Tag: Christmas

Have you ever had to draw a hard line with the “tinsel” in your life? You know, those little, seemingly harmless things that quickly take more than their fair share of attention? I sometimes think I have to jump in and fix every subtle snag in my life before it gets completely out of control, but more and more I’m ... Read More

Every morning I patter out to the living room to turn on the tree. It’s on a timer along with the garland and lights wrapping the staircase railing. In the evening, they light up on their own, but in the morning, when it’s still dark and I’m still sleepy and not quite sure if the day will be a safe ... Read More

Do you believe the world is a better place because you’re in it? I mean do you truly believe that?

I think it’s dangerous to see ourselves as just another bulb in a string of lights wrapped around a Christmas tree. We think, “If my bulb goes out, no big deal… the other bulbs will keep the tree beautiful.”

But that’s ... Read More

It’s our stories that build the color into our lives. Yes, there is often pain as they are being written, but without that pain we wouldn’t know real joy.

I want to spend this week and next sharing the story of a mom and her teenage son, and the beauty that unfolded when one act of kindness led to the next.

“My ... Read More

“Suppose for a moment that God began taking from us the many things for which we have failed to give thanks. Which of our limbs and faculties would be left? Would I still have my hands and my mind? And what about loved ones? If God were to take from me all those persons and things for which I have ... Read More

Are you done? Have you finished all the hustle and bustle that comes with creating the magic of the season? If so, good for you! (Now can you come to my house and help me?)

If not, take heart. Ironically, it’s in the midst of our craziest schedules that we are most blessed with the chance to show other people they ... Read More

She’s not really going to do it, is she?

The woman in the BMW was edging closer and closer toward the front of my car.

Columbus, lunch hour, Christmas shopping chaos. It was complete gridlock and this woman was holding up 6 cars behind her as she insisted on sneaking between my car and the one in front of me in order ... Read More

My friend, Tania, has been going through a whirlwind year of transition. One year ago, she sold her dream house, the one she had designed, built and lovingly decorated eight years prior.

She and her husband felt a call on their lives to downsize. Even with two kids still in the house, they knew it was time to let go ... Read More

Do you ever just miss the sound of someone’s voice? If you happen to be missing the sound of my voice (HA! Is that even possible?) then have I got a treat for you!

My new friend, Travis Thomas, is way more technologically advanced than I am. He even has a podcast! And guess what?! He let me talk on it!

So, ... Read More

For most of my adulthood, I have mistakenly believed that kindness flows from the excess in my life.

I have extra money, I can throw a little in the jar.

I have extra time, I can offer to take a neighbor to the store.

I have extra energy, I can volunteer to read to my son’s class.

Scarcity is scary. Maybe that’s why the ... Read More