“‘I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’” (Luke 1:38 NIV). Just like that, Mary said yes to becoming the mother of the Savior of the World. I’ve often wondered, had she known how much heartache was in her future, would she have said yes? The joy of obedience…
Last Christmas was a bust in every way. I was too sick to enjoy gift exchanges, attend holiday services, or detect the slightest hint of the Christmas spirit in the air. I wasn’t the only Grinch in the house, either. My big kids couldn’t be bothered to look up from their phones for even a…
“Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.” ~Roald Dahl Treasure hunts. Oh, how I absolutely love a good treasure hunt. It’s the thrill of knowing there is something special in your presence that just hasn’t been discovered yet. The…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? What’s not to love? Jack Frost nipping at your nose! Presents under the tree! Decorations and dazzling lights aglow! Music, smells, and sights all awakening the nostalgia deep down in our hearts. Christmas has the power to transport us back to moments of innocence, laughter, and pure…
For those of us who live far from family, Christmas involves travel with kids, which can take the tidings of good cheer right out of yuletide. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about traveling well with children. I’ll share what’s worked for me in the hope that it will help you remain peaceful even…
When my girls were growing up, we told them their six-foot-three father was a Christmas elf who had grown too big to live with the other elves at the North Pole. This identity was our playful explanation for their often serious daddy turning into a Christmas carol-singing, storytelling, decorating freak from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day…