Gathering Together

 Introduction: 

Oh, my. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve sat down and let my thoughts start to flow again. Over these past few weeks, the world has changed, things have been different. The results of the most important presidential election turned heads. We all have people in our circles who no matter what we say, this topic will be an ongoing tug of war. It almost feels as if we should just “bury the hatchet”, and move on. 

Loved ones around me are starting to listen to Christmas music hoping it sparks some much-needed excitement and harmony. The air, the sky, and the days are darker than before. Bedtime doesn’t seem so far now, (even though it’s only noon). 

Grocery trips seem impossible without waiting in line, and warm homemade soup sounds like a craving we’ve been waiting for since this time last year. With so much on our minds and hearts and the uncertainty surrounding our world, let’s take a moment and reflect, relax, and repeat. (; 

This is a transition season, my friends. I feel it and the weight it carries. Step by step life is progressing and overwhelming seems more like normal. Some people around us THRIVE in “turning the page” while others (like me) have a tendency to become sentimental towards our current chapter and are stuck with our thumbs pressed against the book’s edge. 

Together let’s turn the page! 

Holly, Jolly, and a Large Bite of Turkey 

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. The laughter from family and friends, and the sweet potato casserole that I seem to eat the most of, haha! The weather was the best part with a slight chance of snow on the way home from Grandma’s house. Aahhh, doesn’t it all sound GREAT!?

Since becoming an adult, I’ve learned to appreciate the time I spend with family and the dearest next to you. Time goes by fast and this year was a testament to that! I always get a little sad remembering how the old days were with grandparents and cousins, or even by my expectations that haven’t been met. Most of us hold an attachment to these special days because of the value it has. I love that! May the days be merry and bright! [ I couldn’t help myself]! 

Growing up my grandmother had taught me how to prepare homemade stuffing, casserole dishes, desserts, and other dishes! Those are still the best memories I hold because she created an environment where I could simply be myself. If I messed up the recipe, she would calmly redirect me to the correct method. We would tell our most important stories and have the deepest of conversations in the kitchen together. Any advice she gave, would be the courageous course of action. I would leave the kitchen a lot more ready and excited for what was next! 

Tell me if I’m wrong ya’ll, but aren’t we in a similar position? A joyful heart isn’t just something you have, it’s something that is put into practice. A courageous spirit has to go through some real tests! And to have both, there must be a healthy environment to grow in. Then, I believe, that’s when we will leave a lot more ready to enter into our new chapters! 

We have a great opportunity to make these next few months a wonderful time for ourselves and the people around us. It’s up to us if we will allow the recipe to unfold or let the perfection ruin the possibility! You understand the analogy, just thought to (add in) my thoughts, haha! 

To Everything, There Is a Season 

This statement is a biblical principle, and it’s a powerful one! It’s found in the book of Ecclesiastes. It’s a beautiful passage and one I like to lean back on from time to time. A reminder God is sovereign over all people and things. It’s also awesome to recognize that God makes EVERYTHING beautiful in His time. I have been stuck on that piece of scripture for a few months now and the Lord has been putting this on my heart. 

Over the fall/winter period, we can see this happening. A time where there can be weeping and mourning. A time when there can be dancing and laughing. This year with government, peace, and war. Taking notice of these, then truly experiencing them, is something I’m grateful for. 

Sometimes I forget that emotions are okay. The human mind and what it can hold emotionally is wild to me. It’s comforting to know and understand that there is a place for emotions because God created them! In our busy lives, we find ourselves asking permission to feel joyful, or positive feelings. Guilt or even shame can take part in this if we aren’t careful! 

This article is filled with different thoughts to put it simply. I want us to experience these moments fully and truly. My prayer is that this article is a wonderful resource as you head into the holidays. Let this be a reminder to embrace the good and the not-so-good things in life knowing God will guide you through it all. 

Peace For All People 

There are more than enough reasons to be worried and uncertain about our current world, personal lives, etc.. 

I believe in these times God gives a little extra dose of peace for those who ask for it. God’s peace is the most beautiful thing to experience. I pray you have this opportunity today! 

As I am writing this a Bible verse comes to mind; 

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

-John 14:27

Prayer:

 Father, thank you for the gift of life and the blessing that you give. You are King of Kings and what a wonderful thing it is to worship and wait upon you. Every season is an opportunity you give for us to learn and know more about your character. 

 As the new seasons and pages are turned, guide me and strengthen me to see the beauty in the transition. Give me patience as you make beautiful things in your time alone. 

I trust you.

~Amen