A Homemade Year: The Blessings of Cooking, Crafting, and Coming Together

Greer, a blogger, has found another church -- in her home. She understands soundly that church doesn't end on Sundays at noon; serving others happens, not just at homeless shelters, but at home where "biscuits and jelly are simple everyday reminders ... of the Eucharist." Greer, a Southern Baptist preacher's kid, came late to the concepts of the church year and of liturgy, but she has respectfully folded those traditions into her down-home life. She marries the calendar year with the church year: the four seasons comprise holy days, beginning with winter's Advent and going through autumn's Michaelmas; each season carries a theme, such as hope for spring and joy for summer. Greer offers patterns for simple crafts such as "grateful" mobiles and carpenter aprons, and she presents recipes, like Sawdust Lasagna for St. Joseph's Day. She plaits decorating and food-preparing with wordsmithing: her revealing essays describe growing up poor in Alaska and Arkansas, nestling within families, and juggling songs of praise with cries for help. Her words and works inspire. (Apr.)