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...

The Best Reason Yet to Send Christmas Cards!
One simple way to integrate intercessory prayer during the season is to pray for those who send us Christmas cards. I'd love to hear your ideas on specific ways we can pray for them. A few that come to mind: For their spiritual development—something none of us fully attain this side of heaven. If there's any concern about their relationship with Christ, this is the...
Simple Ways to Share Christ this Christmas
This past week, while finishing up some last minute shopping, I was struck by how relieved surprised pedestrians seemed when I came to a complete stop for them AND smiled in the process. Such a simple gesture. Why wouldn't I always do that? Sigh! The pedestrians expression immediately reminded of a post I did back in 2011, which goes right along with this series. Thank you for allowing...
When God Re-Gifts for His Glory
Her name was Mrs. Adele White. She'd been invited to her son's home for a visit in SC. Up until then, the only home she'd known was an Andy Griffith-like town in VA. He picked her up as promised, but instead of taking her to his home he dropped her off at the local nursing home and rarely returned. I forgot to mention. Mrs. White was blind. When we first met, she was still coming to...
A Season of Anticipation Begins
It's the first day of Advent—a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping. Lit candles, Bible verses and times of quiet reflection sets our focus on the meaning of Christ's birth. If you're not familiar with Advent, this is a great resource. In addition to Mark's devotionals, I purchased Ann Voskamp's new book The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas to accompany me...
Happy Thanks Giving!
I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3 On this day of Thanksgiving, know that I thank God for you, our friendship, and the time you spend with me here. Happy...
The Gift of Subtraction
It's not too late! Subtract ONE event or routine from the holiday calendar. Is there an event or something you do every Christmas that you do for all the wrong reasons? Today, allow intentionality to move forward and take its place in your schedule. Pray over the calendar asking God to release you from guilt or any other misplaced emotion and to make clear those places He would...
Christmas Hospitality: Perfect is a Lie
If you Google "hospitality" Alberta Scott, my grandmother, is sure to pop up in the top five. MaMa sang in the church choir, taught Sunday School, baked a pound cake nearly every week for shut-ins, was a founding member of the Garden Club, i.e. lots of parties, and welcomed anyone who showed up on her doorstep. Not to mention how she loved on me and the entire family throughout her...
10 Ways to Build Gratitude Into Our Children’s Hearts
Family Life has been a blessing via radio for years. Imagine my delight when I saw 10 Ways to Build Gratitude Into Our Children's Hearts by Darcy Kimmel posted on their Web site. What I appreciate most about Darcy's post? Not only is her insight spot-on, the ten ways are also pithy, practical and downright powerful. One of the greatest gifts we can sow into the hearts of our children and...