Mary Baggs interviewing Sarah Hart
1- What’s your ‘go to’ bible verse to get you through the day?
It is Matthew 28:20 and Jesus says “…and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” His words feel so tenderly empathetic and comforting. I love that He was compelled to reassure His disciples that he is always with them, forever. I imagine myself sharing a similar sentiment with each of our kids as they leave the nest - no matter what, we will always be here for you. He knows our temptation to question His whereabouts in certain terrible circumstances and He preemptively tells us He is with us. Always.
2- Briefly tell us about a recent fun activity you and or your family participated in and why.
On thanksgiving, my brother-in-law brought over his new golf cart and took the kids for a ride. Next thing we knew, he was cruising through the backyard and allowing the children to take turns driving. They loved every second of it and we laughed as their little bodies struggled to turn the wheel and reach the pedals. It was a simple time, really and the weather was great. I had a fresh bourbon and ginger in my glass after cooking for nearly a week and the kids were living their best lives!
3- Do you have a recipe or take-out meal recommendation you’d like to share?
I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve when it comes to meals. Feeding six every day requires great effort, one way or another. Our favorite take-out right now are the family bundles from Bonefish. For $30-$40 we get hefty portions chicken or salmon with sauce, salad, fresh veggies and cookies. You can’t beat it for the quality of food.
My speedy, cheating Gumbo is pretty good too. From the freezer you grab a bag of shrimp, cut okra and corn. From the fridge, gather andouille or polish sausage then slice it up. Chop an onion and garlic and basically throw it all in a skillet with salt and pepper and some canned tomatoes then serve it over hot cooked rice. Anyone from Louisiana definitely would not approve, but my people love it.
4- With Advent around the corner, tell us about a family advent tradition or how you prepare for our saviors’ birth in your home.
We read The Sparkle Box book every year. I bought it at Gabriel’s bookstore when Daniel was a baby. Throughout the book, Sam is curious about the mysterious sparkle box on the mantle. On Christmas morning, he opens the box to find slips of paper with acts of service written on them. His parents explain that the sparkle box contains their gift to Jesus on His birthday. Sam is confused because what they did was for others, not a gift for Jesus. His parents tell him that what they did for people in need is actually what they did for Jesus and that no gift makes Jesus happier. It is beautiful, relatable story.
