For when everything is different ::: We can't detour around this brokenness. The only way out is to walk right through.
What Christmas asks You to Believe ::: He is here in the stomach illness, the cold weather, the humbling moments, and the tension.
Santa-Jesus ::: how often do we try to make Jesus into Santa Claus?
The Hum of Something Holy ::: in this moment of dance and chocolate and babies eating paper and lights blinking white, green and red, and Frank Sinatra singing, in this moment, Jesus is born.
Yes, Samuel, miracles do still happen… ::: a past reflection on miracles of Light we witness here in the dark, against all odds…
Gift Wrapping made into Memory-Making and God-Honoring Fun ::: This year, I realized that treating Christmas like a task to be completed rather than a special time of year full of teachable moments and joy was doing a disservice to my children.
The Case for Christmas Cards ::: In today’s society we are overly connected yet growing disconnected from real, personal relationships.
The Ministry of Mary ::: If what Jesus says is true, these basic mothering acts are some of the most sacred of all – shelter for the shelterless, food for the hungry, clothing for the naked.
Of Kids and Christmas ::: Christmas is the ultimate celebration of the material. Because Christmas is the time when God became man.
Send in the Clown ::: The only sacred space set aside in the Christmas season had been invaded by a clown.
** I read these two posts in the same day, and found myself first conflicted, but then made hopeful by the tension between the two. Because I realized, as in all avenues of life, Christmas cannot be boiled down to a set list of rules. It has to be about seeking Jesus, and then letting our actions pour out of our love for Him. Then, regardless of what we do, He is glorified.
**The Christmas Conundrum ::: I'm dying to rediscover what is simple and magnificent about the Savior of the World coming to earth, putting on flesh and saving my life.
**Of Santa and Jesus ::: What of the truest reason for this season, friends?
How in the World to Get Ready for Christmas? ::: Turning the calendar page to December doesn't turn life into this dance of the sugarplum fairies.
The Messy Girl and Her Messiah ::: I doubt this will ever be the most popular version of the Christmas story but for me this years, it's perfect.
Fighting Drift ::: I don't want to let moments and hours slip by without effort at connection. Without talking truly and substantively with the ones I love most.
If You Want to Be a Strong Woman ::: I wore that nightgown and thought I could conquer the world and here I sit, 32, sobered by the ways the world has seemed to undo me.
A Princess on Her Throne ::: What logical reason is there for me to stay the course of securing temporal lucrative returns when there remains a harvest that is only gained when people are willing to die daily to themselves, to lose everything for the sake of Christ?
A Kind Wife ::: I sent my husband a list of things I thought that he might like to see me do around the house…
Because somedays everyone feels covered in ick ::: His advice is usually the opposite of my instincts.
Your job is to say yes. ::: As we dare to let go of control, we'll find that joy lives in that place of release.
Paper Handprint & Footprint Turkey ::: (fun for the kids)
Thanksgiving Place Cards ::: (we'll be working on these today!)
23 Ways to Use up Pumpkin Puree ::: (I really want to try the pumpkin pie blizzard)
Pumpkin Pie Casserole ::: (yes I love pumpkin!)
When Thanksgiving becomes Thanksliving ::: The joy of giving thanks — is ultimately expressed in the joy of giving.
The Real First Thanksgiving ::: To bring the sacrifice of thanksgiving means to sacrifice your understanding of what is beneficial and thank God for everything because He is benevolent.