“Oh Little Town of Bethlehem”
I heard, really heard for the first time the words of a familiar Christmas Carol, “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem.” The specific words which grabbed my attention were, “Our hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”
Puppy Chow
What can you serve to drop-in guests during the holidays, to carolers on your door step, to your neighbors, on your dessert buffet, or at your church potluck that everyone, I mean everyone devours? Puppy chow, that’s what!
Tell me a Story
My emotions are like the cumbersome metronome swinging predictably from one weighted side to the other on the top of our ancient upright childhood piano. Back and forth, back and forth it swings. I’ve allowed my holiday mood to be dictated by whatever the most recently received crackling ethernet message is. I should instead give the myriad, joyful, effervescent family stories the permission to bubble up and sparkle my holiday consciousness.
Bird Seed Ornaments
We are currently laughing in Texas that one of Canada’s weather children has lost her way and has ended up in Texas! We would like to return her home!
The Displaced Refugee
I know exactly how Ruth felt when Boaz approached her as she gleaned in his fields. She was simultaneously stunned and comforted when he said, “I heard how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth and came to a people you did not know.”
Thanksgiving Hangover Soup
It’s the day after feasting with our families and friends. The last thing we want to do is get back into the kitchen! However, we ask ourselves, “what can I serve all my houseguests besides turkey and ham sandwiches?”
The Art of Listening
During this holiday season, we fret about how to ensure that our guests feel welcome, feel like they belong in our living rooms. How about we whittle this stressor down to one action plan; intentional listening to make sure that all who cross our threshold are being heard?
Pumpkin, Love it or Leave it!
We seem to all have a love/hate relationship with pumpkin. I am the official pie maker for our family gatherings since my mom passed. No one could ever compete with her pie making skills, but I try to pass on that piece of her legacy each year.
Ode to my Husband
In counting my blessings this week, at the top of my list is my husband. Twenty years ago, before I had reconnected with Tim (we were childhood playmates), and after my divorce, I wrote some words describing what I longed for in a partner.
The Mustard Seed
I asked my daughter in law what my oldest teenage granddaughter was into these days because her birthday is coming up and I wanted her gift from me to be in the ballpark of her heart’s desire. Her response was a specific jewelry item and brand that is currently trending.