With You
I love the name of Jesus as Immanuel, God with us. Christmas is about Jesus with us. He made a way for us to be with Him, and nothing else matters more in the universe. During our Christmas Eve service, the pastor talked about the times we feel like joy, peace, and hope have left our […]
And Sometimes, It Happens to Snow
My youngest daughter wishes for a white Christmas. There’s nothing more lovely and cozy than snow. But it’s not likely. But sometimes, it does snow. It really does. I watch the flurries all morning, and then I check the weather report to see the likelihood of snow mid-day on Christmas Eve. The forecast has changed. […]
A Christmas Just Right
This morning I remember to invite Jesus to bring His order to our Christmas. Without the joy, peace, and ordering from Jesus, the holiday collapses once again into self-effort, comparison, and the inevitable feeling that something seems missing. But when Jesus orders everything? It’s perfect. It’s just as it should be. If the same Lord […]
Take a Minute
The vegetables roast. The Christmas songs play. I’ve set the table for dinner. The laundry rolls in the dryer. And now, a minute. A minute. Hello, there! Hello to you, and hello to me. When we stop and take a moment to write to connect with ourselves and others, it’s a deep breath and a […]
Not Just to Get to the Next Thing
I’ve noticed myself slowing down and enjoying tasks as the joyful things they are (and not the necessary thing I’m doing to get to the next thing). For example, I often rush through chores because they stand in the way of the next thing I’m doing. But what if the chores are the thing I’m […]
Watching The Nutcracker By Myself (and other Realities of Christmas with Teens)
I realize that our normal Christmas routines have changed dramatically with two teenage daughters who want to spend more time with friends than with me. It’s a different kind of holiday season. I’m making snowflakes by myself. I’m watching The Nutcracker on Netflix by myself in the afternoon. I’m frosting all the cookies by myself. Sure, […]
A Winter Walk Along the Creek
When Shining
This morning, the sun rose bright in the sky. It’s the kind of bright sun we haven’t seen in a while here in Pennsylvania. One Italian Mama texts to announce our need for a brisk walk. Oh, the walk in sunshine! I find myself so thankful for a bright winter day. I love so many […]
The Next Soup and Stories Recipe: Greek Lemon Rice and Chicken
Tonight I’m trying this recipe for Soup and Stories. It’s a Greek Lemon Rice and Chicken recipe found here. The folks coming tonight can have eggs and meat, so this recipe works when you aren’t serving vegans or vegetarians. I’m amazed at how gathering people isn’t as exhausting or stressful as one would think. If […]
A Delicious Christmas Side Dish: Pear and Pomegranate Salsa
I tasted this Pear and Pomegranate Salsa at a Christmas party, and I immediately wanted to make it. I couldn’t stop eating it! When I received a delivery of pears from my family, I knew it was time to make this recipe. It’s just 5 ingredients, and I found the recipe online. You only need […]