Hebrews 11:1
Okay, here we go...let's get real.When I was younger, my mom was dating a man who claimed Christmas was derived from pagans who had orgies under evergreen trees in the forest. Say, what now?It made such an impression on me that I actually feared celebrating Christmas would send me to hell. I was an impressionable little... Continue Reading →
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? Traditions like putting up the tree on the day after Thanksgiving, buying a special new ornament each year, or opening one gift on Christmas Eve are a special part of the Christmas season.While we share many traditions, we also add our own unique twists to them. Maybe... Continue Reading →
Hygge, pronounced (Hue-gah) is a Danish word originally derived from an Old Norwegian word meaning well-being and protection from the outside elements. Denmark has notoriously cold, long winters. The concept of hygge has been used by Danish people to help mentally combat the brutally dark, relentless winter season, and fill their homes with comfort and... Continue Reading →
I usually pick one word for the New Year, but lately I have been feeling I need a word for the Christmas season too. Basically, it is because of that over-whelming feeling I get every season. You know that feeling. The one that we feel we have to do it all this year. We have... Continue Reading →
Celebrate Christmas, but never forget why we celebrate Christmas. This video is brought to you by Gospel for Asia. Learn more about Forgotten Christmas here.
Millions of families in Asia are entrenched in poverty, barely scraping by. And here we are, in America, blessed as living in the greatest nation in modern history, with the most advantages and freedom of any country...what will we do with our blessings? "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and... Continue Reading →
ADVENT // Day One There is an old German legend that goes something like this: Once upon a time there was a poor family without enough food to eat or wood for a fire. The mother decided to go into the forest to search for pine cones; which she could burn for warmth. Perhaps, she... Continue Reading →
Life is messy. And if you have kids, it’s really messy. If we are honest, my friend, we are all a hot mess. In today’s world it’s not easy to admit that we don't have it all together. It's hard not to envy the glossy styled homes pictured in magazines; or the Pinterest food too pretty to eat; or... Continue Reading →
I am finding it hard to get into the mood this holiday season. I think a lot of it has to do with stress at work and strife in the world. And, even though I am taking my own advice, I still feel as though this holiday is like heavy weights tied around my ankles.... Continue Reading →
It wasn't that long ago that my now teenage daughter's only wish for under the Christmas tree was a beloved Princess Anneliese dress-up dress. It was decked out in pink and sparkles. What other color would it be? Oh, how times have changed! If you live with a teenager, you know what I mean. A... Continue Reading →
"Christmas is approaching: there will be lights, parties, Christmas trees and nativity scenes ... it's all a charade. The world continues to go to war. The world has not chosen a peaceful path," Pope Francis said in a recent sermon. (Source) He said this during festivities as the Vatican unveiled its giant Christmas tree. Around... Continue Reading →
The most wonderful time of year has come and gone. I don't know if you noticed, but the stores wasted no time in putting away the Christmas merchandise and have brought out the Valentine's AND Easter candy. I know, right? But, hey, before the New Year, let's take a moment to recap the holiday season,... Continue Reading →
I designed a Christmas card this year...but in my quest to do less this year I became a total slacker. I also didn't get a few presents mailed out in time either, or even ordered in time....they will arrive after Christmas, which kind of defeats the purpose. But, hey, that's not what is important, right?... Continue Reading →
The prettiest of the cookies has to be the Macaron. This little French cookie is one I don't bake well. And, by 'don't bake well', I mean I bake something that resembles a hockey puck than a Macaron. Oh, I've tried...and failed. But this year I spied this little kit at, where else, Target. It... Continue Reading →
Why Advent? Advent is a time of spiritual reflection and celebration leading up to the birth of Christ on December 25th. Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The word ‘Advent’ is from the Latin word “Adventus,” which means “coming.” It is more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It... Continue Reading →
You know what is a real let down? Finally getting a date night with hubby, then eating a bad meal. Seriously. We eat out so little that when we finally do get a date night the meal should effing fantastic, but it wasn't, and that sucks. I know. Boo-hoo. Okay, enough whining... This weekend we... Continue Reading →
Where to begin? Yesterday, another school shooting here in Colorado. One student in critical condition, the teen shooter dead at Arapahoe High School. Today is the Sandy Hook School shooting 1 year anniversary. I had to turn off the Today Show yesterday morning. Too many tearful memories were being replayed. I can't seem to get... Continue Reading →
December Daily | 8 This weekend's Advent gift was crafts. We made these cute Santa ornaments. Inspiration by Pinterest. I am not good with tutorials. So, here ya go...my lazy Santa ornament tutorial. Enjoy! Go make something creative. ***** BTW: I was featured last week on Living Well, Spending Less. If you're interested in fun ways to... Continue Reading →
It it too early to start thinking about Christmas? Before the Halloween candy is handed out? It's not like I am putting Christmas lights up on the house...but I have started quilting/sewing decorations and gifts for Christmas. This week I finished making each of us quilted Christmas stockings. Using fabric leftover from my Christmas quilt,... Continue Reading →
7 little girls. 50 cookies. 8 tubs of icing. Lots and lots of sprinkles. Lots of creativity. More is always better. The girls made candy too, because cookies aren't enough of a sugar rush. More than a little taste testing.
My old friend, Ray, let me in on a little secret: Downtown Golden is the place to be for Christmas lights. He told me of a very large tree where each delicate branch is wrapped in lights like a canopy of brightly colored stars. This Christmas season, may you take time to look at the... Continue Reading →
I used this recipe except I cut mine out with a bone-shaped cookie cutter. Thor and Rocco gave the treats two paws up!
So, remember that girls night out I was telling you about? (See Day 12). On the tables was a handout entitled "7 Ideas for a Grateful Christmas". In place of a list full of "wants" there should be a list of what we already have, and share it with others. We all want nice things.... Continue Reading →
Have Faith Everyday 