We have entered that limbo week between Christmas and New Years’ where you are never quite sure what day it is. If you can be off work, enjoy the rest and take some time to contemplate the upcoming year. Which habits do you want to continue and which changes do you want to make? The cold January can leave a lot to be desired, but one joy of the gray month is the chance to have a fresh start. Although nothing magical happens between December 31st and January 1st, the new year gives us all an opportunity to take a deep breath, shake off the mental clutter of the previous year, and embrace the … [Read more...]
Fifteen Pre-Christmas Activities to Enjoy Together
There is just something about Christmas. Even in the depths of grief, overwhelming stress, or when we are exhausted and desperate for rest, Christmas is still beautiful. Between the nostalgia, lights, and bustle, Christmastime still warms the heart at all stages of life. Eric and I even bonded, in part, over our love of Christmas. The beautiful evergreen trees in our yard is one of the reasons we chose our current home. We had a Christmas tree set up in the foyer beside the sanctuary during our June four-seasons-themed wedding. From our earliest days together, we knew Christmas was going to be … [Read more...]
Should I Get Married? (Preparing for Life’s Winter)
I know the calendar says Winter starts December 21st, but once it is cold outside and Christmas lights go up all over town, it becomes wintertime for me. When Eric and I first started dating, we attended the wedding of some mutual coworkers who played the song Every Season by Nicole Nordeman and we loved it. So much, in fact, that we not only had my cousin sing it at our wedding, but we based our wedding’s entire theme around the four seasons. The song begins in Summer. Kids are playing and the days are long and warm. Then, we move into Autumn where the leaves are falling, and the air is … [Read more...]
Intentional Empathy
This past Thanksgiving was wonderful, as usual. We got up, packed the car, and headed an hour west to Eric’s stepbrother and sister-in-law’s house. As has become our tradition, we lounged some, cooked some, ate until we were stuffed, cleaned up, and played games. This year we played The Crew and decided we are huge fans of it. After we finished our last round, Eric and our sister-in-law sat down to complete some tasks on a game they play together online. Expecting it to take about thirty minutes, I sat on the couch and watched a show with my brother-in-law. One show ended, and we started … [Read more...]
Being Thankful in Difficult Times
During this time of year, we Americans are reminded constantly to feel and show gratitude for all our many blessings. And, though I am an advocate for being appreciative of God’s goodness (He is good even when we do not recognize it), I find holidays bring up a familiar ache in my heart. Social media pictures of large families gathered around a Thanksgiving table send small darts into my heart, especially as the patriarch carves the turkey or sits in his recliner with a lap full of grandchildren. The “joy” of the season reminds me of my dad’s empty chair and the famous “kid’s table” my husband … [Read more...]
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