The Christmas Jar

Driving down the road, not long ago, we passed a casino. Emily read the sign and asked me to define casino. I did. Her response?

Wouldn't it be amazing, Mom, if people took all that change and filled Christmas jars instead? Yep, I'm with you Em.

Two years ago, we began a new tradition. In the days leading up to Christmas, we place a jar on the kitchen counter. Every lick of spare change gets dropped into our jar and we commit to pray for the family God wants to have this extra bit of encouragement. It is a tangible, do-able way for our family to bless another family at the most joyful time of the year.

Last year, God literally showed us a miracle in our Christmas jar.

We had visited the city for the day. Our train was not scheduled to leave for some time, so we sat on a bench at the top of the steps leading to our track. As we sat chatting, Emily asked who would receive our jar. I had a specific family in mind and felt convicted that they were to receive the gift, regardless of the fact I did not know if they "needed" the jar. As we chatted about our prayers and who God had revealed to receive the jar, I watched, stunned as the very family God had laid on my heart came up the steps and walked past us in the station. There was no mistaking our confirmation to bless them. You see, they were not there to take in the sights and sounds of Christmas, they were there because they had no other way to get to the city to visit a family member who had just had a very serious surgery.


Hannah napped on Daddy while we chatted on the bench


Late, late, late Christmas Eve, we pulled up to their home and my kind husband, shimmied up the ice laden drive to leave the jar, with just a bow and warm wishes for God to bless them beyond measure.

We don't share our experience for any sort of accolade; this was not our idea. Somewhere along the line, this beautiful ministry was shared with us and we answered the call. We share it now with you, that others might do the same, pay it forward, extend the body of Christ past our own doorways and driveways.

Go ahead, run out to the recycling bin...I am sure there must be a jar in there! :)

The Value of an Apology

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9



Our younger daughter was playing. She happily settled at the couch where our cockapoo puppy was blissfully sleeping. Without much warning, in a sweep of her little hand, our daughter shocked the puppy as she pushed her from the couch to make more room. My husband and I looked on in disbelief. Just as grown ups are sinners, desperately in need of the mercy of a loving and forgiving father, so now was our daughter in need of forgiveness from her parents and from her trusted pet, who looked up at her quite surprised by her actions.

A quote from a famous movie says, "Love means never having to say you are sorry." WRONG! Quite the contrary, love means accepting accountability and also offering to one we have offended a verbal demonstration of a heavy heart, burdened by our sin.

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This Little Piggy...

Blesses my heart...


Makes my heart swell with joy...


Reminds me to think outside the box...


Is a faithful prayer warrior...


Lights up our world!

Blessings from a Friend

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..."
1 Thessalonians 5:11



Until I had my first child, I had never experienced the true gift of a homecooked meal.

Delivered.

To my home.

For me.

Just because.

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You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good news refreshes the body." Proverbs 15:30



I remember my very first dance recital. I had just turned eight years old. Dressed in a little black tutu and lace accessories, I tippity tapped onstage to this wonderful song from the musical, "Annie". Many times, over the years, I have found myself thinking back to the words from this tune, "...it's what you wear from ear to ear and not from head to toe, that matters..."

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Little Love Notes

Since Em was a very young child, I have written her love notes. When she could not read, I'd draw little pictures. I'd leave them on her nightstand, in her lunch box, in her school bag, in her pencil box at school. She has always loved them.

In fact, when she was in first grade, which proved to be a really challenging year, I wrote her notes on her napkin each and everyday. One morning, she asked me sheepishly to stop. Not wanting to upset her or embarrass her, I did as she requested. Her teacher pulled me into the classroom one day, and asked me to look in her pencil box...there they were, every single one. She didn't have any more room. I figured she threw them away each day, but no, she kept them. Sweet girl.

Em and I are blessed to spend some of our days in the same building. The Lord has granted me a wonderful job that I love. I feel called to serve Him and only God could have orchestrated this position for me. It just so happens, it is at Emily's school. Because of the sensitive nature of materials in and on my desk, I cover it when the school will be used for church functions. Imagine my delight when I pulled the cover off to find this little ditty...



A few days ago, I pulled down the covers to go to bed and noticed Emily's camel Web*kin on my nightstand. Our puppy, Maggie had chewed the tail clear off. Accompanying the maimed camel, was a note..."For you, Mommy to sow. He is my favrite. E " Yet another love note. A joy for me to fix her camel, but it touches my spirit to share this tradition. Whether we share through spoken word, written word or heartfelt word, we share. And I love that.

She is a love note God wrote to me. A daily reminder of his providence and provision. Hannah is just about the age Em was when we began this tradition...I think I will go find a post it...

Not Sure I am Ready...

for all the growing up they are doing!!

Both of our ladybugs have returned to school. Emily is in the third grade and Hannah is a happy Pre-K student! I am so thankful for the way that they are growing. Their teachers this year are lovely. I am going to attempt a little walk down memory lane with our first day of school pictures...


Emily, first day of third grade - September 8, 2010


With her third grade teacher, Mrs. Barnhart


Emily, first day of second grade - September, 2009


Emily, first day of first grade - September, 2008





Hannah, first day of Pre-K, 4 years old - September 14, 2010


Hannah, first day of Three Year Old Class, September, 2009


Hannah, first day of Two Year Old Class, September 2008

"All of life is a constant education." Eleanor Roosevelt