Love… One Sip At A Time // A Valentine Tea Party
I started hosting tea parties in an older home propped as pretty as you please on the corner of a quiet street. A family of four in a two-bedroom, one-bath home made for a tight fit, and tea parties felt downright snug, but no one would change a thing. Some teas were scripture-based, and others celebrated holidays, but every time, the room filled with the scent of scones, floral tea, and...
It’s National Go Caroling Day!
Ever been caroling? If not, this is a great year to give it a try. Round up friends, co-workers or your life group, print out some favorite Christmas songs (or download this app), and choose a street in your neighborhood. Knock on the door and start singing! A few songs will do (especially if it's a chilly night!) Consider baking cookies with the group beforehand to share with those you...
A No-TV-Kind-of-Night
Yes, this is the season for Hallmark movies and Christmas classics but those can be recorded. Tonight, let's enjoy time alone or with spouses or families. Crank up your favorite Christmas tunes, turn off the tube, stir your cocoa and pull out a good book, puzzle or game. Prepare thyself for a blessing! For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew...
The Being of Worship
One week till Christmas. What better time to slow things down to a hush-like pace for a few moments today? In a culture that dictates doing during this season, the psalmist reminds us of what remains most important—the being. Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 What's one thing you know about your God that you most...
The Significance of an Empty Present
One thing I've especially enjoyed about this series is being introduced to new ideas from fellow bloggers. Today's idea comes from Natasha Crain's ChristianMomThoughts, Inspiration for Intentional Christian Parenting. It's all about wrapping an empty present under the tree—a beautiful lesson for little ones and adults alike when it comes to the gospel in action. It's a meaningful...
When Crock-Pots and Worship Collide
The closer we get to Christmas, the busier our days tend to become -- which is why today's idea has to do with slowing down, savoring the senses, and enjoying more quality time with the Lord, family and friends. Grab your crock-pot and set the timer for five minutes! That's all the prep time you'll need for one of our favorite recipes, Balsamic Pork Tenderloin. It's quick, easy, and due...
No Gift Tag Required
Today, let's consider giving one of the most freeing and grace-filled gifts we have the privilege to share with another person, or perhaps ourselves: forgiveness. It isn't wrapped in paper or bows, but laid-bare before another. The power of forgiveness doesn't diminish based on the recipient's response because it's not given based on our feelings, but rather, faithfulness. It is...
Downloading A Gift of Worship
Music moves the heart to worship like none other -- especially during the Christmas season. Some of my favorites: Michael Card Andrew Peterson Frank, Bing, and Johnny This year, I'm delighted (and very proud) to add another favorite to the list. Our son, Brandon, is a worship leader in OH and just released his first Christmas EP. It includes 3 songs: Go Tell It On The Mountain O Come O Come...
Christmas Camp Out
One of the boy's favorite Christmas traditions was camping out in the den. Mid-evening, we'd sometimes make a tent that opened towards the TV so they could watch their favorite Christmas movies as they fell asleep. Other times, we'd just let them roll out their sleeping bags by the Christmas tree. Once they fell asleep, all lights went out. You may wonder what this has to do with having a...
Cathy Baker
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