Mountain’s Echo (revisited)
Yesterday, I was driving around, running a million and one errands. I had Christmas music playing on Pandora, and heard several versions of Joy to the World throughout the day. There is always one phrase in that song that gets me, and I knew that's what I wanted to write about this morning. However, when I sat down to write, I had the nagging suspicion that I'd already written about it. So I looked, and sure enough, I'd written about it exactly a year ago. Since it's precisely what I wanted to say, I'm going to revisit this piece and hope that it will speak to your heart either for the first time, or all over again! After quiet descended on my house yesterday, and I...
Going Beyond
I've been working on a little Christmasy something that has required the involvement of some other people to be able to pull it off. I know they are just as busy as everyone else, especially at this time of year, so they probably didn't need anything else on their plate; however, when I asked for their help there was no hesitation. They did what I asked, but then went beyond that to make sure I had everything I needed. I love that. There was a time when it seemed more the norm to go out of your way to help another person, when you not only met their request, but made sure their needs were met, too. Now the world has more of an every-man-for-himself sort of vibe, a can't-be-bothered,...
Sparkle Box
As we've gotten older, and our extended families have grown, we've changed the way we do Christmas. One side of the family draws names now, and the other doesn't give gifts at all. We just get together for a meal and play games, enjoying each others' company. Regardless, I am a person who loves gift-giving. I actually really enjoy finding gifts that I think others will like, something not necessarily expensive, but special, that will speak directly to their heart. When I was a kid, I used to like making "coupon books," as gifts. They didn't cost me anything but the time to make them, but they promised acts of service, or inexpensive physical gifts that would be given at the time of...
His Words (for when you’re feeling blue)
Every Sunday around here is for His words instead of mine. Christmas is not always joyful for everyone. If memories, loss, or other circumstances have you feeling blue this time of year, He has something to say about that. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. ~ Psalm 34:18 ESV [And Jesus said] Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. ~ John 14:1 ESV Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders—he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. ~ Psalm 55:22 MSG The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. ~ Psalm...
Fresh Bread
I love bread. I wish I didn't, sometimes, especially when I'm trying to stick to a healthy diet where too many carbs are not really my friend, but alas I still enjoy a slice from a nice bakery loaf now and then. There's nothing quite like a really fresh piece with some real butter (yes, REAL butter, containing two ingredients: cream and salt. Both of which I can pronounce and know from where they come). I savored a piece last night while I was making dinner, as a matter of fact. There is something so simply nourishing about bread. It's a basic staple. People have been making it for thousands of years, no matter their financial state, because it is inexpensive to make, and you...