I’ve been thinking…If I was going to do a series of posts like this, I probably should have sent them a month ago. That was the plan, but stuff happens. So, my word for you today is “Let it go!”
I totally understand if you’re already too busy to read these or try to put them to use. Just delete and move on!
But today there are a few gift ideas, so you may want to take a peek at them. Also, this is the last time I’ll show up in your email till after Christmas, but I’ll be posting what I hope will be uplifting and helpful posts over on Instagram, so join me there!
Day 3 – Prepare
Are there traditional Christmas baked goods that you make every year? Make a comprehensive grocery list and stock up now. Or order on Amazon!
If Pinterest is your thing and creating is life-giving for you, now is the time to scroll through your “Christmas” file and choose one new craft, recipe, or party you’d like to try.Here’s one I want to try from Boxwood Avenue
Look at the days you know will be crazy and write in “pizza” now. (And if you want a fantastic gift idea to send to your grown kids and grands to take some stress off, order here! ) Look at the days when you will be hosting and make out tentative menus now (it will make you feel better to have something down on paper!)
Hostess (and other) Gift ideas:
Appetizer on a keep-it platter
Homemade Granola in decorated mason jar
Christmas towel wrapped around a bottle of wine
Energy bites for hiking (recipe below) (Add this amazing book and give it to the hiker in your family!)
Paper-white bulbs (This is also a lovely gift for the person in your life who needs a picture of hope – something ugly that becomes beautiful. Add Kate Bowler’s book, Good Enough for a meaningful present)
Quick bread or baked goodie for the morning after breakfast. (buy cheap mini ceramic loaf pans at Michaels or Hobby Lobby)
Festive holiday paper plates, napkins and printed cups – all of which can be put to use while you’re visiting so there are fewer dishes to wash.
Something from your hometown – like wild rice and a recipe from MN or toffee from a local candy shop.
And if you’re all done with your shopping and prepping, a Christmassy book I found delightful is here.
Energy bites
INGREDIENTS
Yields: 16-18 balls
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter (can use chunky too)
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1½ Tbsp. honey
1/4 cup miniature chocolate chips
1/4 cup flaxseeds
PREPARATION
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well-combined.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Once done chilling, roll into approximately 1 inch balls. (Cover hands in a light layer of butter or oil to facilitate rolling and avoid getting sticky hands.) Wrap in squares of Saran wrap and tie with festive ribbon or string.
Store in the refrigerator until ready to be eaten. Enjoy!
That’s it from me! Please share your best Christmas planning tips and gift ideas in the comments!!!
As someone who lives in a state where we’ve already had a couple of snowfalls, I know there is lots to get done.
How do you separate the “have to’s” from the “get to’s” from the “want to’s” from the “can’t afford’s”?
Day 2 – Plan
Get out your calendar and put in just the commitments that are absolutely necessary.
Have a conversation with your people (maybe around the dinner table tonight?) about their expectations and hopes.
Ask: What is one thing that you want to make sure happens for YOU? What is one thing that you want to make sure happens for others? (like your kids)
Ask yourself: What boundaries do you need to put in place – social, physical, emotional? Are there people in your family (very young or very old) that may be more vulnerable to Covid or have other physical limitations?
Examples:
What do you need to say “no” to NOW? (don’t put it off – it’s not fair to others)
What can you delegate?
What choices can you offer? If you are trying to divide time between in-laws or other family members, decide on 2 options that will work for your immediate family and communicate those early. This is like dealing with a toddler. 😂You have control over what works for you, but you give your extended family choices.
Make healthy pre-choices like
committing to a date after which you won’t shop.
committing to just 3 gifts per child as a reminder of the 3 gifts of the wisemen
putting limits on use of devices and social media
committing to getting outside for a walk every day or other healthy habits
That’s it for me today! What would you add? Put your thoughts in the comments!
Every year I try to do a little better at prepping for the Christmas season so that on January 1st I’m sighing in contentment instead of exhaustion and regret. Can you relate?
A squirrel has already decimated a box of Christmas cookies I left in my “outdoor fridge” so I may not be the most credible guide, but we’re in this together, so let me offer a little help and you can reciprocate by sharing your ideas in the comments!
Which one describes your state of mind? Check one:
DENIAL. You’re in denial. You don’t want to be reminded, but the holidays are slowly tiptoeing towards us. There’s a feeling of panic when you look at the calendar. You’ll probably end up blitzing at the last possible second.
DEPRESSED. You love Advent, but the circumstances of your life mean you may have to adjust your expectations this year and that’s depressing.
DELIGHTED. You have been scrolling Christmas Pinterest ideas since August and you’re SO EXCITED, but not everyone is onboard with your vision for the holidays!
DEFAULT. You are the default or designated host for ALLOFTHETHINGS, either because you have the most room, or because of your location or whatever, but you struggle not to feel resentful and like you can’t enjoy the holidays because you’re doing all the work.
DISCOURAGED. The holidays are great, and you’d like to create some great memories, but you just feel inadequate to host anything. You get sucked into comparing yourself with others on social media and feeling “less than”.
Regardless of how you’re feeling, we can all use some help at the holidays! No one accidentally drifted into a meaningful Advent. It takes some forethought.
So today and for the next couple of days, I’ll give you some suggestions. Before we can give to others, we need to tend to our own soul.
Day One
Provide for your Soul
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
Note to self: It doesn’t say “be busy”, or “be productive” or “be perfect”.
Put away your phone and any other potential distractions.
Take some time today before things get crazy to pray for Advent. Talk to God about what is on your heart.
What are you concerned or anxious about?
In what relationships will you need extra grace and patience?
Are there special services at church you want to be sure to attend?
Sit and breathe in God’s sufficiency for all that is ahead of you.
Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
Isaiah 41:10
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3
God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5
But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you..
Isaiah 43:1
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.
Summer has officially arrived! That means change! Kids home, different pace, trips to the lake…
Changing Hospitality Rhythms
Summer is a time for easy outdoor entertaining where it’s all about the fun and connecting!
Hospitality hack: Pre scoop vanilla ice cream and put it in cupcake liners in muffin tin. Serve root beer floats for dessert.
I have a free resource of Easy Summer Go-to Menus, recipes, and More if you’re interested!Just click here!
Changing Seasons
Summer may mean a shift to casual, play, and outdoor fun. But it may mean other transitions too. A move, a job change, a loss, a diagnosis…
If you’d like to get a free resource to help you reflect on the changing seasons of your life with God and prepare to flourish, just click here!
Changing Church
Speaking of change…How has your relationship with the Church changed over the past few years? We’ve had terrible scandals, racial tension, Covid…Were you engaged in church before, but not now? Check out sermons every once in awhile, but aren’t attending in person anymore? What have you learned?
My friend Nancy Beach wrote a great book with her daughter Samantha, called Next Sunday about the good, the bad and the ugly and what may be next for the Church. They take an aspect of church for every chapter and each of them write from their experience and perspective, raising questions to consider.
This would be a great book for your small group to discuss! Here are a few questions my small group has used:
What was your experience of church growing up? Positive? Negative? Non-existent?
What draws you to church now?
What keeps you from fully engaging?
Have you been injured by the church?
If the following are qualities of genuine community, which do you think we/you need to work on most:
forgiving one another
showing up for one another
listening to one another
believing the best about one another
creating safe space for one another
being committed over the long-haul
6. What is one experience of community or inclusion in the church that has been powerful or inspiring for you?
7. Is there some way a challenging aspect of community has formed you more into the likeness of Jesus or taught you something?
Have a joy-filled week and let me know in the comments what’s on your summer fun list!
I hang out mostly over on Instagram. I’d love to see you there!
When I think cozy winter thoughts I think candles, soup, and books. I love lighting a candle in the morning to remind me of God’s presence. Anyone else? Even though it’s not typical winter weather where we’re currently living, I thought I’d share some soup, Sabbath, and book ideas this weekend. Hope they are encouraging to you!
Soup
I’ve often quoted a mentor of mine who said, “If you don’t have enough margin in your day to take a pot of soup to someone in need, you don’t have enough margin.” As a general rule, I agree!
“Soup is cold-weather-dark-sky food. Soup is peasant food – odds and ends, bits and pieces, a way to stretch a piece of meat or a handful of rice… Soup is the wool sweater, not the little black dress. It’s the cardigan with elbow patches, not the pressed shirt and tie.”
shauna Niequist
Here’s a really easy soup recipe I give away a lot, and I posted another one on Instagram on January 17th if you want to look there.
My very flexible recipe for Chicken Tortellini Soup:
Sauté 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/2 cup (or more) chopped carrots in 1/4 cup butter.
Slowly stir in 1/4 cup flour and 4 cups chicken broth (box of Swansons).
Add some rotisserie chicken (I buy it chopped up at the store) and a package of cooked cheese tortellini. I also usually add a teaspoon of “Better than Bouillon”.
Years ago a friend gave me the idea of picking up baskets at garage sales to give away meals in!
Books
I have never used a book journal, but I feel like this one has enriched my life! If you’re a reader, I highly recommend “My Reading Life” by Anne Bogel!
It has so many great features, with suggestions of books in every genre, quotes, guidance for book group discussions, and of course a great format for recording your thoughts about the books you read.
I really hesitate to recommend books, because everyone’s taste is a little different. That’s one of the reason’s I like that Anne differentiates between your rating of how much you enjoyed the book, how well it was written, and your overall rating.
For example, I recently read Anxious People by Fredrik Backman – the same author who wrote A Man Called Ove. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed reading the book (the characters were really annoying), but it was well-written and it provided good insight into people very different from me, so I was glad I read it.
If you are looking for a creepy thriller, I’d recommend The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware. If you want WW2 fiction about strong women, check out The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan. These books are very different, but I liked both of them!
And two more very different books… Live No Lies by John Mark Comer (non-fiction about culture, lies, our souls and Satan!) took me forever to get through because there are so many insights I wanted to think about.
I’ve shared here before that Sabbath is a challenging spiritual discipline for me, but one I think is important. On Instagram last week I shared that one way it helps me to think of is is this:
But that takes intention and preparation, right? And it’s going to look different if you have little kids from if you’re an empty nester.
Do you Sabbath? What does it look like? How do you prepare beforehand? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
I sit in front of a cheery fire, late at night, looking at our glowing Christmas tree. It’s still delightful, even with gifts gone from underneath. We’ve had a lovely holiday season in spite of Covid and allofthethings.
We lit candles. We sang carols. We marveled at Christmas lights and lifted our gaze to wonder at stars in the night sky.
Jesus was born in us again. Glory to God in the highest heavens. And glory to God in the lowest stable.
Still, there are things I wish I had done differently.
In the Christmas season, everything is MORE.
We feel everything MORE intensely – the good and the bad. We add in MORE to our already-packed-no-margin schedules. We drink MORE and eat MORE and bake MORE.
And all that MORE comes at a price.
If you’re like me, Advent can creep up on you and all of a sudden you’re in the middle of it, scrambling to fit in everything.
SO here are three things I’m doing to make next year even better:
1. MAKE A LIST NOW!
Right now, make a google doc or a paper list if that’s your jam (make sure to put it in a safe place).
Consider having a conversation with your family if you want to include them. Evaluate Christmas 2021. Discuss these questions:
What worked well for Christmas 2021?
What mistakes do we want to avoid for Christmas 2022?
List ideas you read about this year that you’d like to do next year.
Consider getting a plastic bin and labeling it Christmas 2022. In it you can put things like books, gifts, Christmas lights, or cards that you buy on sale in January.
HOSPITALITY
What did you bake that you liked?
What menus worked?
Did you entertain too much or do you wish you had done more?
What helped make entertaining less stressful?
Are there specific types of gatherings you’d like to create?
SOUL CARE
What spiritual practices, devotionals, or books did you read that were meaningful? Are there ones you’ve seen others use that you’d like to try next year?
The best things I did this year were to participate in a half day Advent retreat early in December (you can also purchase portable retreats here), and use the Quiet Christmas Collection by Emily P. Freeman.
DECORATING
Take pictures before you take down decorations if you want to duplicate next year. Save links to that mantel you saw on Instagram that you’d like to try. Make note of what needs to be replaced (like Christmas lights).
CREATING
IF you love creating, make a list linking to ideas of things you’d like to make next year. Things you’ve seen for hostess gifts, family traditions, decorating, or party themes.
Are there traditions you’d like to start? I read about this idea from prvrbsthirtyonegirl that I LOVE and even though I don’t have kids at home, I might create one for John and me! Ally and Ryan have one family activity for each day of Advent. You can make your own list that fits with your life stage!
Every year I used to read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever aloud to the family, a chapter a night. This year my book group read Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory which would be another good read-aloud for a little bit older kids.
A wonderful novel for the season is Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
GIFTS
What are gifts you received that might be a good idea to remember? (Two of our favorites were Lou Malnati’s pizza from Chicago and homemade Lars Bars (which my friend renamed “Laura Bars” 😍 for hiking, along with the recipes! )
Did you hear about a game that another family tried and liked that would be good to get next year? (We got and loved “It’s in the Bag”!)
2. SCHEDULE A DAY LATER
Block off a day on your calendar and label it CHRISTMAS PLANNING DAY.
You can make it whenever you want, but I’d say a day in the week before Thanksgiving would be good. I’ve marked my calendar for Saturday, November 19th. I also try to protect the Sunday, and Monday after Thanksgiving to decorate.
Then put two alerts in – one for a week before and one for two days before so it will actually happen! (I almost forgot this, and believe me, it won’t happen if I don’t have alerts in!)
On this day you’re going to answer questions and make lists and put dates on your calendar.
What do I need to say “no” to in order to say “yes” to the most meaningful things this season?
Since Christmas adds in, are there things you need to cut out in order to make room? How can you manage your expectations? This might even mean talking to your boss if there are extra things required of you at work, and asking what regular responsibilities he or she thinks can be put on hold so that you will have adequate margin.
3. SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
On your Christmas planning day, put dates on your calendar – the big things you want to make sure happen. Include scheduling in Sabbaths. Maybe make an appointment for a pedicure if it is in your budget.
Practice saying, “Thank you so much for thinking of me, but I’m already committed and need to say ‘no’ this time.”
If you’re having trouble scheduling your own family celebration plus time with in-laws, decide what’s best for your family and then give in-laws several options to choose from that will work for you. (Someone once told me, you need to approach in-laws like you do toddlers – assure them that you love them and give them acceptable choices :))
Prayerfully hold things lightly. Remember, you’re planning so that you won’t end up being highjacked by every urgent thing that comes up, but there may be last-minute changes you need to make, or holy interruptions that deserve your attention. Commit your plans to the Lord and ask Him to confirm or help you adapt.
Lord help me to move slowly enough to experience Jesus fully and love others deeply.
Plan to practice the Examenduring Advent. To help, you can upload the Lectio 365 app. It has an Evening prayer that guides you through a review of your day, helping you to slow down and pay attention to the presence of God in your life – especially valuable in the busy Christmas season.
What ideas have you seen this year that you want to remember for next year? Share with us in the comments!
Over the past month I coached an online workshop through National Community Church, teaching people how to share their God stories – the story of how they came to know Jesus and the stories of how God has shown up in their everyday lives – showing them more bout His character.
In our tiny group, was a committed young man who joined us online at 4:30 a.m. his time each week from India! He so inspired me as he shared his story of growing up Hindu, but coming to recognize Jesus as the healer of his mom, forgiver and savior. He has little to no support other than the online faith community and yet he has such a passion for having India know Jesus. Will you pray with me for him?
Gracious Lord, we come before You on behalf of many around the world, like Kirubakaran, who are following You under such difficult circumstances. We pray that your Holy Spirit might strengthen and encourage their hearts. Help them to know that they are known, seen, loved, and valued by You. I pray that even today they might see the fruit of their perseverance. In the strong name of Jesus, Amen.
For Parents (or mentors, aunts, etc)…
I love, love, love this list of 10 Fun Things to Do at Home with Kids and I know they are good, because I did some of them back in the day of littles! Even though my kids are grown, I’d love for us to create a family time capsule over the holidays. Won’t it be interesting to look back on this season 10 years from now? (Hopefully we WILL be looking back some day!)
If you’re like me, you can read something like this and think, “Oh, what a great idea!” but not do anything about it. Maybe choose one idea (or let your kids choose one) and commit to do it this week. Make a memory!
Those who know me, know I need no extra motivation to travel, but I was captivated by this list of 18 Movies that Inspire Traveland am putting several on my list to watch asap!
So thankful I was able to visit D.C. IRL this week!
For Hosts…
A Hosting Game-Changer from Priya Parker – assign your guests roles. People like to help!
In social gatherings, hosts can also carry too much weight (in part because we want people to relax and have fun.) But guess what? These roles can actually be fun, playful, and deeply simple. It could be, as my friend Nora Abousteit does, that you assign a “Water Minister” and a “Wine Minister” to be in charge of refilling glasses and making sure everyone has enough to drink.
We’re living temporarily in California, so Fall is…different, but we’re still trying to do some of our traditions, like making first-day-of-school chicken pot pie, watching Brian’s Song, and making lots of apple-y and pumpkin-y things. Here are a few fun links from this week!
I don’t know if I’ll get a chance to make these this year, but aren’t they adorable and so easy!??
From Instagram this week – book recs and hospitality how-to’s.
Yes, Covid is serious, and we have serious differences over protocols, and there’s a lot else in the world that seems more defeating than ever. We need to pay attention, to do the work of mourning and mending.
But we also need to take a break, to get outside and look up, bake something yummy, take a nap, laugh out loud, celebrate the everyday graces of God.
I hope that one of the following will make you smile or lift your spirits.
Have we ever said “pivot” more times in a year? We’re all in this together!
When you’re having a bad day, be gentle with yourself.
When you have a little bandwidth, consider blessing someone else with a care package or note of encouragement.
This arrived from daughter Katy who knows I love fall and baking. The book, “My Life in France” is just delightful, and I think of Katy every time I use the spatula – see recipes below 🙂
This soup and bread arrived when my husband had surgery recently, and the card below came on the exact date I was speaking about Moses to the staff here at church.
One of my favorite Instagram feeds to follow is Kelle Hampton (aka ETST – Enjoying the small things) From her I got the idea of creating a “You’ve Got Mail” care package. It’s been so fun to assemble!
A fall candle from The Grace Effect CALLED “Shop Around the Corner“! I ordered one and loved the scent to much I ordered two more!
A Starbucks gift card (for a Tall Decaf Cappuccino)
Every day we pray this for our kids – that they would recognize some simple or dramatic evidence of God’s character displayed in their life before they go to sleep at night.
• Strength supplied in moments of weakness • A text of encouragement • A Scripture verse coming to mind at just the right time • A sunset or seeing the power of creation • A friend asking forgiveness
We want them to see Him just as we want that for ourselves.
How are you praying for your kids, your students, your nieces and nephews?
Share what you’re doing that’s bringing you joy or what others have done in the comments! If you get this in email, just click on the title and scroll down to the bottom. If you’re commenting for the first time, don’t worry if it doesn’t show up right away…it will!
As I sit in Starbucks writing this, the world is still rotating on its axis, but the spin feels more like an unpredictable cyclone – whirling debris that keeps changing direction and every time we think it’s going to run out of energy it amps up again.
You don’t need me to name all the things. There’s the global suffering and division we are horrified at and want to help alleviate. But you also have your own personal hard stuff that is unique to you, and….just…life. We’re tempted to say “Oh…first world problems.” and that’s true, but your hard is hard too.
How much do we camp in the pain – our own or others’? How do we pray? How do we keep perspective? Can we be thankful, but also honest about the loss we don’t understand?
On Fridays I often try to offer some resources I’ve found that have been helpful or encouraging to me. I hope you’ll find some nugget here to equip or refresh you.
As we grapple with death and destruction around the world and pray, I found these two suggestions from Danielle Macauley and Katie Racine really helpful. Prayer isn’t the only thing we can do, but it’s one thing.
I listen to podcasts at 1.5 speed, but I went back and listened a second time to this one to take notes!
Ohmygosh! This is such a great sermon, especially if you struggle with comparison (and who doesn’t?)
Are you single, or have single friends you love? You will resonate with this podcast!
I LOVE to-do lists, but yes, they can get overwhelming. If you read this simple post linked below, be sure to read the comments too because there are some great additional ideas there!
I’m always nervous when I recommend books, because everyone has such different taste. It’s great when you find someone you can trust to consistently endorse reads you will like. Holly Furtick is one of those people for me.
One Two Three is a terrific book with fascinating, quirky characters who suck you into their world.
One Two Three
Lastly, as fall approaches, a recipe for all the zucchini people will hopefully be giving you from their garden. It’s The World’s BEST Zucchini Bread Recipe! (note: I did NOT say the “healthiest” :))
