Poinsettia Prayers

Even in the midst of Christmas celebration, there are people in trouble or deep sorrow. May God’s Peace be with them and their families. After reading Tomie dePaola’s The Legend of the Poinsettia last night, I used the poinsettia as a framework for the...

Finished Advent Calendars

Here are six finished Advent calendars from five different people. Thanks to the four people who shared their calendars with me. Of course, I would love to see others. This first two are from friends Cindy O and Connie D. Cindy used phrases and words associated with...

Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas

Violating my own Suggestion Restriction pact with myself, here is a  Suggestion: Celebrate Christmas for the full 12 Days. If you are a family of many or only one, plan some intentional special activity each day. Mark it on the calendar. The activity does not have to...

*Merry Christmas*

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)   Or in Eugene Peterson’s The...

Style (or Mother-Daughter Disconnect)

I wrote this post five years ago today for the Purpose Driven Connection. If my mother were alive today she would be 101.  Style I’ve done some cooking for groups this week–an intimate meal of stew for six last Friday and a staff party of chicken lasagna for...

Suggestion Restriction

With a household of visiting and resident grown sons, a granddaughter, and a couple of adult girlfriends, the temptation to make random comments on everyone’s life and behavior is seductive. “Why don’t you take Clara to the zoo?” Why does she...