Less Stuff. More Life. More Adventure.

Welcome to Wild Grace
Exploring the world, embracing creativity, growing through life's seasons, and discovering grace in unexpected places.

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Every adventure reminds us that you don't have to travel halfway around the world to find wonder.

This month, Ed and I celebrated our anniversary by exploring some of Ohio's hidden treasures—from the rugged beauty of Hocking Hills to unforgettable encounters at The Wilds, quirky roadside attractions, charming small towns, and places we'd driven past for years without stopping.

For us, these trips aren't just vacations. They're a chance to slow down, reconnect with each other, meet incredible people, and discover the stories that make each place special. Every trail, café, overlook, and hidden gem becomes another reminder that adventure is often waiting much closer to home than we realize.

Come along as we continue our mission to discover the wonders around us—one road trip, one conversation, and one unforgettable memory at a time.

There is something lovely about bringing lavender in from the garden and saving it for later. The color, the scent, even the simple act of tying the stems together feels like holding onto a little piece of summer.

To dry lavender, cut the stems after the morning dew has dried, ideally when the buds are formed but not completely open. Gather them into small bundles, tie them together, and hang them upside down somewhere dry, dark, and well ventilated.

In about one to three weeks, the stems should feel crisp and the flowers will easily rub free. Once dry, store your lavender in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight.

Use it in sachets, potpourri, wreaths, crafts, or simply keep a bundle nearby and enjoy the fragrance. Sometimes the simplest things from the garden end up being the ones we treasure most.

Peter asks Jesus, “How many times do I have to forgive?” I have to admit, I like Peter’s question. I can replay a conversation in my head. I can remember exactly what someone said, how it made me feel, and what I wish I’d said back. I can tell myself I have moved on and then realize, nope, apparently I am still carrying that one around.

Peter suggests seven times.

Honestly, seven sounds pretty good to me. Jesus basically says, “Stop counting.” That is harder. I preach grace all the time. I believe deeply in grace. I believe that God meets us in our mess, forgives us, loves us, and keeps calling us forward.

Living that same grace with other people is sometimes a whole different story. Because some hurts are small.

Some are not.

Some people apologize.

Some never will.

I don't believe forgiveness means pretending something didn't hurt. I do not believe Jesus asks us to stay in unhealthy relationships or keep allowing someone to hurt us. Boundaries can be faithful too. But I do think Jesus knows what happens when I keep carrying the scorecard around.

Eventually, it gets heavy and the person I am keeping score against may not even know I am still carrying it. Meanwhile, I am the one holding all of that anger, frustration, and hurt. So maybe forgiveness is not always one big moment where everything suddenly feels better.

Maybe sometimes it is simply saying:

“God, I am tired of carrying this.”

Sometimes that might be the whole prayer.

There have been times in my life when grace has come easily, and times when it has taken a very long time. I think that is okay. I am learning that forgiveness can happen slowly.

A little today.

A little more tomorrow.

And maybe eventually I realize I am not keeping score anymore.

Thank goodness God does not keep score with me. Because I need that grace every single day and maybe that is where forgiveness begins—not with pretending the hurt did not happen, but remembering how much grace I have already received. God to help me loosen my grip just a little.

New Release!

Faith is more than memorizing answers. It’s discovering where you fit inside God’s story.

God’s Story: From Creation to You is an engaging, visual, and interactive confirmation workbook designed especially for middle school and early high school students. Rooted in Lutheran theology and written in a relatable, honest voice, this workbook helps students move beyond “church facts” into a deeper understanding of Scripture, faith, identity, and belonging.

From Creation and the Fall to Jesus, the Sacraments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the life of the Church, students are invited to explore the big picture of God’s love through creative activities, reflection questions, real-life connections, and accessible teaching.

Inside you’ll find:

• Interactive lessons covering major biblical stories and themes

• Lutheran teachings explained in ways teens can actually understand

• Reflection questions and journaling prompts

• Visual learning tools, graphics, timelines, and creative activities

• Connections between Scripture and everyday life

• Space for students to wrestle with questions, doubts, and faith growth

• A welcoming approach for different learning styles and attention needs

Perfect for:

• Confirmation programs

• Youth ministry classes

• Church small groups

• Christian schools

• Families exploring faith together

This workbook reminds students that confirmation is not the end of their faith journey—it is an invitation into a lifelong journey with God.

Because the story of faith did not end in the Bible.

It continues in you.

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