Heart First

I saw this quote displayed on a coffee cup at the airport. The guy sat and enjoyed his brew while I quickly and unobtrusively jotted it down before I forgot (that happens often - those fleeting ideas that seem so obvious and memorable, then they wing away to wherever land, never to be heard again - does that happen to you, too?).

                             LIFE IS DIVING IN 

                                 HEART FIRST.

This seems a good thought, a good reminder as we move into the New Year.

2015. Wow.

To you and your family, a very Happy New Year. May you dive in heart first!

Mary, Did You Know?

Could you tell a story using only questions?
Mark Lowry did a powerful job of that with his song, "Mary Did You Know?"
Pentatonix sings their acappella version - amazing.
Enjoy!

To you and your family, a very
BLESSED and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Story of a Gift

On the radio, on one of those stations that plays all Christmas music this time of year (all music except the advertisements, of course), an ad caught my attention. I don't remember for sure what the ad was, but this line stood out.
"Every gift tells a story."

 Think about that - the stories that are told as we wrap and give our gifts.
I love you.
I appreciate you.
I'm so glad you are part of our family.
I watched you work in the kitchen and thought you needed this.
This would look pretty on you, and keep you warm.
This tool will help you build.
This book inspired me, I hope it will encourage you, too.
Have fun with this.
Here are tools to help you learn and grow.
I thought of you and wanted you to have this.
I bought this for you when we went to [that place] and bought it without you seeing me.

What other stories do you think of?

Enjoy your gift giving and story telling this Christmas!

Joy to the World, and All is Well

There is much catching up to do. But, for now, a quick thought to share. An inspiration in your holiday crazies.

Our son wandered around the house. I noticed he hummed, sang some words. Unusual for him. I paid attention. He sang, "Joy to the World, and All is Well." That phrase, over and over.

Not sure where he picked up that version, but I love it. Yes, All is Well. Hard to believe if you scan the news or drive on the roads or spend any time at a mall. I love the reminder, and now I hum it myself.

Next time you feel the holiday crazies humming around you, those moments of to-do-list panic, try singing, instead: Joy to the World, and All is Well." I am singing it with you. Let me know if you make up more lines to go with it.