the art of gathering
welcome, I’m Glad You’re Here
the table is set
a table set with story,
a field sown with wonder,
a place to trace the thread of grace through our ordinary days.
Here, I gather what stirs beneath the surface:
the ache of longing,
the beauty of becoming,
the mystery woven into morning light
May you find here
a gentle rhythm,
a sacred pause,
a reminder that you are not alone
on the way.
explore the blog
Love That Refuses to Be Rushed: A Poem on Writing and Waiting
Love and creativity refuse to be rushed. A poetic meditation on slowing down and trusting the process. A resolute decision to embrace the beauty of patience, presence, and the soul’s rhythms.
The Void Echoes Between US
This poem captures the delicate and evolving nuances of a mother-child relationship, emphasizing connection, change, and the unspoken emotional weight of shared moments.The ending suggests a quiet resignation to the imperfections of human connection, leaving the reader to reflect on their own experiences of communication and silence within relationships.
Finding Stillness and Peace Amid the Weight of Grief: Embracing God’s Love Through Discontent and Self-Compassion
There are moments when the weight of life catches us off guard, often revealing emotions we’ve set aside. This week, as I reflected on that weight, I felt an invitation to pause, to truly see and feel what I had been brushing aside with ‘get it together’ thoughts and self-criticism. In these moments, I sense God’s gentle call: *Come and see.* See the ways He loves me, even in my disappointment and discontent. Here’s to letting go of unrealistic expectations, embracing God’s love, and finding strength in vulnerability. In that place of quiet honesty, I remember that I am held, safe to grieve, grow, and become the person I was always meant to be.
Cozy Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
As the crisp autumn air settles in, we find comfort in the warmth of home, gathering around the table with hearty, nourishing meals. This Sweet Potato Chili is the perfect fall recipe—rich in flavor, spiced just right, and filled with wholesome ingredients that satisfy both body and soul. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply embracing the coziness of the season, this chili will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it with warm bread, light some candles, and enjoy the simple pleasures of fall.
Songs of Hope: A Playlist for Fall
The author discusses finding encouragement through a Christian writing community and reflects on facing trials and finding hope through faith. Despite experiencing sorrow and challenges, they find hope in God's love and mercy, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and faith.
Finding Hope Through Adversity: A Five Minute Reflection
The author discusses finding encouragement through a Christian writing community and reflects on facing trials and finding hope through faith. Despite experiencing sorrow and challenges, they find hope in God's love and mercy, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and faith.
Cover
The writer participates in Five Minute Friday, an online Christian writing community, where participants free-write for 5 minutes based on a given prompt. They express vulnerability and hope through a poem about the covering of grace as she traverses grief and loss. Additionally, the writer shares a charcuterie guide for gathering around the table with practical and purposeful content.
Mastering the Art of a Well-Stocked Pantry: Practical Tips for Purposeful Gatherings
Natalie Herr emphasizes the importance of hospitality and offers practical tips for simplifying meal preparation for gatherings at home. She suggests keeping a strategically stocked pantry to accommodate impromptu guests, providing meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and treats. The article encourages a focus on shared experiences and hospitality in the Christian faith.
Savor Health: A Flavorful and Healthy Vegetable Tortellini Soup Recipe
The post emphasizes the importance of gathering around the table, fostering connections, and the joy of sharing meals. It shares a healthy vegetable tortellini soup recipe and encourages inviting neighbors to the table. Additionally, it offers a simple charcuterie guide to enhance gathering experiences. The narrative is warm and inviting, encouraging intentional connections through shared meals.
A Healing Table: Nourishing Relationships and Reconciliation at the Table
The Lord is all we need, we can rest secure in that.
Gathering Around the Firmsteps Table
God set the table beautifully for me and through me. This table is called Firmsteps. Firmsteps is a Christ-centered ministry that exists to encourage women