About

Hi, I’m Edie and this our family (minus 3 other beautiful and unique adult children). Two years ago I decided to give up my career as a family practice physician to stay home full time with my family. Shortly thereafter and by God’s grace and providence, I found another place to channel those creative wellsprings in my heart–thus, this blog was born. In short order, this southern belle and mother of four became a blogger, a homeschooler, a Lutheran, and a self-proclaimed goddess of the domestic arts. I document my faith journey, my mother love, my insatiable appetite for classic literature, lipgloss, cooking, C.S. Lewis…… and my eclectic, retro-cottage decorating style.


I look for the divine among the mundane and cherish the sacred grace moments that spring up through the stony ground of everyday living. I view my vocation as a wife and mother as nothing short of miraculous—-that God would entrust His beautiful created life to me is an honor of which I am not worthy. I am making this journey….this amazing life….with my husband of ten years, who continually inspires me, who never ceases to ‘raise the bar’ to deeper levels of love and understanding. And who always grabs the book I was just about to read next.

(I know what you’re thinking….he’s so darn cute. Yes, yes he is!)
We are truly living LIFE-IN-GRACE— a dream that we do not deserve.

So, welcome to my online home. I am thankful that you have come. I hope you will find here some inspiration and encouragement for your own journey.
If you’d like a particularly long laundry list of stuff about me, which consequently is about as exciting as doing your laundry, click here.
If you’d like you’d like to read a few posts that would give you the ‘essence’ of lifeingrace, visit here or here or here.
And in case you get any crazy ideas that our life must be wonderful and gracious all the time, let me clue you in to a little tidbit. This is a blog—-a online journal, if you will, of our lives and my thoughts. This is not reality. My house gets dirty and disorganized, my children scream and fight, the dogs run through the house soakin’ wet and chew all my outdoor cushions; and I am convinced, at times, that my showering schedule is a little lax. We are an ordinary family plagued with the same stresses and messes that you are. We are trusting God to restore the years……the years the locusts have eaten—the mess we’ve made with the gifts he’s given us—the disgraceful way we’ve trampled on his goodness time and time again. He makes all things new. For the sake of Christ, alone.
I leave you with these words that are framed and sitting on my kitchen counter.
I am so glad that you have come.
I will pour out everything inside me so that you may leave
this table satisfied and fortified.
Blessings on your eyes.
Blessings on your children.
Blessings on the ground beneath you.
My heart is a ladle of sweet water, brimming over.
The Red Tent, Anita Diamanti
May God bless you with every good and perfect gift.
  • http://signofthedimes.blogspot.com Kristy

    I wanted to thank you for the Anita Diamanti words you posted. They are just beautiful and something I would frame in my own home. Do you mind? THANK YOU for a lovely post & blog I visit often!

  • http://Littlemommyofthree.blogspot.com Stephanie Brown

    I found your blog through my mother-in-law and I am blown away by your writings of the joy and frustrations of being a mother. Just what I needed :)

    I am a young mom facing the everyday mothering challenges and always wondering if I’m doing anything right. I’ve been second guessing my decision to home-school and through reading your posts, I am encouraged.

    I was home-schooled and it was terribly boring. But it doesn’t have to be that way! I’m now encouraged to search for my own teaching style and to make it fun. I’m new to this and have no idea where to start. Are there any books you recommend?

  • Sandy

    Edie, I’ve only just found your blog [through my daughter] and it is just so good to read about women who love our Lord and raise their children in His Word. I find you very inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

  • http://www.cranberrymorning.blogspot.com Judy

    Hi Edie,
    I can’t even remember which tentacle reached out and grabbed your blog, but I can tell this is a place to which I will frequently return!
    God bless,
    Judy

  • http://www.teapotsandrobots.blogspot.com jenny

    I love that you took the time to be “real” here. It is so easy for other women, mother’s, wives to be tempted to compare themselves to people they don’t even really know and then be left feeling inadequate. I think it is so important to be real with people, letting them know that i am sinner in desperate need of Jesus Christ every day, all day long and that the only reason I live the life I live is because of God’s grace….not to us, but to Him be the glory.

    keep blogging, keep being real and keep sharing from your heart…
    …what comes out of our mouth is an overflow of our heart.

  • http://sweetgrace.typepad.com/the_inadvertent_farmer/ the inadvertent farmer

    LOL…anyone that love C.S.Lewis and lipgloss rocks! Kim

  • http://jamibalmet.blogspot.com Jami

    Hey I just found your blog and I can’t wait to start reading your posts!!! I’m your newest follower and I think your blog is simply adorable!!!!!

    I’m off to read some more posts :D

    Jami

  • http://29lincolnavenue.com Stacey

    Just like hanging out here this Saturday morning with you and your beautiful turquoise and red themed blog! You have a lovely way about you!

    Following you now on Twitter!
    Found you through Emily @ Chatting At the Sky,

    Blessings,
    Stacey

  • Ragamuffin

    Edie, I Googled “what’s wrong with Beth Moore” which led me to your blog about her work and IMHO, you hit the nail right on the head. I am in the middle of the study on David, who is definitely a hero second to Jesus. I am not familiar with any of her other works. Anyhoo, I’m glad I found the blog because you helped me sort through my thoughts and realize that I’m not wrong for not being as thrilled with the study as others seem to be. Its not all bad, but its a little off-center for me and again…what you said! So, nice to meet you – I’m a 53 year old married Lutheran, sinner-saved-by-Grace grandma who rides her own motorcycle. Ragamuffin

  • http://www.peaceforthejourney.com elaine @ peace for the journey

    Beautiful, peace-filled blog with a ton of heart! I feel our Father’s pulse here. Keep to it.

    peace~elaine

  • http://bonbonbonnie.blogspot.com Bonnie

    so jealous… love your blog name. I came across your blog for the first time today, and so glad I did! Excited to see what the Lord has done for you…. blessings

  • Sslowey

    Love your blog. Great job. :)

  • Ginnie

    Edie, I don’t know you but I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. I’ve watched as you’ve made the transition into your new home and felt your obvious joy and pleasure in making it yours. I am heartbroken to read that you’ve lost the home. I can’t imagine how you and your family must feel. I am grateful for the faith that will sustain you through this tragedy and want you to know that I will pray for healing and give thanks for your safety.

  • CLOE61

    MAY THE GOOD LORD BE WITH YOU DURING THIS MOST TRYING AND DIFFICULT TIME ….. I HAVE NEVER SPOKEN TO YOU HOWEVER I CAME ACROSS YOUR BLOG THIS CHRISTMAS EVENING AND AS I READ ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR HOME ALL I COULD THINK OF IS HOW BLESSED YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND AND CHILDREN ARE TO HAVE BEEN PROTECTED AND SPARED BY THE LORD ……..TRY TO TAKE COMFORT IN THESE SCRIPTURES THAT CAME TO MIND FOR YOU TO GO TO :P SALM 31:1-3,14-15 …..PSALM 46:1-3, 10-11 …….JOHN 14:27 …… ROAMNS 5:1-5 …….PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 ……. ALSO IF YOU GO TO http://WWW.CROSSROAD.TO…….. THIS IS A GOOD WEB SITE TO TAKE COMFORT IN SOME OF THE ONLINE BIBLICAL STUDIES (THE STUDY ON THE ARMOR OF GOD IS GOOD )…….TAKE CARE, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND YOURSELF IN THE WORD OF GOD AND I WILL PRAY FOR YOU PROMISE .

  • http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/12/upholstered-headboard-with-nailhead-trim-revisited/ Centsational Girl » Blog Archive » Upholstered Headboard with Nailhead Trim, Revisited

    [...] I am very saddened by this news.  I’ve just learned that a very special blog friend Edie has recently suffered an unbelievable tragedy and lost her new home in a fire.  Her family is [...]

  • Val

    From your prayer on todays post, I could tell you were Lutheran. I just had a feeling… I am too.
    I’m so sorry for your loss and will be praying for your family today. Everything works for good…

  • Val

    From your prayer on todays post, I could tell you were Lutheran. I just had a feeling… I am too.
    I’m so sorry for your loss and will be praying for your family today. Everything works for good…

  • http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/blog/ Diane Onlinefabricstore

    heard of your loss from centsational girl and I am so sorry but grateful you and your family are safe. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Pam

    You and your family are in my prayers.

  • Pam

    You and your family are in my prayers.

  • susan

    Praying for you and your beautiful family during this difficult time.
    i am so very sorry.

  • deb

    praying for you , Edie.
    I don’t even know what to say, but hope that you feel loved .

  • samone

    Thinking and praying for you and your family x.

  • http://www.brvan.com Bryan

    Thanks for sharing your heartbreaking and yet heartwarming story of your tragic loss…heartwarming in that we see the goodness of God, His grace and His provision in our time of greatest need. May God bless you as your family rebuilds. You referenced Job in your retelling. I think of how Job’s end was greater than his beginning…
    God Bless,
    Bryan

  • Markndonna2

    You and your family are in our prayers. May God go before your face and may you truly feel him on your left and on your right and feel the presents of His angels bearing you up. That is His promise to us in these times of great tragedy.

  • Meg

    Thank you for continuing to share your story with us. You and your family are in our prayers! This blog has been such an inspiration to me and I hope that you find comfort in the lives that you have touched that are now rallying around you in prayer!

  • Jennifer H.

    Edie — I am in disbelief today as I just learned of your news. We’ve never met, but I’m a stay-at-home mom in Wisconsin who loves reading your blog and being encouraged not only in my parenting but also my faith. You have so many gifts, and it appears that God has allowed you to use them to reach so many. May you feel His arms encircling you during this unfathomable time in your life. We live in a broken, sinful, fallen world, and so unthinkable tragedies like this happen. It must be horrible. I cannot pretend to even imagine. But the GOOD NEWS is that’s not the end of the story. God is God over ALL. I have to believe He has an even greater plan for you and your family, and I cannot wait to see with you what it is. And finally, though you have lost a physical “home,” may you be able to revel at some point in the grace of a Father whose home is ETERNAL and filled with MANY ROOMS, prepared just for us at the appointed time. I will be praying God’s will for you and your family, along with comfort and healing as you reluctantly walk the path laid in front of you. Love and blessings always. Jennifer Hafele

  • http://therustyplum.blogspot.com/ Margaret Ritchie

    Just found your blog…so sorry to hear of your horrific loss, especially at this time of the year…You have an unbelievable attitude and are an inspiration to all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope you don’t mind, but I posted your story on my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/therustyplum. I’d like to help in some way…

  • Kari at A Grace Full Life

    So very sorry to hear of your loss, heard about it on 320 Sycamore. Let us know if there is anything at all we can do for you. God Bless you.

  • Mary Blackwell

    I just want you to know that you are doing everything right. Our dear friends had a very similar experience a couple of years ago when they too lost their home to an explosion and fire. We watched with them as their family, friends and community blessed them beyond anything they could have imagined. They had the same feelings you are experiencing, gratitude, loss, love, more gratitude and some despair. Over time they were left only with gratitude and love. Those other feelings left them as they rebuilt their lives. They once said to us that it was only a house, they still had everyone, so their home could be anywhere as long as they were together. You will get through this and you and your family will be stronger for it. Think of the blessings brought to others because they could be instruments in the Lord’s hands on you behalf. Keep your faith and a good sense of humor, love one another, and best wishes to you and yours for a Happy New Year. Mary Blackwell Alberta Canada

  • Alisa

    You are precious. I just happened upon your blog tonight. Funny, I was cleaning up from Christmas…feeling overwhelmed at all the “stuff” and wishing, briefly, that I had a bigger house and that it was more organized. Then the Lord led me to your blog. I love that song by Nicole Nordeman… a sweet reminder that our contentment is not in anything but Him. Praying for you.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Esther-Finkel-Burns/1400083922 Esther Finkel Burns

    I was led here by Minnesota Mom, who linked to your blog. I’m so sorry for your loss–know that you and your family are in my prayers. I’ll be a regular reader now—always thrilled to find other Lutheran bloggers.

  • Irene

    I found your blog thru the “Nester”. My heart breaks for you and your family having just lost your house to the fire. My what a beautiful view. Hopefully you will be able to rebuild and go forward. We just had tornado’s come thru our community (just outside St. Lous). Many of our neighbors had damage and some complete loss.

  • http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2011/01/comfort/ comfort — The Pleated Poppy

    [...] this is the first word that comes to mind when i think of edie. [...]

  • http://www.farmgirlfollies.com/2011/01/beauty-in-grace-6675.html Farmgirl Follies » Beauty in grace

    [...] Edie and her beautiful family, here. And if you have a minute, say a prayer that their heartache is [...]

  • Patty

    Came across your lovely blog through a friend. Your insight is amazing in your hour of night, Tis but a season, and you have navigated it well, beyond words! I guess that’s what a foundation can do, praise GOD. God bless you, I have learned so much in reading your recent posts, and you’ve reminded me of an old friend…C.S. Lewis.

    I do remember Job had a happy ending, take care, you are in my prayers.

  • http://sodemanland.com/2011/01/04/happy-birthday-edie/ Happy Birthday Edie! – Sodemanland

    [...] of you have followed the saga on facebook…)  :)  But then I discovered that today is Edie’s birthday.  And this link party is happening.  I’ve never “linked up” before. [...]

  • Tasharichardson2003

    May God bless you and your family!! I can’t even begin to imagine the awful tradegy you have endured!! I am praying for you and that with each passing day you find peace. God Bless You Edie, you are such an inspiration!!!!!

  • http://theletteredcottage.net/dear-edie/ Dear Edie… — The Lettered Cottage

    [...] like to wish her a happy birthday too, click here! If you haven’t met Edie yet, click here, and then [...]

  • French Farmhouse

    Just recently found your blog~ You are an amazing woman!! ;) I am so sorry for your recent loss. I look forward to hearing what God has in store for you this new year! Hugs, Rachel Noelle

  • tanyalea

    Wow, Edie! ~ I just came over for my first visit, directed by none other than the lovely ‘Layla’ herself! ;) Anway, as I read this post, I can hardly type through the blurry wells in my eyes. Your words touched me to the core. They spoke SO much to who I am, and I could relate in every way. Especially to that last paragraph of how ‘real’ life is some days at home! ;)

    Since I am new here, I am also just learning of your loss, and I am so sorry. It’s clear your relationship with God is strong and personal, and as you continue to lean on Him, He will see you through. It certainly causes one to pause and reflect on how blessed we really are, and on how uncertain this lift on earth really is. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    I have been so touched by my first visit, that I will surely be back and look forward to ‘getting to know’ you more. I also look forward to joining with others to lift your family up before the Father during this difficult time. Hang in there and God bless! <

    Hugs,
    Tanya

  • Ginny

    Ok, so I found you through Hillary’s blog, and everything she said about you is totally true…you are very inspriring just in your bio…I will be following you and adding you to my blog list…if you would like to do the same it is http://www.bassakward-tales.blogspot.com….thanks for the inspiration….

  • JenniferS

    thank you HIllary for turning me on to this great blog. Prayers for your healing during this trying time. God is great all the time…we just have to sit back and let him do his thing.

  • JenniferS

    thank you HIllary for turning me on to this great blog. Prayers for your healing during this trying time. God is great all the time…we just have to sit back and let him do his thing.

  • http://www.sotheywillalwaysremember.blogspot.com Nina

    I just found you. I am humbled. I am brought to tears. I am inspired. The way you are handling this is amazing. I can’t imagine how heartbroken you must be. I have been looking at the pictures of your beautiful home and I am so so sorry. There are no words for me to give to a perfect stranger to comfort you other than God Bless You. Your faith is wonderful, your children are precious. My prayers are with you.

  • Elizabeth Chavis

    I just stumbled upon your blog and it is great! Please know that you and your family are in my prayers as God guides you all through this time. He is AMAZING in what He will do in the days to come!

  • Missy from My Cottage Charm

    My heart aches for your loss…I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re going through, but know that you’re in my prayers. God is so great, I know he will bless you tremendously, even through your great loss. Cyber HUGS to you sweet Edie.
    Missy

  • http://www.thesouthernbellebaby.com Jessica @ Thesouthernbellebaby

    I found your blog through August Fields, and my heart breaks for you and your family during this devastating loss. I pray that you find strength and peace through God, and that He helps you make it through this difficult time.

  • http://sweetpeazcorner.blogspot.com/ Amber Dorsey

    i found your blog from a friend on facebook. the week of the fire. my heart aches for you and i am SO beyond inspired by your courage. your words. the ladies who have come together to support you and your seemingly effortless grace through this whole process.
    thank you so much for being out there. for having this spot in life and for begining to teach ME how to see my life-in-grace.
    all my love,

    amber dorsey

  • http://lifeingraceblog.com edie wadsworth

    beautiful words amber, thank you.
    xo,
    edie

  • happymama03

    i just found your blog { yesterday} … i may not ever leave :) !

  • Tina Lee

    I found your blog about a week ago through blog-hopping. I am praising God and thanking Him that your family made it safely through the fire. You are so inspiring, a strong woman of faith and sound like just plain fun!! Thanks for sharing your life with us. I’m a 48 year-old-young wife, mother of 5 sons, and my husband and I homeschool our kids also. I’m not very computer savvy, but I know how to blog-hop. lol. glad to have found you.

  • TicaBev

    I’m a newbie… LOVE it here!

  • http://www.mothersmementos.com Rachel {Mother’s Mementos}

    I came across your blog when I was looking up buttercream frosting! How beautiful (both the cake you made and your blog)! I’ts inspiring, and I am glad to have come across another mother who shares creativity and faith!

  • k2

    Have loved “sharing” with you today. Discovered you via the “lent” post provided by a friend. You’ve energized me in more way than one.

  • larry

    The secret of family happiness Loving GRACE!!! : ) Thank you for the sweet water : ) “Trusting God to restore” ( Isaiah 1:18)
    Thanks Edie “Let it shine” : )

  • http://www.joyfulwifeandlife.com aubrey

    I am a blogger too and I just stumbled onto yours. Just heavenly and felt so connected! Keep on sharing! http://www.joyfulwifeandlife.com

  • Sharlagee3

    i found this site looking for more mug rug ideas, i really have never understood what blogging was, but now maybe i do. i have been laid off from work i have been trying to find something i can sew and sell from home. i have soooooo many interests including cooking, you simply are talking to us about what we all love, more ideas, i love it thank you sharla

  • Sharlagee3

    oh and your husband looks darling with longer hair

  • http://sweettea-ltl.blogspot.com Sweet Tea

    Love, Love, Love your blog!

  • Beckie Hoffman

    I just came upon your blog, and it must have been for a reason, thank you ~ 

  • http://profiles.google.com/cecehester Carrie Hester

    I just came across your blog from my “virtual friend” MarytheKay!  I am excited to get to know you!  The Red Tent is one of my ALL time favorite books!

  • http://www.stampsinkandpaper.com Maureen

    You are so inspiring!  I’m so glad I happened across your blog.  I love your new home!  I think you have a book in you!  Maybe a talk show! Really!

  • Jessica B

    What a beautiful “about me” page :) Your children are beautiful!

  • http://lifeingraceblog.com edie wadsworth

    What sweet encouragement!  THank you Maureen:)
    xo,
    edie

  • http://papercrafterscorner.com/blog/inspired-bybloggy-friends-ive-never-met-in-real-life/ Inspired By Bloggy friends I’ve never met in real life.

    [...] outpouring of love and support that becomes so evident when a blogger is in need.  Case in point. Edie of Life in Grace.  I’ve been following her blog for a while now and was so sad to hear the devastating news [...]

  • Lanie Beth

    Love reading your kind wisdom!  Keep it coming because you are impacting more lives than you know!  :)

  • Andrea

    I have just discovered your blog.  I, too, am a ‘retired’ practitioner (I recently sold my Veterinary practice), home now to celebrate all things domestic.  Have you ever discovered a blog that immediately gets you hooked…you just want to spend hours pouring over it, garnering inspiration?  Well, that’s what I have discovered today, and I thank you.  Now, I’m off to spend time between gymnastics class, laundry, dinner prep (you know how it all goes) to be inspired and excited by your Life In Grace.

  • http://bryantpartyof5.blogspot.com Beth

    I just found your blog thru The Nester….I’m in awe….I have 5 kids and started blogging about family life , home, etc…now I want to shut down…lol!!! No, really this is fabulous!

  • Shauna Oberg

    I stumbled across your blog today and I’m so grateful. Love your story and your site is beautiful and inspirational. I’ll be visiting a lot!

  • Beth Morrow

    I’m not sure how I landed in your blog (probably a site on Pinterest or something that my pinkie accidentally hit… happens), I’ll call it fate, but I have so enjoyed reading about your life. I am working on setting up my own documenting page and I have a question…did you design your site or have it done? Any suggestions for a barely literate pc user is appreciated! Thanks

  • Brenda

    LOVE your blog and also LOOOOOVE your friend’s home.  I don’t guess there is any chance ya’ll live in Texas..Arlington to be exact?  I’d pay her to decorate my home in a New York minute.  I could basically move into her home w/o changing a thing…you both are sooooo talented!

  • http://snickerdoodles2.blogspot.com MarySue

    New reader and very grateful to be.  Thank you for your inspiration – on many levels.  Bless you.  MarySue

  • DebRumpza

    O my goodness.  I’m glad I found your blog this morning.  I love REAL people.  And you have such a heart… I, too, feel like I’m on the same journey as you, with my four almost completely grown children,  and multiple animals,  and my wonderful, almost perfect, albeit unsaved, husband.  Thank you for sharing your thoughts and heart… 

  • lisa

    Your words speak my heart. Thank you :)

  • Gencoleman2010

    I realize I’m late to the table on this particular blog entry…but it fed be well, nonetheless.  Blessings you gave to me and blessing I wish you right back…even these several years later after having written this particular entry.  -Gen, Kentucky.

  • http://www.piecesofheaven.blogspot.com/ *Dream Weaver*

    A new reader dropping by with a “hello” :)  
    have an awesome and blessed 2012.

  • Soogee Ahn

    really like your blog especially relevance to your faith & family. will stop by often!

  • http://www.undertheislandsunshine.blogspot.com/ angie on maui

    I’m a new reader and really look forward to knowing you better.  You have such a sweet and beautiful spirit. :)   Happy to meet you!

  • Bonnie Z.

    Just found your blog through someone’s pin on Pinterest.  Love, love, love it.  You are a kindred spirit for sure.

  • http://www.anartfulmom.com/ Pam

    Wowza, just found your blog and LOVE IT.  Have been homeschooling for more or less 11 years and would have given a kidney for your schoolroom. Wow, my kids would have loved it. I will be spending a lot of time here!

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