My leg muscles screamed in protest as I gasped for breath and pulled myself upward to the next rest bench on the mountain trail. I promised myself, “Girlfriend, you WILL be in better shape next year!” Can you identify? For several years, our family of four participated in a volksmarch, a German term for people’s walk. Beginning at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail near Helen, Georgia, we walked only five kilometers, but with steep inclines, the distance seemed much further. At the finish line, with relief and perspiration, we accepted our medals as family tradition mementos.…
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What’s the Most Important Preparation Step for a Peaceful Christmas?
After my panic-mode Christmas prep drained my husband and me for years, I learned the most important preparation step for a peaceful Christmas. Simple is best for me. I’ve included an easy but delicious dessert recipe at the end of the post. Enjoy! Clean and Christmas go together, don’t they? We clean so that we can decorate. Then we put away containers. We clean off counters, bake, and cook delicious meals. Then we wash the pots and pans until our fingertips look like raisins. We clean before company comes and then vacuum and straighten the house when they leave.…
Find Hope in Times of Waiting at Christmas and Always
Today I welcome Lori Hatcher, a dear friend, author, and today’s guest blogger who says, “You have every reason to hope. How can you hold on to hope in an uncertain world? Especially when experiencing disappointments, setbacks, and discouragement? I invite you to renew your confidence and courage by reading remarkably good news–you have a hope greater than you could ever imagine. An unshakable hope.” Here’s a gift for you, a devotion from Lori Hatcher’s new book Refresh Your Hope: 60 Devotions for Trusting God with All Your Heart. Find LINKS below for the perfect Christmas gift and more information…
How to Beat Time Gobblers and Enjoy Peaceful Holidays God’s Way
Have you noticed how time gobblers strut into our homes during the holidays? If we’re not careful, they’ll roost in the corners and take up residence for the new year. I don’t mean Thanksgiving turkeys. I’m referring to those mischievous time robbers, the ones we need to avoid so we can use time as God intends. These pests flash neon signs to distract me. Did you know they wear costumes? Yes, they camouflage themselves and blend into my agenda. Time gobblers often dress in communication garb with accessories like text messages and phone calls. Some of them masquerade as computer…
Remember to Pray
What an honor to share my site today with my friend and author, Carla G. Pollard. I know her story and wise words about remembering prayer requests will brighten your day and encourage you. You’ll find her photo, bio, and links to her website and social media below. Please check out the beautiful writing on her site. Here’s Carla. She had a joyful expression as she navigated towards me through the crowded foyer of our church. As women’s ministry leader, I had a responsibility to learn the needs of others, and I had spent time with Jenny discussing hers. “I…