It’s a strange place to be. Wandering between joy and unexpected sorrow. Looking forward to rejoicing at someone’s wedding and suddenly hearing I will need to help plan a family funeral. To be suspended above the two, emotions hovering, not sure where to land. All happening within one of the most joyful, albeit, hectic seasons of the year. My resolve to focus on Jesus and His birth this Christmas, to spend quality time in the presence of … Continue reading →
Chubby little fingers once wrapped around the knit Nativity pieces plopping them in place as we read about the birth of Jesus. Those toddler fingers that so desperately tried to show reverence while placing Mary and Joseph during the gospel reading would be spotted days later clutching a sheep or donkey while his pudgy legs raced pell mell ’round the living room. Occasionally, even Jesus took off in flight. It was a sight that still lifts the corners of … Continue reading →
When I worked at a Christian School in California, the teachers had the most delicious recipes that they all shared. I incorporated many of them into my holiday baking, sweet delights and Hors D’Oeuvres‘. This year for Thanksgiving, I made a fruit salad pudding from one of the teachers who is also a friend of mine. I call it Amy’s Fruit Salad Pudding. However, I decided to add an extra touch of heaven that fluffs up the fruit … Continue reading →
As I glanced out the front door at my pathetically wilted mums, my eye caught a yellow blossom. And then another. Circling the plant, I found at least three more blossoms on what seemed like petrified green leaves. I thought the sunny mums would never bloom again. I had come dangerously close to giving up on the plant. Just issuing a military “haircut” down to the bare bones. With the bud of new life, Hope sprung in my … Continue reading →
One small candle glows “Hope” amidst the dark reminding us to be prepared for His coming. For He will come again just as He said (Mark 13:26&27). Tonight as we light one purple candle, we pray that our hearts focus on Him, be filled with Him as we celebrate the season that commemorates His coming to earth as a baby. We pray that our hearts not be distracted by the commercialism that now drives this once sacred … Continue reading →
Right after stuffing the turkey and tucking it in the oven to roast succulently, I begin our age-old Thanksgiving family tradition. The stretching and frying of the bread dough for Italian pancakes. When I was a child, Mom would go to the local bakery and order a pound of sweet bread dough. Excitement welled up just at the thought of going to the bakery. I knew it meant a delectable breakfast treat the next morning. It was … Continue reading →
Vicki’s Holiday Tradition of Making Oreo Turkeys for everyone Those turkeys pop open in a facebook post and memories wash over me. I remember my days as a teaching assistant at a Christian school in California. Laughter, friendship, hearts knit tightly with love. Joy found in the everyday. Smiles brushed warm hellos between classrooms. Hands clasped in prayer over hurting hearts. God’s word the balm, the light, the prescription. “Walk the talk,” a phrase that flowed like breath, … Continue reading →
“Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing praise to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.” 1Chronicles 16:8&9 NIV Have a Blessed Thanksgiving From My Heart to Yours,
Continue reading →A once-famous commercial jingle promised that “Away go troubles down the drain.” with Rotor Rooter. That must be the motto I live by whenever a major holiday is approaching. You can find me scrubbing and cleaning our home. Trying to make up for all the time I missed. Washing the troubles down the drain. Hoping the house will sparkle and shine, making everyone comfortable (especially me). While this photo may be atypical for Thanksgiving, you now see how … Continue reading →
Trees turn Autumn shades~located in front of our church The wind was blowing, a chill in the air. Autumn sung the wisps of her crisp song. Clouds billowed across the sky while yellow leaves quivered, tree rooted in a blanket of green. For sure the time to give Thanks is near. I churned my grocery cart through the aisles. Celery, lettuce, parsley, and onion, bagged, tied, and tossed in the cart. Zipped past the fruit, picked up … Continue reading →
