Anticipation is such a gift! Every year we join the world in celebrating Advent and counting down the arrival of Christmas…the arrival of the King of the World. We offer up our very best in preparing our homes and our families for the celebration of the One who holds our future. Through the busyness of the season, we do our best to anticipate and grab hold of the meaning of Christmas. In years past, I’ve often felt as if I’m missing some aspect of this anticipating. As though there’s an unidentifiable disconnect, separated by distance and time. It’s as if there’s been some small void in wrapping my head fully around the coming King – until this year. Are you experiencing a void this Advent? Join me over at my friend, Jill Hoven's blog, where I'll tell you the rest of the story and Continue Reading
5 Ways to Make Christmas 100 Times Brighter
I have a deep love for traditions, especially when it comes to "keeping Christmas. And when traditions hold enough meaning to become an avenue for legacy-building, I'm all in. Although I was unaware as a child of the significant wisdom tucked within the frames of A Charlie Brown Christmas, the profound lessons soon became a part of my family's yearly celebration. And for good reason. Isn't the world still searching for the real meaning of Christmas? Isn't this one message the single most profound treasure that warms the coldest heart and pours hope into the most hopeless situation? Yet, the challenge to fully rest in the beauty of its truth is continually before us. In the midst of all the busyness, we lose sight of how to embrace the hope-filled moments of Continue Reading
The Power of One Small Trickle of Generosity
There is nothing that captures my attention faster than a smile! For 27 years I've posted their faces on my refrigerator and office cabinets, memorizing their smiles and imagining the stories behind their eyes. Their pictures serve as memory markers - reminding me to DO MORE than just send a check each month to care for their most basic needs. Reminding me to BE MORE than an entity thousands of miles away. Reminding me to SEE MORE than just their todays. So I write, and I send pictures and scripture. I create opportunities to exchange small moments of our lives. And in these limited opportunities, I let them know how precious and loved they are. I point them toward hope and I encourage them to dream. But most importantly, I pray...not only for their today's but also Continue Reading
Blogger Holiday Gift Exchange
I don't know about you, but I'm getting excited for the holidays! It's a special time to be creative and spread joy throughout our communities and our families. The warm scent of cinnamon and chocolate layers the air in my home, and although I am never able to create every beautiful item pinned to my Pinterest boards, the idea of someday is enough to keep me happily dreaming. Among my favorite gifts throughout the season are those handmade and homemade creations. I've received many through the years. A monster cookie jar mix that provided a perfect rainy-day kid's activity. A beeswax candle that kept my home smelling fresh for months. Sachets of lavender tucked within my drawers remained fragrant all year-long. Delicately packaged sugar cookies, gingerbread men and biscotti to line Continue Reading