A Little Update

What Are You Creating?

You  know those things you have always wanted to do, but just never did. That was me with painting for a decade or so. Over the past few years I have created thousands of things. I made a commitment to make something new every day this year. You can follow along on my Instagram or purchase pieces at thegospelmom.com. All of the proceeds go to benefit missions and adoption. Part of it will be funding my trip to Haiti in December. Thank you kindly for following along.

The Bible study I attend just began a study on Sabbath. I keep clinging to this idea and trying to set healthy boundaries and create margin to enjoy and see the Lord working in my life. Our culture idolizes business. Crafting a rhythm of life that balances work, prayer, play, and rest truly is something only God can do. One question in the study asked how we were going to teach the next generation to rest and take time to delight in God. My answer became a prayer. Let me model it, Jesus. #sabbathmargin #breathe #pricillashirer #comeawaywithme #rest #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller

A post shared by The Gospel Mom (@thegospelmom) on Feb 28, 2017 at 9:56pm PST

What Are You Reading?

Here is my book stack. What is in yours? My two Bible studies are almost over. I have truly enjoyed them both. Most of all, I have loved who I have shared them with. Breathe has brought fresh air to my soul. It has reminded me that I do not serve a harsh task master and I am free to rest. Sabbath was used by God to teach the Israelites that they didn't need to work to earn his favor like they had with their overseers in Egypt. He loved them because they were his. I'm reviewing Jennie Allen's book for Thomas Nelson Publishers. I love her. Thanks for supporting my book habit, publishers. I picked up the book Grace, Not perfection at Cracker Barrel because there is a chapter entitled "Savor Your Circus." Of course, I am slowly savoring Don Quixote. My original copy is on top. It's interesting that it is 550 pages and my updated version (excellently translated) is 940 pages. The second translation is also in smaller print. Apparently, Mr. Cervantes wrote and added to this book multiple times. There is also a part two that is included. It's very interesting and makes me happy every single day. I share about my thoughts on reading it on my Instagram account. Follow along. Have you read it?

I write to you wondering why there is a crystal salt shaker on the floor behind my bathroom door as my husband belts out the National Anthem. My thoughts of late are constantly on the Man of La Mancha. I feel a new fire to fight for hearts. It was lived out as we chopped up a snake with a machete. On this day I did not eat the biscuits at @crackerbarrel while dining with @emilyawylie ... but, decided to momentarily forgo the Lenten commitment I made to give up bread in the evening. @jsmitttty bringing homemade cinnamon rolls (her grandmother's recipe no less) must certainly be close to communion. Bless him who gives us freedom to partake of the roll and call it good. #breakingbread #donquixote pg 323/940 #manoflamancha It seems that our dear Mr. Quixote thought he killed a giant and spilled his blood, but he simply attacked a full wineskin hanging above his bed. #cinnamonrolls #lent #cheater #bookstagram #books #reading

A post shared by Stephanie Cherry (@heystephcherry) on Mar 13, 2017 at 8:37pm PDT

What Are You Cooking?

I came across a story about Katherine Hepburn's famous brownies and decided to give them a shot. They were pretty good, more gooey than normal brownies. Now I need to watch #BringingUpBaby starring #katherinehepburn #recipe #brownie #chocolate #hospitality

A post shared by Stephanie Cherry (@heystephcherry) on Mar 3, 2017 at 8:57pm PST

What Are You Doing?

I am currently pondering taking some classes, putting together a Women's Retreat on April 8th, and getting ready to speak in Amarillo in April. I want to personally invite you to the retreat. It's just for the day on April 8th. It's at gorgeous Thistlewood Manor in Kyle, TX. Do you ever feel so busy that you just miss Jesus? We even rush through our Bible studies. I became obsessed with looking for and capturing the beauty of Christ in my every day life. It has transformed my heart. I wanted very much for you to all come along with me. Listen to women and men who have been finding the beauty of Christ in their every day life and how it has changed every thing. The only cost is for the meals. Join me in enjoying Jesus. Eventbrite Tickets : Year of Beauty

What is Happening At Your House?

Well, we cleaned out the third floor. We brought thirty boxes plus furniture and other things down three flights of stairs and went through it all. We have begun remodeling it to serve as an apartment for ministers and missionaries. Come help and stay tuned. We have around 150 houseguests each year. Some are struggling through things and some just need rest. Thank you for supporting our journey and caring enough about those out there sharing the gospel that you give to us. If you are interested in helping here, come volunteer, PRAY!, or donate at GIVE!

I Read Under the Tuscan Sun

Over the Christmas break, I read the updated 20th Anniversary edition of Under the Tuscan Sun. Is it possible that it has been twenty years since this book came out? Surely there is some miscalculation on the publisher's part. No. I got old. So, I can review this story for you as a 19 year old and a 39 year old. 

This book  includes many of my favorite things. It's about hope, hard work, restoration, food, and a culture that revolves around friends and family. I thought it was interesting following the Italian version of a  remodel. It seems much like the one I have experienced. Slow. Workers come and go whenever they feel like it. At least we have three things that help us keep our minds full of hope.

God. Food. People.

I know the real question is how people think it compared to the movie. The basic premise of her story is there. She had been through a terrible divorce and decided to buy a villa in Tuscany. In the movie she was single. In real life she was already remarried. In the movie she found this place on a gay tour of Tuscany (given by her friends that were pregnant and could no longer go). In real life, as I said, she was married and had been to Tuscany many times with her husband before taking this leap. There is no wild romance with an Italian man in the book or crazy sex scene. All of that must have been added in for theatrical flare. The book is just about restoration, food, and family. It's about the people we pass every day. It's more simple.

In her writing, Frances seems a bit low key. In the movie, Diane Lane brings exuberance, joy, and chutzpah. I enjoyed both. They are quite different, but both make you want to cook. Pass the pasta.

The Book Under the Tuscan Sun was re-released this year for its anniversary and I am currently reading it. There's a story about a girl chasing lady bugs and couldn't catch them. When she gave up and laid down in the grass, they started crawling all over her. That came into my head as I looked up at this picture I am working on. Be still. Stop chasing things. Rest. Ask and the Lord will be moved to even give the nations to you. #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #cslewis #farbetterthings #art #paint #painting #paintingoftheday #acrylic #ladybug #🐞

A post shared by Stephanie Cherry (@heystephcherry) on Dec 10, 2016 at 1:08pm PST

This book was graciously provided by the publisher for review.