Discover vintage fall tailgating ideas inspired by a classic blue station wagon, cozy family traditions, football weekends, and autumn picnics. There was a time when I couldn’t wait to own something—anything—other than our blue station wagon. It wasn’t sporty. It wasn’t flashy. It certainly wasn’t cool. Back then, I thought it looked like the kind…
The Ultimate Pontoon Charcuterie Board
How to Build a Beautiful Boat-Friendly Board That Everyone Will Love 🧺 Shop the Story Love the look? We’ve gathered items featured in this lakeside charcuterie experience—from the serving board and cheese knives to the cozy lanterns, picnic basket, and boat-ready accessories. 👉 Browse the complete Shop the Story collection There’s something special about sharing…
Before I Could Write About Hope, I Had to Need It
What My Dad Taught Me About Depression, Hope, and the God Who Stays One of the greatest gifts my dad ever gave me wasn’t the ability to answer every question. It was the freedom to admit that sometimes we don’t have the strength to. There was a season not very long ago when I understood…
A Lifetime at the Lake: How Family Traditions Become Lifelong Memories
Nearly four decades of sunsets, screened porches, pontoon rides, and the family memories that continue to shape our lives. There are places that quietly become part of a family’s story. Not because they’re famous. Not because they’re beautiful—although many are. But because they’re where life happens. They’re where ordinary moments quietly become family traditions. Every…
Book Review: The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking
When I first picked up The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking in 2018, I had no idea it would change the trajectory of my life. At the time, I had been following a Danish woman on YouTube who often spoke about decluttering, slowing down, and creating a more intentional life. One day, she…
Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania: Storybook Cottages & Camp Meeting Heritage
Discover the storybook cottages, historic Camp Meeting traditions, and timeless charm of Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania.
Remember When Churches Had Hymn Sings and Ice Cream Socials?
How a summer evening with my Mamaw in Shelby, North Carolina became one of the sweetest memories of my childhood. One of my favorite childhood memories is going to old-fashioned church ice cream socials with my Mamaw Hamrick in North Carolina. On warm summer evenings, we’d gather under the shade of big trees after church….
County Fair Survival Guide for Grandparents Taking the Grandkids
There’s something magical about a county fair. The smell of funnel cakes drifting through the air, the bright lights of the midway, the sounds of laughter and carnival music—it’s the perfect setting for making memories with the grandchildren. My favorite activities are always the ferris wheel and the animal barns! Oh and let’s not forget…
What We Always Pack for Our Family Lake House
When the house already has everything you need, these are the personal comforts we never leave behind. **This Article Needed a Second Look** Sometimes, after an article has been published for a while, I go back and read it with fresh eyes. That’s exactly what happened with this one. Originally, I called it a list…
Why Should I Be Involved in Church?
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 Dad’s Lesson Date: July 18, 1999 (If you have not read the explanation behind the devotional series, “The Stories You Gave Me”, click here for the back story.) Roger Hamrick (my dad) had a gift for taking everyday objects and turning them into life lessons. A baseball glove. A hammer. A…