My dear friends, that time of year is upon us. The wondrous time where we remember miracles, celebrate hope…and tend to get bogged down in the details and stresses of entertaining, buying gifts – the perfect gifts, cooking inordinate amounts of food… Since having children, I’ve found it funny how the Magic of Christmas can be both renewed…and completely lost. …
I’d Have You Over, But…
Have you ever really felt like you needed to invite a friend or acquaintance over to your house for tea or coffee, but didn’t because the house wasn’t “right?” Yeah, me too. A lot. You see, I’m not what you would normally consider a “homemaker.” However, I’m redefining my definition of that word. You see, I’m learning there’s a lot …
No Place Like Home
Few things bring more joy into a home than the holidays. The sights, smells, sounds and warmth of family joining together does a heart and soul more good than one could fully express. And few things can bring more loneliness, pain and heartache. Particularly if you are away from family as you celebrate. We have been out of the U.S. with …
To Stay
My hands embrace the steaming cup. Liquid comfort in the form of a hot cup of tea mixed to perfection. Outside it rains, without raining. The air is visible. Tangible. A fine mist hangs suspended; covering all who would venture into her midst. Steam rises in front of me and I stay. Soon the fire will crackle in the iron …
It Was A Dark and Stormy Night…
…No, really. It was a November evening in the west of Ireland. The sky was black, although dinner had barely finished. The gale winds howled as rain and slush pelted the windows. It had been one of those days. One of those days where nothing particularly terrible, or great, had happened. Just a typical day in a house full of …
Style, Vanity and Personal Expression
The last time I remember having a “style” is around the third grade. During that year, and all the ones leading up to it, I had a definite style. You could look at certain items of clothing or jewelry and think, “That looks like Jen!” What was that style? Girly. If it had ruffles, lace, pink, purple or in any …
The Quiet Celebration of A Life
The lights are dim. The muffled sounds of a soothing lullaby disc waft through the closed door of the baby’s room and into the living room. The day is done and the house, and the family that reside within, are settled in for the night. The day has been spent in celebration. Blessing and celebrating a life. My life. Hugs …
Who You Are
Each morning (mostly) I sit snuggled in my favorite corner of the couch, burgundy fleece wrapped around me, Bible and notebook on my lap. I read Your Word and drink deep the Living Water. And yet something seems…shallow. Wanting. I’m seeking You…but really seeking myself. For my benefit. I forget that I thank You because of what You’ve done; but …
Grounded
Before the foundations of the earth, I knew you… You are fearfully and wonderfully made… I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you; to give you a future and a hope… These are my roots. They anchor me in the muck and mire of this world. Of this life of striving and …
Put Your Hands in the Air
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but raising kids is hard. Whether you have family around or not; a huge church or just a couple of like-minded folks; whether you have one kiddo or ten. It’s heart wrenching, twenty-four-seven, soul-aching-full-of-love hard work. And like most things that are hard, the rewards are almost incalculable. When that hard work includes shepherding young …