It still catches me by surprise. All the busy energy of the Christmas season comes to a sudden stop. As the holiday slips away, the joy of advent gives way to an all-too-familiar sense of gloom. Experts refer to this as the “post-holiday blues” and it affects a surprising large number of us. When our…
Mystified, I looked at the package. I didn’t recognize the person in the return address. As I opened it, a smile lit up my face. Inside lay a dainty candy cane watch~but no card. “Do you think one of your readers sent it?” my husband asked. “You often write about your love of candy canes…
My good friend, Jennifer Elwood, recently published her first Bible study, Counting Up to Christmas, Twenty-four Gifts from the Gospel of Luke. Her book resonates deeply with me because I first became a believer during the Christmas season. I originally wrote this post as a guest on her blog. Please check out her website for…
Last night I finally completed the list my family repeatedly asked for: what do I want for Christmas? For someone who loves making lists~Christmas brings an added measure of joy. So many lists to create: Addresses for Christmas Cards Gift ideas for the people in my life Stores where said gifts can be purchased Dates…
Years ago I heard this story in a small Bible discussion group and it remains one of my favorites: Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called…
Friends, today I invited my friend and fellow writer, Jennifer Elwood, to share some thoughts with us from her newly published Bible Study, Counting Up To Christmas: 24 Gifts from the Gospel of Luke. Jennifer and I became friends through COMPEL Training. Over the past year we polished each other’s writing through critiques and encouragement….
Stunned, I reread the email. Nothing bad… just not expected. I had struggled before I made the initial purchase. Something at half the price would have sufficed. But, I liked the company and the product, so I splurged. Immediately the company thanked me with a coupon for 10% off my next purchase. Feeling validated, I browsed…
This week someone blindsided me by breaking a promise. Immediately a swarm of emotions began to swirl in my heart: betrayal, frustration, disappointment, and an unwillingness to trust. Broken promises do that. Sometimes this unwillingness to trust extends beyond the person whose promises failed. Because of this, especially in business, we insist on guarantees. For…
His light defeats the world’s darkness. My favorite way to decorate my home revolves around lights. Twinkle lights smile at me from above my kitchen cabinets, Scentsy warmers adorn various corners, and a bouquet of lights takes center stage in my dining room. For me these lights create a cozy and comforting ambiance. A four-part…
