Giving the Light of Love
While I was out running errands last week, Christmas decorations were visible and carols could be heard. They were reminders of what a joyous time of year it is. Yet, anything but joy was evident as I interacted with the cashiers in different stores. In fact, several of them were irritated and unfriendly. During these interactions, I realized that I had a choice. Either I was going to react or respond. My gut wanted to react by being irritated and unfriendly, too. I mean, what did I do to deserve such rude behavior? But each morning when I pray, I
Reflections
I can go three days without washing my hair. This is just one of my personal discoveries over the past few months while we were tucked away in our homes. For a girl whose hair desperately needed a daily wash, this took a lot of willpower, but I realized that I’m okay, it’ll be okay, I can do this. (And apparently it’s healthier…any hair stylists out there that can attest?) Remember when 2020 used to mean excellent vision…. or watching a dramatic episode on TV (20/20)? Now, when you say 2020, just throw open the thesaurus to the word “unbelievable”
Hot Chocolate
For our family, whenever the Christmas season comes around, one of the things that we enjoy so much is cranking up the Christmas music, while decorating our tree and sipping on homemade hot chocolate. Years ago, I came across this hot chocolate recipe that has been a hit for my family and our friends. As you celebrate this season with your family and friends, I hope you enjoy this rich and creamy drink that has become one of our holiday traditions. ~Vijoy Rich and Creamy Hot Chocolate Ingredients: 1/4 cup chilled heavy cream 4 Tbs. sugar 3 Tbs. Dutch process
Take Care of Yourself
Oddly, I found myself doing something completely out of the norm today. I spent some time purchasing a few items I have wanted for myself. That is a BIG deal for those who know me. The truth is that I just prefer to buy things for everyone around me. But let me explain why I made this decision today … besides my husband nudging me to do so ;) If there’s one thing I have learned over the years it’s the importance of taking care of oneself. When we care for ourselves, we are in a better place physically, emotionally,
Take the Shot
3 seconds. The clock displayed it, the referee announced it, and the crowd knew it. The 3rd quarter was quickly coming to an end . At that point, my nephew, Caleb, had the ball in his hands. His team had already established a pretty nice lead so he could have just let the time run out. He was on the opposite end of the court so as he started to move, the crowd started the countdown. Caleb dribbled to half-court, then took a shot. Just as the buzzer sounded, the ball swished through the hoop. The time that
Honey for My Soul
Ever since my kids were babies, every night when I tuck them in, I repeat the same phrase. "Mama loves you, dada loves you, and Jesus loves you. He has a plan and purpose for your life." I know it seems juvenile, but I wanted them to hear that they were loved and that their lives had purpose. As they have gotten older, I started to wonder if I should find something else to say or just say goodnight and love you. One night a few weeks ago, after the usual bed time routine and stalling, I rushed through the
Guest Post – Sheba Kurian: I Am A Temple
One of the joys of our interactive Zoom Bible studies has been meeting like-minded women from all over the country ... Sheba Kurian is one of them. We have never met her in person but over the past year, Sheba has truly become a friend to us! And now it's your turn to meet her ... She shares her heart in the post below and we believe it will be an encouragement to you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The spontaneous song “Temple” by Maverick City Music has been a much-enjoyed earworm in my head for a couple weeks now. “You are the center of
Thankful
Psalms 50:14-15 says “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and you will call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me”. Scripture says that a thankful heart and words of gratitude are currency that goes much farther than any sacrifices we can offer to God. While this year has been “unprecedented” and challenging to say the least, it has also been a year to reset and realize what is really important. As I prepare for Thanksgiving Day this year, I have been reflecting on the
The Miracle of the Flu Mist
Last week, I took my kids to get their flu shot. Here's a peek into my household: My daughter has been dreading this since her flu shot LAST year. Almost every month over the past year, she would bring up how she didn't want to get a shot. "Why do I have to get it?" "It hurts so bad!" "I hate getting shots!"-- Insert your own commentary from a typical 7 year old here-- Every month when she would bring it up, I would tell her that it was several months away and she didn't need to worry about it.
What Should I Be Grateful For?
Around this time of year, I am faced with a big decision: which photo to print for my family’s Christmas card. I know, it sounds silly, but bear with me while I explain. I love the holidays and all the things that come with them, including sending out cards. It’s just something I’ve enjoyed doing since I was a teenager. This year, we had the opportunity to take pics on a beach. They turned out beautifully and my family looks amazing. So it seems like a no brainer that I would just select one of them. Yet, I can’t decide
