A Weekend Exhale for December

Christmas wonder carries children to a place of mystery and excitement, more than any other time of year. Families draw closer, and share traditional recipe delights, and sing songs of cheer and toast one another in blessing. Does the simple take us to the profound?

Christmas teaches us the joy of simple pleasures: cutting out gingerbread men with children and watching a black and white movie we've memorized decades ago. And giving gifts to children who may never receive one, and crafting popcycle sticks and felt and glue to make something "special" for a grandparent. 

Yet, so much more than the traditions and gifts and gathering, we pause to remember and reflect.

Just what was it like to come down to life here and be born in a cave? My youngest was playing with his nativity set this morning and asked me, "Mommy, why was Jesus born in a tomb?" A tomb. A cave for animals foreshadowed what would come 33 years later. A cave for his precious body, newly born and newly resurrected. 

And we are the ones that come to the tomb cave and say, "Praise you; though You are nothing here (a baby born into obscurity), You are the Something we all need. Though I am nothing, you are making me something." 

Here He is, and here we come. Oh, come, let us adore Him. 

Weekend Exhale: Encouragement for the Soul

Journaling a few of the things that have encouraged me this week. Hope they bless you too.






I want you as you are, not as you ought to be
Won't you lay down your guard and come to me
The shame that grips you now is crippling
It breaks my heart to see you suffering
'Cause I am for you
I'm not against you... (Hawk Nelson, "Drops in the Ocean")


Letting go of the Goodness Gospel: makes me want to read this book.

When you don't measure up, we rely on the "but God" truths. 

Sometimes you have to wait for the clouds to pass before you see the moon, but it's worth                                                the waiting. Here's Monday's beauty. 

If you appreciate George Winston, here's a little Autumn for you.

A Weekend Exhale

After this week, we need to share a little more love, peaceful perspective, blessed hope, and some escape to just exhale and remember, God's got this.

Come and saunter through Stefan's work and exhale.

Over 16 million people served in the U.S. military during WWII. I'm thankful to all the troops who continually forfeit their lives to secure the safety of others. But, since both of my grandpas--now in Heaven--served during WWII, I'm a little partial to veterans from that war. What incredible feats they overcame. They truly were the greatest generation. 

To the brave men and women, I thank you.

Watch  a story that will move you to love and cherish those around you. Everyone needs someone to say, "You are valuable to me." 

Yes, you do matter. You are more than a piece of luggage.

"Expressing gratitude will give you positive emotions, but the purpose of writing the notes is because it’s the right thing to do. John says our natural tendency is to notice the 9 bad things that happened to us each day, but instead what if we focused on the one good thing?"

Take the time to write a thank-you note. Journal a gratitude list. Be intentional about saying thanks.