Don’t you love reading about Jesus gathering the little ones in His arms? The disciples busy with ministry and filled with self-importance waved away those meddlesome parents who wanted Jesus to bless their children. Jesus was indignant and ordered his men, “permit the children to come…and do not hinder them.” Certainly children were welcome, and […]
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Category: DIY
Do-It-Yourself ideas, techniques, and projects.
Helping Hand from the Handrail
Grandpa Miller always carried a stout walking stick on our hikes. His home, nestled at the head of the hollow and surrounded by hills, offered unlimited hiking options for the adventurous soul. But one fact never changed. Any hike required a steep climb to the ridgeline before the walking became easy. Grandpa usually had a […]
Don’t Fear the Project
What’s on your home project list for this year? Have you written down your goals, or are you blissfully anchored to the Land of Procrastination? Projects require planning, time, resources, and a category in the household budget to cover expenses. Even with conscientious effort in these areas the project languishes without a start date. At […]
How to Turn Firewood into Furniture
Every piece of wood is different—color, grain patterns, knotholes, even the smell. This Eastern Red Cedar began life behind my childhood home on Angel Fork, somewhere between Tornado and Hurricane in West Virginia. Transplanted to our home in Raleigh twenty-seven years ago, it has adorned our backyard through hurricanes, tropical storms, ice storms, and a […]
Innovation
The role of innovator is not for everyone. Life tosses challenging problems at us, and many attempt resolution by choosing favorite solutions first, before the problems are understood. The resulting wasted effort may only serve to mask the issue lurking in the shadows, awaiting an opportunity to reassert itself. An innovator analyzes the data to […]
DIY – John’s Ladder Buddy
Working safely from a ladder is a necessary homeowner skill. My 8’ stepladder has a narrow shelf at the top with holes for screwdrivers and a recess for holding a paint can. This is a nice touch, but there is no docking for important tools like a hammer or cordless drill. I often leave my […]