Archives for November 2022

Whether we want to or not, it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos of the holidays and forget the real reason behind all the festivities. Especially for children, with classroom holiday parties, gifts from friends and family, and loads of sugary treats coming their way, it’s more important than ever to slow down and be intentional with how we talk to them about the season. It’s more than presents and Christmas lights – it’s the celebration of … [Read more...] about Shepherd on the Search

Preparing for the holidays can be a lot of work. In fact, during the next few weeks, your Christmas to-do list is probably about to grow into an outrageous, poster-sized banner. Am I right? And then, before you know it, your Christmas experience turns into a frenzy of challenging task after challenging task. Why not do it differently this year? Let’s get a head start on this season to ensure that this Christmas is about the celebration of the … [Read more...] about 6 Ways to Prepare for the Christmas Season

A prayer to tuck into your heart as you prepare for Thanksgiving. Dear Lord, It’s Thanksgiving — a day centered around gratitude, family and traditions. As we gather with family and friends, help us find common ground. If we are unable to do so, give us peace. Help us see Your face around the table. On this day of gathering and feasts, may we remember that it’s never really about the food but about the people around the table. Lord, we … [Read more...] about A Thanksgiving Prayer

Confession: Gratitude doesn’t come naturally to me. I can find the black-winged fly in the pristine white paint. I can sound like an old church organ, creaks and sighs and whines. I can make mental spreadsheets of disappointments like an accountant in a plaid tie.  Maybe I’m not the only one.  I have read about how our brains have a negativity bias. We look first for what’s wrong or a threat. This helps us survive. I am typing in a nicely … [Read more...] about 7 Days of Preparing Our Hearts for Thanksgiving

I’m going to make a feather-ruffling, potentially unpopular, and highly controversial statement. It’s probably the most polarizing thing I’ve ever said at (in)courage. Hang on to your hats.  I’ve been watching Christmas movies for weeks.  Yep.  While preparing my kids’ Halloween costumes, eating their candy, and planning my Thanksgiving menu, holiday movies have been on in the background. I've also been tuning in to my favorite Christmas … [Read more...] about ‘Tis the Season to Celebrate