This is the story of how to be a Keeper of Seasons.
We share our favorite do’s and don’ts around the Advent and Christmas season. For example, DO give yourself a “get out of Advent free” card if you’re a mom of littles or just a weary wanderer like so many of us. And DON’T stress celebrating the season in any way other than works for you and your people.
We each share some of our favorite, most ordinary, most meaningful ways to savor the season we so often rush and stress through. We also remember our very first Christmas at Maplehurst with both our families under one roof.
Out of the Ordinary
The podcast for anyone who’s ever felt the nagging frustration of wondering if her life is too small, too boring or too ordinary to make a difference. Lisa-Jo Baker and Christie Purifoy, longtime friends and bestselling authors, explore the surprising ways that cultivating ordinary life leads to extraordinary stories.
Visit our official podcast page!

Christie Purifoy
Co-Host
A writer and gardener, her favorite ordinary things include strawberry jam, homegrown flowers, and old books with someone else’s notes in them.
Find Christie’s books here.

Lisa-Jo Baker
Co-Host
A reader and writer, her favorite ordinary things include hot tea with milk and sugar, a good movie, her mom’s hand-me-down books and Sunday afternoon naps.
Find Lisa-Jo’s books here.
RECENT PODCASTS
Ep. 17 – When the Answer is “No”
This is the story of a Jasmine-scented South African summer night. This is a story about disappointment in God, and this is a conversation about the dreams that do NOT come true. Christie and Lisa-Jo recorded this episode the week of Christie's twenty-second...
Ep. 16 – When Your Worst Fear Comes True
This is the story of your worst fear come true. This is a conversation about trusting God with our kids, and others we love, this new year. Christie and Lisa-Jo recorded this episode after celebrating one son's eleventh birthday in the Black Barn at Maplehurst. If...
Ep. 15 – An Alternative to New Year’s Resolutions
This is the story about promises buried like Spring. We recorded this episode on the 3rd floor of Maplehurst surrounded by the wrapping paper dregs of Christmas. And neither of us was ready to rush into the New Year just yet. For all of us who feel like we're back...