“Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh…” We strolled from house to house, singing out familiar and beloved Christmas carols. Caroling is one of my favorite Christmas activities, but this year something just didn’t feel right. It wasn’t the houses. They...
I am an unabashed Christmasphile. I play Christmas carols in July - in Florida! We set up our Christmas tree no later than the day after Thanksgiving. Of course, if it were up to me, the tree would be displayed weeks earlier, but my husband is the voice of reason in...
Every day of the Christmas season is magical when you’re eight years old. Bright lights, colorful decorations, dazzling trees, gaily-wrapped gifts, and mouth-watering treats combine to create an enchanting time from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. But the second...
Putting up our Christmas decorations is a simple enough task. Bring in the boxes from the garage and spread their contents around the house. It should take a day at most. But it’s not so simple for me because of the memories evoked by the decorations and ornaments......
There’s a saying traveling the internet these days that goes something like this: “What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” (Was that as convicting for you as it was for me?) In keeping with this theme of thanksgiving, I’d like to...
Is it possible to have a stress-free Christmas season? For some - okay, for me! - the Christmas season begins earlier than for others. Confession time: I’ve been playing Christmas carols for a few weeks now. I just can’t get enough of the season! Yup, I’m one of those...
The 7-billionth person was born recently. Don’t feel bad if you missed it. Record keepers aren’t absolutely sure when he or she was born. There’s also a slight disagreement between the predictions of the United Nations and the U.S. Census Bureau. With an estimated...
My nephew started college this month. If that didn’t make me feel old, the newest edition of the Beloit College Mindset List certainly did. If you’re not familiar with the Mindset List, Beloit College has been releasing a new version every August since 1998. It...
Everyone has a favorite piece of relationship advice. In honor of my 34th wedding anniversary coming up in a few days, I thought I’d share a few relationship quotes: “No matter how long you have been waiting, the man God has for you will surpass your expectations. You...
Lately, I’ve been thinking about seasons. It might have something to do with the calendar announcing today is the first day of summer. Reminds me of Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Summer season in...
Courage and Wait: Out With the Old and In With a New “One Word” for 2022 I gave up new year’s resolutions a...
Best Advice Ever A friend recently gave me a Christmas gift with one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever...
Thankful Despite? It’s a tough world out there . . . and getting tougher every day. Christians beheaded in...