little large, but I have never been known to have patience in rolling all those little balls. Thank you, Sarah, for giving me faith, and now I need a coffee mug that reads, "Woman of patience!" Turquoise, of course!

Cranberry Meatballs

Mix together by hand:
2 lb. venison burger (or ground beef)
1/2 c. chopped sweet onion
dash of salt and pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
2 beaten eggs
1/2 c. cracker crumbs 

Form into balls and place in hot crockpot that has been sprayed with oil.

Heat together in saucepan:
1/4 c. Worcestershire sauce
2 TB. apple cider vinegar
1 c. ketchup
1/2 c. water
2 TB. brown sugar
dash salt
1 TB. chili powder
1 TB. cumin
Whisk in 1 can jelled cranberry sauce. 

Pour sauce over meatballs and turn crockpot to low. Cook for 5 hours and serve with crackers or over rice.

Linking with:
Cottage Style Party @ Lavender Garden Cottage
Winsome Wednesday @ My Daily Walk in His Grace
Whole-Hearted Home Wednesdays 
Wake Up Wednesday
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Homemaking Link Up @ Raising Homemakers
Inspire Me Wednesday @ MamaBuzz
What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants 
Wednesday Link up at Adorned from Above
Wow Us Wednesdays
Mom's Library (more than books)

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Bonding with Your Spouse in the New Year

Please welcome my Mom, Christy, as my guest writer for today as she talks about a fun tradition she and her husband enjoy.

Do you have a tradition with your spouse? A game, a pet name, a special date spot, or something you share together---just the two of you?

I have been married to Bruce for twenty years. We love to play darts and have been keeping track of our wins every year since we were married. It is a fun way to bond and come together after a busy day.
Each New Years Eve we play our last games of the year and tally up our scores. We talk about how we have improved and share tips (no pun intended) and advice. 

I believe having something in common to share keeps a marriage strong. It could be a special hook of pinkie fingers or a secret code word. These private moments can keep your relationship thriving while separating you as a couple from the world. This says, We Are One---as God intended. In my mind, the three darts represent me, Bruce and God in our marriage. "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." ~Ecc. 4:12

It is not too late to start your own tradition. Happy New Year and may love keep you together.

Linking with:
Sunday Showcase Party@Under the Table and Dreaming 
Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper
One More Time
Link It Or Lump It
The Chicken Chick Blog Hop
Weekend Bloggy Reading
Sunday Funday
Bouquet of Talent
Submarine Sunday
It's Party Time
Creativity Unleashed
Sunday Showcase
Silver Pennies
Snickerdoodle Sunday
Sunday Linkup at ARWB
The Art of Homemaking
Good Morning Mondays
Inspiration Monday @ Your Homebased Mom
Motivate Me Monday 
Modest Monday @ The Modest Mom 
Living Proverbs 31
Inspire Me Monday @ Create With Joy 
Masterpiece Monday @ BoogieBoard Cottage 
A Round Tuit @ Creating My Way to Success 
Monday Funday @ C.R.A.F.T. 
Marriage Monday
Making Your Home Sing Monday
Salt & Light

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