Hearts in Service Blog

Summer takes on a different rhythm around here, especially now that I'm participating in the Saturday local market. Much of my time is taken up in preparing for Saturdays, but it is my main money maker so it is necessary.  This week a friend invited me over to pick gooseberries. I've never had them and to me they tasted a bit like a tart grape. He told me to strip the bushes clean since they weren't going to use them and I ended up with about 7 quarts of berries. It was time consuming, especially having to destem them all to make jam. However, I'm thrilled that I can offer this at the next market. I have been amazed at how many people come to the market and purchase craft items as well. I've sold 7 aprons in two weeks which is more than I sold in a whole season last year. I've been busy sewing to replace those, as well as filling private orders and Etsy orders. It's been so hot this week so I'm trying to get a jump start on each d...

It's been such a weird, sad, eventful week and yet, we are only midway through it. I am thankful for the things in my life that bring me joy and are stress-relievers. Dan, Emily and I went off on an adventure on Monday which is Dan's day off. We headed to the Allegheny National Forest and went hiking there. Woods, sweet-smelling air, silence and scenic views were a balm to my soul. I find the stillness of the forest is the place I feel God's presence the most in my life. I go to the church most mornings to do much of my ministry work. Usually I'm back home by 1:30 to then get things done around the house.  I've been trying to make a batch or two of cookies a day for the market which starts next Saturday. They are in the freezer until the day before the market when I will thaw them and then package them. Spiced Rum Crinkles Coconut-lime sugar cookies I've been busy sewing both for my Etsy shop and the market. These a...