Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core

Whole in Christ: Reconciling the Many Parts of Me — October 29, 2025

Whole in Christ: Reconciling the Many Parts of Me

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/2 Comments

Introduction:
We live in a world that asks us to compartmentalize. We are one person at work, another at home, and someone entirely different online. It’s easy to lose sight of who we are at the core. I am a blogger, pastor, wife, and Grannie. I’ve wrestled with the question of how to live as one whole person in Christ. This reflection is my journey toward discovering that wholeness. It’s a gentle reminder that we are not meant to divide ourselves. Every part of our lives should flow from the same sacred center.

There are days I feel pulled in many directions. I hear the preacher’s call. I feel Grannie’s tenderness and the wife’s love. I have the creator’s longing to share. Sometimes I pause and ask myself, How do these pieces fit together? How do I reconcile all that I am into one clear identity in Christ?

For years I tried to find balance — keeping ministry separate from home life, content creation apart from personal devotion. But what I’ve come to realize is that the wholeness I seek isn’t found in separating things neatly. It’s found in centering them on Christ.

The titles do not define me — blogger, pastor, wife, Grannie. The One who holds them together defines me. Christ is the center of my being, and everything else simply radiates from that holy heart. When I keep Him at the center, everything else finds its place.

When I write, I preach.
When I knit, I pray.
When I tend my home, I make space for grace.
When I love my family, I mirror the love of God.

These are not separate callings, but one life — woven together by mercy and meaning. There is no division between sacred and ordinary. God moves through every aspect, including the blog post and the sermon. God is here in the laughter at the table and even in the quiet hum of yarn between my fingers. Christ meets me there, whispering, “You are mine. You are whole.”

Now, my task is not to choose which role to play today. Instead, it is to live as one who abides in God’s presence. I let that truth shape my words, my work, and my ways.

A Prayer for Wholeness

Lord, center me in Your love.
Let the scattered pieces of who I am rest in You.
Make my life one seamless story of grace —
written in my home, my pulpit, my marriage, and my art.
Let all I am and all I do be one song —
a song that sings only of You.
Amen.

If you ever feel fragmented, or you are unsure of who you are in this season of life, remember this. Christ makes us whole. Every piece of your story has a place in His plan — even the quiet, ordinary ones.

Stay centered, stay kind, and stay close to the One who calls you whole.

With grace and yarn,
Grannie Doll aka Pastor Barb


Learning to Listen — Not Every Voice Is the Shepherd’s — October 27, 2025

Learning to Listen — Not Every Voice Is the Shepherd’s

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Scripture:
1 Samuel 3:1–21
John 10:1–18

Theme Verse: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27

It’s not always easy to know which voice to listen to.
We live in a world filled with noise — notifications, opinions, breaking news, advertisements, and sometimes, our own anxious thoughts.
Each one clamors for our attention. Each one claims importance.

But the truth is: not every voice is the Shepherd’s.

Learning to listen — truly listen — is one of the most sacred tasks of faith. It takes practice, patience, and a heart willing to be quiet long enough to discern who is speaking.

📖 Part 1: Samuel’s Night of Listening

In 1 Samuel 3, we meet a boy who hasn’t yet learned what God’s voice sounds like.

Samuel sleeps near the Ark of God, under Eli’s care. The scripture tells us,

“The word of the Lord was rare in those days.”

In the stillness of the night, Samuel hears his name. He assumes it’s Eli calling.
Three times he runs to the old priest, saying,

“Here I am, for you called me.”

And three times Eli says, “I did not call.”

It’s only on the third time that Eli perceives something deeper is happening.
He tells Samuel,

“Go, lie down; and if He calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’”

Samuel obeys — and that obedience, that willingness to listen, changes everything.
The next time the voice calls, Samuel doesn’t run to Eli. He stays still and answers God directly.

That is the beginning of Samuel’s prophetic ministry — not with a miracle, not with a sermon, but with listening.

✝️ Part 2: The Shepherd’s Voice

Now move with me to John 10.
Jesus says,

“The sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

The Good Shepherd doesn’t shout. He doesn’t compete with the noise.
His voice is known through relationship — through time spent together, through trust.

The sheep learn the Shepherd’s voice by walking with Him daily — by being fed, led, and cared for.

Jesus also warns,

“The sheep will not follow a stranger. They will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

In other words: there are other voices out there.
Voices that deceive, distract, or discourage. Voices that promise ease but lead to emptiness.
Voices that sound comforting, but are not life-giving.

And so the question becomes —
How do we, as followers of Christ, learn to tell the difference?

🌿 Part 3: Learning to Listen Today

Discerning the Shepherd’s voice isn’t about perfect hearing — it’s about faithful listening.

Let’s look at what that means for us:

1. Be Still

Samuel was lying down when God spoke — still, quiet, open.
We can’t always hear God in the rush and noise of life.
Listening begins with stillness.
Whether it’s in morning prayer, knitting in peace, or walking outside. It’s in silence that our spiritual ears tune in.

2. Be Willing to Respond

Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
He didn’t know what God would say, but he was ready.
The Shepherd’s voice often calls us out of comfort — toward forgiveness, generosity, or courage.
Listening means being willing to act when we hear.

3. Be Rooted in Scripture and Spirit

Jesus’ voice always aligns with truth, compassion, and love.
When we hear a voice that leads to fear, greed, or resentment — it’s not the Shepherd.
When we hear a voice that calls us to mercy, humility, and service — that’s where Christ is speaking.

4. Be in Community

Samuel had Eli.
We need each other — wise voices who can say, “That sounds like God’s voice” or “Wait — that doesn’t.”
Community helps us discern together what God is saying to the church and the world.

💗 Part 4: Recognizing the Shepherd’s Voice in Our Lives

Think about how Jesus calls each of us by name — not just once, but again and again.
He calls in the dark nights of confusion.
He calls when the world feels loud and uncertain.
He calls us back when we’ve wandered far away.

His voice brings peace, not panic.
Hope, not fear.
Conviction, not condemnation.

And just like Samuel, we can grow in that listening — slowly, quietly, faithfully.
Each time we respond, we learn the sound of grace a little more clearly.

🕯 Conclusion

Learning to listen is the lifelong work of faith.
Not every voice deserves your energy or trust — but the Shepherd’s voice always leads to life.

So, this week, take a few moments of holy quiet.
Let your prayer be simple:

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Listen for the voice that calls you by name —
and when you hear it, follow.

For that is the voice of the Good Shepherd.

Amen.

Sweet Pepper & Brown Sugar Baked Chicken on Red Cabbage —

Sweet Pepper & Brown Sugar Baked Chicken on Red Cabbage

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

A 100 Mile Life Recipe

There’s something so grounding about opening the fridge and letting what’s already there inspire supper. In a 100 Mile Life, that’s part of the joy. You create something local, simple, and deeply satisfying from what’s on hand. This week’s recipe began with a package of local chicken thighs. It also included a bright head of red cabbage. A handful of pantry staples were also used. The result? A cozy baked dish that caramelizes as it cooks, bringing together sweet, savory, and homegrown flavor in every bite.

As the weather cools, I find myself turning to the oven more often. The warmth fills the kitchen. The smell of roasted vegetables is delightful. There is a quiet comfort in knowing dinner is made with care. It’s all part of living slowly, locally, and thankfully.

🐔 Sweet Pepper & Brown Sugar Baked Chicken on Red Cabbage

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ cup crushed crackers (Ritz or butter crackers work beautifully) I used saltines
  • 2 tbsp dried onion flakes
  • 1 tsp salt (local sea salt if available)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup sliced sweet peppers (mixed colours brighten the dish)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 3 cups shredded red cabbage
  • 1 tbsp oil or butter (optional, for the cabbage layer)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Make the coating: combine crushed crackers, brown sugar, dried onion, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Coat the chicken: pat the thighs dry and roll them in the dry mixture until well covered.
  4. Prepare the base: spread shredded red cabbage in a lightly oiled baking dish. Scatter sweet peppers and green onions over top.
  5. Arrange the chicken on the bed of cabbage. Sprinkle any leftover coating over everything.
  6. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. The cabbage underneath will soften and caramelize, catching the drippings from the chicken for an incredible, naturally sweet flavor.

🌾 Serving Suggestions

🥣 Local Grain Pilaf

Cook local barley, wheat berries, or brown rice in broth and finish with herbs or a drizzle of local honey.

🥕 Roasted Root Medley

Dice carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. Toss with oil and roast until crisp. Season with rosemary for a cozy, hearty side.

🍏 Apple Slaw

Mix grated local apples with cider vinegar, a bit of yogurt or mayo, and a pinch of salt. Bright, crunchy, and refreshing next to the roasted cabbage. (this is a new favourite of mine)

🌿 Buttered Peas or Green Beans

Add a squeeze of lemon and a crack of pepper to keep the plate lively.

🍞 Fresh Bread or Tea Biscuits

This is a perfect way to soak up the sweet and savory pan juices. It is especially delicious if baked with local flour and butter.

💭 100 Mile Life Reflection

This meal reminds me that simplicity is its own feast. When we choose ingredients grown or raised close to home, we’re feeding our bodies. We are also nourishing community, stewardship, and gratitude. A cabbage from a nearby farm, eggs or chicken from someone we know, even flour from a regional mill. Each ingredient tells a story of connection.

Cooking becomes an act of prayer, of care, of belonging.

🌱 Now it’s your turn.

What’s growing or waiting in your kitchen this week?
Try this 100 Mile Life recipe. Tag your post with #100MileLife. Share where your ingredients come from. Show how you’re living local in your own way.

Let’s keep celebrating the beauty of eating close to home, one meal at a time.

—

With gratitude and grace,
💗 Grannie Doll
Living slow, cooking local, crafting life one mile at a time.

Knitting Local, Living Local: Wool Within 100 Miles — October 25, 2025

Knitting Local, Living Local: Wool Within 100 Miles

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

*scroll down for the video

There’s something quietly revolutionary about knitting with yarn that hasn’t traveled farther than you have. So much arrives by truck, plane, or cargo ship. In contrast, the idea of local wool feels like an act of stewardship. It is grown, shorn, spun, and dyed within a hundred miles. It connects our hands to our land.

The Story Behind Local Wool

When I began exploring the 100 Mile Life, I thought mostly about food. Local apples, farm-fresh eggs, and bread from the mill down the road were on my mind. But soon, I found myself tracing another thread—wool. Where did the yarn in my basket come from? Whose sheep had offered their fleece? Was there a mill close enough to spin it into something beautiful?

The answers were closer than I imagined. A small flock of Shetlands grazing in the next township. A local mill humming beside the river. A dyer who uses plants gathered from her own garden. Each step, within that hundred-mile circle, felt like re-discovering the rhythms of home.

Spinning for Socks: From Fleece to Footwear

This season, I’ve been spinning with socks in mind—turning local fleece into sturdy, beautiful yarn that can handle daily wear. There’s a deep satisfaction in transforming raw fiber into something so practical and personal. Each draft of the spindle feels like a prayer, each twist a meditation on patience and purpose.

Sock yarn needs just the right balance of softness and strength. A little Shetland or BFL for durability, a touch of Merino or alpaca for comfort. When you’ve spun and plied the wool yourself, you know its story. You know what farm it came from and which sheep. You also understand how the fiber behaved in your hands. It gives new meaning to “putting your best foot forward.”

Knitting Socks that Stay Close to Home

Knitting socks from local wool is a small act of grace. Each stitch carries warmth from the land beneath your feet, quite literally grounding you in your community. Handspun yarn adds a touch of unpredictability. Those subtle color shifts and texture changes remind me that perfection isn’t the goal. Connection is.

There’s joy in knowing that every step I take in these socks is supported by a circle of care. The shepherd, spinner, knitter, and home soil are all woven together. It’s slow fashion at its most intimate, and every pair becomes a quiet testimony to place, patience, and provision.

Why It Matters

When we knit with local wool, we’re not just making socks or shawls—we’re investing in our neighbors. Every skein carries the story of a shepherd, a spinner, a maker who lives nearby. It reduces transport costs, supports small farms, and encourages sustainable land use.

And there’s another layer of warmth that comes from knitting local. The texture of local fleece often reflects the land itself—soft and sturdy, windswept and rooted. When I hold a skein from a nearby farm, I can almost hear the echo of the fields. I can also hear the hum of the spinning wheel.

Living the 100 Mile Way

Living local isn’t about restriction—it’s about relationship. It means knowing the hands that feed and clothe us. It means buying less, but cherishing more. It’s walking into a farm store and greeting people by name. It’s mending a sweater instead of replacing it.

This autumn, as the nights grow cooler, I’m wrapping myself in that slow, local warmth. My projects for October are built from within that 100 mile circle—simple knits with a story in every stitch.

How to Start Your Own Local Wool Journey

  1. Map your fiber circle. Search for farms, mills, and fiber festivals within 100 miles.
  2. Visit and listen. Talk to shepherds and small producers—they love sharing their process.
  3. Start small. Buy one skein from a local farm and use it in your next project.
  4. Share the story. When someone compliments your hat or shawl, tell them where it came from.

Every local project begins with one conscious choice.

Reflection & Faith

“She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.” — Proverbs 31:13

When we live and create within our local circle, we echo a sacred rhythm of gratitude and provision. The earth gives; we receive; and through our craft, we give back beauty.

Now it’s your turn:

What’s growing or grazing within your 100 mile circle? Could your next skein—or your next pair of cozy socks—come from a nearby farm or mill? I’d love to hear about your discoveries. You can share your local wool stories in the comments. Tag me with #100MileWool on Instagram.

You get purchase my new ebook here!

🪡 With gratitude and woolly warmth,
Grannie Doll 🩷
Living the 100 Mile Life, one stitch at a time.

Low-Fat Potato Leek Soup: Comfort in a Bowl — October 20, 2025

Low-Fat Potato Leek Soup: Comfort in a Bowl

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

From Grannie Doll – 100 Mile Kitchen

There’s something so deeply comforting about a bowl of homemade soup simmering on the stove. The scent of leeks softening fills the kitchen. Potatoes gently bubbling create a soothing sound. A touch of salt in the air brings me back to simpler days. Supper was warm, nourishing, and made with love.

This low-fat potato leek soup keeps all that old-fashioned coziness but lightens the load a bit. It’s smooth, creamy, and delicious — yet easy on the waistline and kind to the heart. Perfect for anyone wanting comfort food that still fits into a mindful eating plan.

As part of my 100 Mile Life, I’ve been leaning into local ingredients more than ever. Leeks from the farmers’ market combine with potatoes from a nearby farm stand. Even local milk or oat milk from our region adds to create something wholesome and rooted in place.

🌿 Why I Love This Soup

Soup season, for me, isn’t just about food — it’s about slowing down.
There’s something spiritual in stirring a pot, tasting, adjusting, and waiting. Cooking becomes a quiet rhythm of prayer. It is full of gratitude for the earth that grew the food. It includes appreciation for the hands that harvested it, and for the home that receives it.

And truly, when you can make a soup that’s rich and velvety, it feels like a small miracle. You don’t even need cream or butter.

🥣 The Recipe: Low-Fat Potato Leek Soup

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 large leeks (white and light green parts only), cleaned and sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup skim milk or unsweetened oat milk
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh chives or parsley

Directions

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté leeks and onion for 5–7 minutes, until soft.
  2. Add potatoes, bay leaf, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20–25 minutes.
  3. Remove bay leaf. Blend until smooth (immersion or blender).
  4. Stir in milk and heat gently — don’t boil. Season to taste.
  5. Garnish with herbs and enjoy warm.

💡 Add a handful of cooked cauliflower before blending for extra creaminess without fat.
🍞 Pair with a slice of homemade tea biscuit or local bread for a full 100-Mile meal.

💭 A Final Reflection

It’s easy to think of soup as “just food.” However, it’s also a form of grace. It’s a way of tending to body and soul.
Each spoonful reminds me that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the best things are local, humble, and made with heart.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you!
Leave a comment below or tag your post #100MileLife or #GrannieCoreKitchen so we can share our stories of slow, local, loving food together.

Until next time,
💗 Grannie Doll
Living Local. Creating with Love. Finding Grace in the Everyday.

Persistent Faith: When Prayer Feels Like Knocking on a Closed Door — October 19, 2025

Persistent Faith: When Prayer Feels Like Knocking on a Closed Door

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

There are days when prayer feels effortless — when gratitude bubbles up, and words flow easily. And then there are the other days. The ones where we knock, and knock again, and it feels like no one is home.

In Luke 18:1–8, Jesus tells the story of a widow who refuses to give up. She keeps coming before a judge who “neither fears God nor cares what people think.” Over and over, she pleads her case. Eventually, worn down by her persistence, he gives her justice. He does this not because he’s kind, but because she simply won’t stop asking.

Jesus uses this story to remind us of something simple yet profound:

“Always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1)

This isn’t about nagging God or twisting His arm. It’s about faith that keeps showing up. The kind that whispers prayers even when we’re tired. The kind that believes God is good, even when the world feels unjust.

🌸 When Heaven Feels Silent

We’ve all known that long, aching silence — the space between prayer and answer. It’s in those moments that our faith is tested. Like the widow, we keep coming back. We trust that the One who hears us is not an indifferent judge. He is a loving Father who holds our tears and our petitions close to His heart.

Maybe your prayer today is for healing, for peace in your home, or for clarity in uncertain times. Don’t stop. Keep knocking. Keep whispering. Keep believing.

🌾 Faith in the Waiting

Jesus ends this story with a question that lingers:

“When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8)

He’s not looking for perfection — He’s looking for persistence.
The faith that endures, even when we don’t understand.
Faith that holds on through every season — spring’s joy, summer’s abundance, autumn’s letting go, and winter’s waiting.

☕ A Thought to Take With You

If you’ve been praying and waiting, take heart. The silence isn’t absence. The delay isn’t denial. God is working in ways unseen. Every whispered prayer is a seed, planted in the soil of His perfect timing.

So today, light a candle, pour a cup of tea, and whisper once more that simple prayer of trust:

“Lord, I will not give up. I will keep praying, keep believing, and keep trusting You.”

💗 A Prayer for the Week

Lord, give me the heart of the persistent widow.
Give me a heart that doesn’t lose hope.
Instill in me a spirit that keeps believing.
Help my faith stay strong in the waiting.
Amen.

Many blessings,

Pastor Barb aka Doll

“Reading Week Selections: A Diverse Literary Journey” — October 16, 2025

“Reading Week Selections: A Diverse Literary Journey”

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

A Pastor living the Grandma Core, 100 mile life.

It’s reading week, and I’m beginning with three very different books — each chosen with intention and heart.

Reading Week Book Selections — A Searching Heart, Our Second Birth, and Principles of Economics
My cozy reading table this week — a balance of study, reflection, and rest.

The first is The Principles of Economics: Economic Directives from a Biblical Viewpoint. It’s helping me think through budgeting and stewardship in a faith-centered way. The second is Our Christian Reflections on Death and New Life by Henri Nouwen. This book draws me deeper into spiritual reflection. It also encourages renewal. And finally, I’ve chosen A Searching Heart by Janet Oke. This novel offers the comfort of a familiar Christian voice. It also gives the simple joy of story.

In this trio, I’ve found a balance: one for the mind, one for the soul, and one for rest.
Economics, theology, and fiction — all working together to nourish different parts of my life.

Learning and Reflection

My goal this week is simple: to learn.
I’ll be reading The Principles of Economics as a Bible study. Each section includes scripture, discussion questions, and reflection prompts. I’m already imagining how this can one day form the basis of a small group study or online discussion series.

The scripture on the opening page reads, “Lay up your treasures in heaven.” That alone sets the tone. Although this book was printed back in 2013 by the Eastern Mennonite Press in Pennsylvania, truth doesn’t age. The principles of faith and finance stay as relevant today as ever.

When I finish, I plan to write a short reflection. I want to capture what I’ve learned. I will also consider how it can shape my ministry.

Theological Growth and Spiritual Nourishment

Henri Nouwen’s Reflections on Death and New Life is where I’ll spend time in theological reflection. I want to see what stands out as I walk through it. I want to understand how it speaks to change, loss, and renewal in my own life. I am also curious about its impact on my ministry.

This isn’t just academic reading. It’s a conversation between faith and life — between God’s promises and my daily realities. It’s also a prompt read as we move toward Advent, a season that holds both waiting and wonder.

Rest, Relaxation, and Renewal

And then there’s A Searching Heart — my “just for me” book.
I don’t always make time for fiction. Still, Janet Oke’s gentle storytelling reminds me to slow down. It encourages me to breathe and rest in the beauty of faith-filled simplicity. Sometimes, we read not to learn, but to be restored.

Why Ministers Need Reading Weeks

In ministry, we’re encouraged to take time each year for continuing education. We have three weeks set apart for growth, learning, and renewal. This reading week is part of that rhythm for me. It’s also a chance to plan ahead. It’s a time to think about Advent themes. It allows me to refill the spiritual well that ministry can so quickly drain.

Not every week of growth has to involve travel or coursework. Sometimes, it looks like a quiet corner and a warm mug. It also includes a stack of books that stretch your heart and mind.

I call that self-ministry. It is a week where you nourish your body and soul. Do this in ways that have been neglected in the busy seasons of service.

Closing Reflection

So, this week I’ll be learning, reflecting, and resting — all at once.
I’ll let these books speak to different parts of my life. I trust that in their pages I’ll find wisdom. I’ll also find challenge and peace.

As you step into your own rhythm this week, it is time to pick up a book. Choose one that speaks to your soul. Whether it’s something practical, something prayerful, or simply a story that brings rest — make space for learning. Allow time for reflection and renewal.

I’d love to hear what you’re reading this season.
Share your favorite faith-filled or comforting book in the comments below. Let’s inspire one another to keep growing in wisdom and grace.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”
— Matthew 6:20

With a cozy mug in hand and gratitude in my heart,
— Pastor Barb aka Grannie Doll 🤍
“Creating calm, crafting faith, and cherishing the simple life.”

Harvest Apple Salad: A Simple Taste of Autumn — October 14, 2025

Harvest Apple Salad: A Simple Taste of Autumn

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

A 100 Mile Life Recipe – see below

There’s something beautiful about the way apples signal the turning of the seasons. The air turns crisp, sweaters return to the chair by the door, and the scent of cinnamon fills the kitchen. That’s when this simple Harvest Apple Salad shines — a bowl of gratitude, sweetness, and crunch.

I love recipes that remind us how enough can be found in what’s near. Local apples, a drizzle of honey, and a handful of nuts from last fall’s pantry are enough. Nothing fancy, just real food grown close to home. That’s what the 100-Mile Life is all about: savoring the beauty of what’s already around us.

This salad comes together in minutes, but somehow feels like a celebration. Each bite carries a little story. It tells of the orchard down the road. It speaks of the bees that made the honey, and the hands that harvested the grain. It’s a taste of home, of community, and of the Creator’s goodness.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” — Psalm 34:8

Take a pause, make a bowl, and enjoy a moment of stillness. Autumn is here — full of color, flavor, and the quiet promise of gratitude.

Harvest Apple Salad

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

🧺 Ingredients

  • 3 crisp local apples (Honeycrisp, MacIntosh, or Gala), diced
  • 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted if you like)
  • ½ cup seedless grapes, halved (optional)
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup shredded carrots (optional for color and crunch)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tbsp local honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • A pinch of cinnamon and salt

How many of these ingredients are 100 Mile for you?

🥣 Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing:
    In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  2. Assemble the salad:
    In a large bowl, combine the apples, celery, nuts, grapes, cranberries, and carrots.
  3. Mix it up:
    Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated.
  4. Chill and serve:
    Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Serve as a light lunch or a side with pork, chicken, or soup.

🌿 Variations

  • Add protein: Stir in diced cooked chicken for a hearty meal.
  • Make it vegan: Swap yogurt for coconut yogurt and honey for maple syrup.
  • Add greens: Serve on a bed of spinach or kale for extra freshness.

💛 Faith Reflection

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” — Psalm 34:8

A simple salad can remind us how God’s abundance shows up in small, local ways. It is the orchard down the road, the honey from a neighbor’s hive, or the walnuts gathered last fall. Each bite carries a story of care and connection.

Enjoy!

For more information on the 100 Mile Life click here:

©Created in Doll’s Kitchen

Living with Thankful Hearts — October 13, 2025

Living with Thankful Hearts

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Finding gratitude in God’s design for life – Exodus 20:1–12

Thanksgiving isn’t just a date on the calendar.
It’s a way of living. It is a rhythm of gratitude. This rhythm shapes how we see the world and the One who made it.

Sometimes it feels like life rushes by faster than we can catch our breath. We must pause to remember God’s goodness. When we choose to live by His Word, something quiet and beautiful happens. Our hearts become thankful again.

And God, in His kindness, gives us a guide for living this way. It’s found in the first five commandments. They are not heavy rules. They are invitations to live in gratitude, peace, and love.

🌾 1. Keep God First

“You shall have no other gods before Me.”

A thankful heart begins with remembering who comes first.
When God is at the center, everything else starts to make sense.

It’s easy to let little things — worry, work, or even our own plans — take that place. But gratitude grows when we whisper, “You first, Lord. Everything else can wait.”

That’s where peace begins.

🌿 2. Let Go of Idols

“You shall not make for yourself an idol.”

We may not worship golden statues, but we all have things that try to steal our focus.
Idols today can look like busyness, comfort, approval, or even the endless scroll on our screens.

When we let go of what distracts us, our hands open — and God fills them with His blessings.
Gratitude begins when we see everything as gift, not possession.

💬 3. Speak God’s Name with Love

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.”

Our words reveal the posture of our hearts.
When we speak with reverence, when we bless instead of complain, we create an atmosphere where gratitude can breathe.

This week, let your words carry kindness. Use a soft tone and say a gentle “thank You, Lord.” Notice how peace follows.

🕊️ 4. Rest in His Goodness

“Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.”

Gratitude needs stillness.
When we never slow down, we forget what we already have.

God invites us to pause. Set aside the to-do lists. Pour a cup of tea, take a walk, or rest in His presence.
Sabbath is His reminder that life is more than work; it’s relationship, renewal, and thanksgiving.

🌸 5. Honor Those Who Came Before

“Honor your father and your mother.”

This commandment is about roots — remembering those who loved us into being.
Parents, grandparents, mentors, neighbors — their prayers and faith shape who we are.

To honor them is to carry forward their love, their kindness, and their gratitude for God’s provision.
When we give thanks for them, we pass faith to the next generation.

💛 Living with Thankful Hearts

Gratitude isn’t something we find; it’s something we practice.
When we keep God first, we let go of idols. We speak kindly and rest deeply. By honoring those who came before us, thanksgiving becomes a way of life.

It shows up in our words, our routines, and the way we treat one another.

The commandments aren’t rules to restrain us. They’re the gentle framework that helps us live fully and freely. We live in the presence of a loving God.

So this week, may your table be full. May your rest be sweet. Let your words be gentle. May your heart be centered in the goodness of God.

🌷 A Gentle Prayer

Lord,
Teach me to live with a thankful heart.
Keep You first in all things. Help me rest in Your love. Remind me of those who’ve shown me the way.
Let my words and my days bring You praise.
Amen.

With gratitude and grace,
–Pastor Barb

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Living with Thankful Hearts —

Living with Thankful Hearts

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Finding gratitude in God’s design for life – Exodus 20:1–12

Thanksgiving isn’t just a date on the calendar.
It’s a way of living. It is a rhythm of gratitude. This rhythm shapes how we see the world and the One who made it.

Sometimes it feels like life rushes by faster than we can catch our breath. We must pause to remember God’s goodness. When we choose to live by His Word, something quiet and beautiful happens. Our hearts become thankful again.

And God, in His kindness, gives us a guide for living this way. It’s found in the first five commandments. They are not heavy rules. They are invitations to live in gratitude, peace, and love.

🌾 1. Keep God First

“You shall have no other gods before Me.”

A thankful heart begins with remembering who comes first.
When God is at the center, everything else starts to make sense.

It’s easy to let little things — worry, work, or even our own plans — take that place. But gratitude grows when we whisper, “You first, Lord. Everything else can wait.”

That’s where peace begins.

🌿 2. Let Go of Idols

“You shall not make for yourself an idol.”

We may not worship golden statues, but we all have things that try to steal our focus.
Idols today can look like busyness, comfort, approval, or even the endless scroll on our screens.

When we let go of what distracts us, our hands open — and God fills them with His blessings.
Gratitude begins when we see everything as gift, not possession.

💬 3. Speak God’s Name with Love

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.”

Our words reveal the posture of our hearts.
When we speak with reverence, when we bless instead of complain, we create an atmosphere where gratitude can breathe.

This week, let your words carry kindness. Use a soft tone and say a gentle “thank You, Lord.” Notice how peace follows.

🕊️ 4. Rest in His Goodness

“Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.”

Gratitude needs stillness.
When we never slow down, we forget what we already have.

God invites us to pause. Set aside the to-do lists. Pour a cup of tea, take a walk, or rest in His presence.
Sabbath is His reminder that life is more than work; it’s relationship, renewal, and thanksgiving.

🌸 5. Honor Those Who Came Before

“Honor your father and your mother.”

This commandment is about roots — remembering those who loved us into being.
Parents, grandparents, mentors, neighbors — their prayers and faith shape who we are.

To honor them is to carry forward their love, their kindness, and their gratitude for God’s provision.
When we give thanks for them, we pass faith to the next generation.

💛 Living with Thankful Hearts

Gratitude isn’t something we find; it’s something we practice.
When we keep God first, we let go of idols. We speak kindly and rest deeply. By honoring those who came before us, thanksgiving becomes a way of life.

It shows up in our words, our routines, and the way we treat one another.

The commandments aren’t rules to restrain us. They’re the gentle framework that helps us live fully and freely. We live in the presence of a loving God.

So this week, may your table be full. May your rest be sweet. Let your words be gentle. May your heart be centered in the goodness of God.

🌷 A Gentle Prayer

Lord,
Teach me to live with a thankful heart.
Keep You first in all things. Help me rest in Your love. Remind me of those who’ve shown me the way.
Let my words and my days bring You praise.
Amen.

With gratitude and grace,
–Pastor Barb

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Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core

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