Welcome to 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.

Join longtime friends and bestselling authors, Lisa-Jo Baker and Christie Purifoy as they explore the surprising ways that cultivating ordinary life leads to extraordinary stories.

For the most recent episodes, visit our official podcast page!

This podcast is produced in partnership with the fabulous Jodey Smith– he helps people podcast!

#outoftheordinarypodcast on Instagram

I always think of early winter as a dreary time of year, but there is nothing dreary about this light, these clouds, and the last few golden leaves. The present moment often gives us beauty and goodness we did not anticipate.
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So many things in the world and in the news make me sad, and I feel helpless to do anything about them. But I have been given steady ground beneath my feet and people to love. I have dishes to wash and soup to prepare. I have a book to finish writing. A few bulbs still to plant. It’s more than enough to be getting on with.
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#autumnatmaplehurst #weareplacemakers
Had to leave my computer (and a big unfinished project!) in order to buy Brussels sprouts and cranberries at the farm and market near my house. So now this is me not waiting till Thursday to give thanks.
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If you celebrate this week, tell me what you can’t wait to cook  and / or eat!
Everything is terrible but everything is beautiful. I’m talking about … Teenagers. So sweet and funny until I check his grades. Marriage. So much love, so why are we bickering? The clouds that finally brought not-quite-enough rain after months of drought. The state of my current book project. But let’s not talk about that. My kitchen! So full of good food. So full of messy crumbs and half-melted lettuce and something that might be a radish or maybe a beet.
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What is beautiful and terrible and too much and also a gift in your life these days?
Long summer days are glorious, but I’m grateful for this annual invitation to rest.
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#autumnatmaplehurst
Today, reading the election results, some Christians say “God has heard our prayers!” Others, reading the election results, cry “God, why did you not hear us?” The critic might say that both have shot their prayers toward an empty heaven where no one listens. The cynic might tell us God doesn’t care who is President and aren’t both sides awful? The wise one might say that prayer is not about asking and receiving but a reaching out for the hand of God.  And the ordinary Christian? The one who doesn’t feel wise and worries about the state of the world? I think she might tell us, just keep praying. When we pray, something might shift out there in the world, but—even more likely— something might shift inside of us.
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Lord, help me to do justice. To love kindness. And to walk humbly with my God.
All Hallows’ Eve at Maplehurst. Sweet, spooky fun with family, friends, and neighbors. 🧡
This is the real world. Can you believe it?
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#autumnatmaplehurst #autumninpennsylvania
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