Do you feel like Christmas rushes in so fast sometimes that just as you get in the groove to enjoy the festivities, it’s over? With Thanksgiving landing so late this year, there’s a good chance Christmas will feel even shorter. And sometimes we just get so bogged down with the demands and trials of life that we only have the energy to react to this … [Read more...]
Are You Stuffed? – 40 Days of Holiday Encouragement
Stuff. We all have it. Make no mistake about it, our houses, cars, bedrooms, cupboards, garages and purses are filled with it. Things you once loved or didn't, now stuffed in a closet, behind a chair, under a bed or overhead in the attic. If you were to make a list of all the stuff you have in boxes, stacked in the garage, or tossed beneath a … [Read more...]
Candygrams – 40 Days of Holiday Encouragement
"For God so loved the world that He gave..." John 3:16 Unfolding a piece of paper, Grace began reading off a list of names. “Jaden, Michael, Jake, Brittany, and Jessie...” “What are you doing honey?” I asked. “Our school is selling candygrams. For $1.00 I can send a message and have a candy cane delivered to someone’s home room.” She … [Read more...]
Silent Night – Guest Elaine Olsen – 40 Days of Holiday Encouragement
Silent Night. It’s been one of those for me. I tried to fill it with a few phone calls and text messages to friends while waiting in my car for my kids to emerge from their youth group meeting. No one answered. All was silent, and the hush filled my heart until I could no longer suppress my reality. The pain inside of me was going to find its … [Read more...]
How Do You Adore Him? – 40 Days of Holiday Encouragement
It's official - the Christmas season has begun. Paul and I were out and about yesterday afternoon. We refrained from buying the incredible movie theater seats we saw, and I kept my hands to myself when I walked into William Sonoma and Pottery Barn. Unless you count the free samples of Peppermint Bark I enjoyed. Sure, it was Black Friday and yes, … [Read more...]
