DECEMBER

 "O LORD my God,  

You have performed many wonders for us. 

Your plans for us are too numerous to list.

You have no equal.

If I tried to recite all Your wonderful deeds,

I would never come to the end of them."

Psalm 40:5

12.01.22

It was a real life Amy Grant "Heirlooms" moment when I discovered this bag

of Christmas treasures from my childhood that my Mom had given my last year. 

Quite a few tears later, I was able to appreciate the beauty of these memories,

and the gift it is that Mom had kept and then shared them with me.

12.02.22

Miracle on 34th Street | Athens Community Theatre

Very proud of my Dad for giving his time and talents to bring JOY 

through his participation in this season's ACT offering!

I loved seeing him surrounded and supported by longtime friends on Opening Night ❤

12.03.22

The Kentucky Crew pulled off a super sweet surprise for "Dr. Pierce",

so Grantch had even more fans cheering him on for night two onstage!

12.04.22

My heart and body are weary and weak,

 but I wanted to join our church family to worship our Savior this morning.

However when I got to church, about a hundred or so things fought for my attention.

And most of those things were making me sad...

Then I started thinking how that first Christmas was Jesus coming for a hurting world. 

I sang these words, talking with God, tears streaming down my face...

"O Come, Thou King of nations, bring an end to all our suffering

Bid every pain and sorrow cease and reign now as our Prince of Peace

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come again with us to dwell." 

...and then I felt a new presence in the row with our family...

Looking down, seeing this sweet redheaded little guy was a kind answer from God

that He sees and He hears me when I tell Him what is on my heart. 

Thank you, Lord for listening to the cries of my heart.

Thanks, Wil for coming to join us for worship at the just right time today ♡

and then later....

Pure Joy seeing this beauty grace the stage as Clara!

But even more joy seeing her happily run off to greet the "big girls" in the audience !

12.05.22

"A friend is a friend at all times,

and a brother (sister) is born for the time of adversity."

Proverbs 17:17 

New American Bible (Revised Edition)

Very thankful for my loyal friend who finds creative ways for us to connect!

This morning's parking lot coffee date full of laughs refreshed my soul!

12.06.22

My Dad has always been up for trying new things.

Had some fun today helping him out a little with his latest endeavor

12.07.22

It's a rainy week around here, 

 and my body has had some not kind things to say about that.

So today I'm thankful for the good gift of 

 comfy pants, cozy socks, and this view from my corner of the couch!

12.08.22

Am glad for one more chance to enjoy these delightful performers 

12.09.22

Bradley's  | Knoxville, TN

Made the most of a day in the "big" city with Emma

and really enjoyed finding Christmas gifts in this new to me shop 

with a wonderful window display!!

12.10.22

Listening to Christmas carols and enjoying wrapping gifts for people I love

Even better than packages with bows though is this:

"For this is how God loved the world: 

He GAVE His one and only Son,

so that everyone who believes in Him 

will not perish but have eternal life. 

God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world,

but to save the world through Him."

John 3:16-17

12.11.22

So happy to receive this sweet and beautiful, hand stitched gift today!

Even happier though that the dear, thoughtful giver is part of my life!

Thank you for your kindness, Ellie!

12.12.22

Thank you, God for sunshine in the sky on this Monday morning!

So grateful to get to start the week "Walking with Words"!!

12.13.22

Hooray for sweet fellowship with my Faithful Friend

12.14.22

Ramble Creek  owners, culinary staff, and management outdid themselves 

caring for and making Emma and Alex feel special today!

I loved being included! 

12.15.22

Nashville, TN

Enjoying this different view tonight with my best guy!

12.16.22

The Listening Room

What a treat to enjoy these talented newcomers making their way in Music City!

12.17.22

The Ryman 

Thanks, Amy Grant and Vince Gill for Christmas Cheer and

good old fashioned singalong worship in The Mother Church tonight!!!

Good Gift 2.0 for the evening

So festive and fun...good food and laughter too!

and thanks to the kind girl who came to our aid for this photo!

12.18.22

Overwhelmed by generosity to be included in family Christmas celebrating 

with some Cool Cousins who sure know how to cook and love Jesus!! 

12.19.22

Thank you, Hollingsworth family for sharing your front yard 

with SO MANY of us for Christmas parade watching merriment!! 

12.20.22

"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.

For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine."

Isaiah 9:2

Quiet mornings in December are some of my very favorite things

12.21.22

Christmas Caroling brought all kinds of JOY

The day started a bit stressful and like I just might have put too many things on my agenda. 

But God...

God had another thing in mind for my day...and my heart.

As our group of friends sang songs about our coming King, more of my Dominion friends gathered.

And when we sang familiar Christmas tunes, more and more of them joined the singing. 

"Oh, our hearts, as busy as Bethlehem

Hear Him knock, don't say there's no room in the inn

Through the cradle, cross, and grave

See the love of God displayed

Now He's risen and He reigns

Praise the Name above all names!

Prepare Him room

Prepare Him room

Let the King of glory enter in"

Prepare Him Room | Sovereign Grace Music

Thank you, Lord for knowing exactly what my heart needed today!

12.22.22

A lot looks different this year, 

but this will never change...

" For this is how God loved the world:

He gave His one and only Son, 

so that everyone who believes in Him 

will not perish but have eternal life.

God sent His Son into the world

not to judge the world, 

but to save the world through Him."

John 3:16-17

12.23.22

'Tis the Season for all kinds of yummy goodness on our festive plates!

But what I'm extra grateful for today is a SWEET visit with an even sweeter family!

Thank you, Ramsays for making these treats for us and making our day with your company!!

12.24.22

Thanking the LORD for JOY and His presence today.

My sweet friend, Joy, here with her dear family...

and the joy of God's perfect timing for a popover visit!!

The day was full~

* fun last minute shopping with Emma

* reading and visiting with friends at Dominion

* cooking and preparing for time with family

But God made sure this quick drop in happened at the just right time!!

I love this family!!!

and then...

as the day came to a close...

He gave me the gift of His PEACE...

Thanking HIM for frequent reminders of His love and care this season

Just Because It's Christmas

by Anne Wilson 

He's healing for the broken and He's home for all the lost

He's comfort for the weary, sent from Heaven just for us

So you don't have to hide your questions deep within your soul

Emmanuel already knows

Bring your wounded heart to the manger

Fall down at the feet of the King

When thrills of hope don't find you

He loves you just the same

You don't have to be OK

Just because it's Christmas

O come and adore Him

O come and adore Him

Feel the wonder once again

O come and adore Him 

12.25.22

Christmas Day | 12:38 am

"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.

Of the greatness of His government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on David's throne

and over His kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the LORD Almighty

will accomplish this."

Isaiah 9:6-7

Amen

12.26.22

A GLORIOUS start to the day!! 

and then...

Surprised by joy and laughs!

FaceTime inventors are my heroes!

12.27.22

Moments like these with this one sure are sweet! 

(eek! and exciting too!)

12.28.22

Hooray for a warm weather walk! 

-and taking my friend along via Marco Polo 😄

12.29.22

Again, with my gratitude for the FaceTime inventors!

So thankful this sweet one wanted to call me to report in after her surgery today!

Turns out she's just as brave, smart, and funny even without her tonsils!! 

12.30.22

What a joy to witness this birthday girl being loved back by those whom she has loved so well!!

12.31.22

"LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

You have set Your glory in the heavens."

Psalm 8:1

GREAT is the LORD 

and WORTHY to be praised!

Oh, this year had heartache that I was not prepared for in any way.

BUT GOD!

God has been WITH me every single step of the way!

I've said it countless times over the course of these past 365 days,

"Without Jesus, I would be sunk. Sunk for sure."

But Praise the Lord, even on the days I feel myself sinking, 

I am not going to stay there.

Emmanuel- GOD WITH US

Yesterday - Today - Tomorrow

"May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE in believing,

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in HOPE."

Romans 15:13

NOVEMBER

"Give thanks to the LORD

and proclaim His greatness.

Let the whole world know what He has done.

Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises.

Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds."

1 Chronicles 16:8-9

11.01.22

Giving Thanks For:

a day of Rest, Reading, and Refreshment in my favorite room of our house

(watching leaves fall, clouds shift, and soaking in the color and feel of Fall were bonus gifts!)

11.02.22

Giving Thanks For:

the morning at the farm hanging out with our cute new buddies, Dwight and Jim

and the evening at community group after a long hiatus...

even if it took the promise of AvaLynn's artwork to convince me to actually get in the car and go!

11.03.22

Giving Thanks For:

this inspiring woman and finally making time to read her memoir

11.04.22

Giving Thanks For:

a fun, new food place in our swanky little town

and the spontaneous change of dinner plans when our night at the theater was canceled

11.05.22

Giving Thanks For:

the women of Enoch Contemporary Ballet 

and their boldness to share the hope of Jesus through their gift of dance

11.06.22

Giving Thanks For:

God's Beauty in creation in this special find in the Oasis,

 His beautiful gift of laughter at our dining room table, 

and the encouragement of hearing stories of answered prayer from last night

11.07.22

Giving Thanks For: 

the opportunity to be with my Dad today 

"Two are better off than one,

for they can help each other succeed."

Ecclesiastes 4:9

 

11.08.22

Giving Thanks For:

a Full, Fun Big City Day with One of My Favorites!

Hooray for getting to introduce her to the joy of Misfit Tacos!

11.09.22

Giving Thanks For:

 afternoon hours in my favorite "room" of our home!

While everything around her has turned brown and is shutting down for winter,

this one little daisy just keeps hanging in there. 

I do notice now that she's not quite as in focus as I had intended.

An accurate representation of how my brain is working these days. :)

But that sunset was striking and I wanted to document that the daisy is STILL there!

She's been like a champion cheerleader for me the past few weeks...

'Hang in there! Just keep going!!'

11.10.22

Giving Thanks For:

Reading day at Dominion!

We're never too old for silly stories!

My book club buddies and I laughed out loud for nearly an hour at these goofy tales...

and it sure was good for my heart and soul!!

I used to read this book to my kindergartners and then our girls at home,

but had forgotten how clever and funny it is. 

I got a sweet surprise and bonus joy when I opened the book...

my mom's handwritten name marking this as one from her classroom collection.

 Of course she liked it too!

Am always grateful to spend time with these dear ladies and leave better than I arrived.

11.11.22

Giving Thanks For:

a morning filled to the brim with honoring Veterans

Beyond thankful for the men and women who courageously have chosen 

to serve our country by serving in the military.

Watching Enoch dance to the final stanza of Battle Hymn of the Republic gets me every time...

In the beauty of the lilies

Christ was born across the sea,

With a glory in His bosom

That transfigures you and me;

As he died to make men holy,

Let us die to make men free;

While God is marching on.

by: Julia Ward Howe

11.12.22

Giving Thanks For:

a happy history day for Aunt Frances 

and getting to see her with her genealogy buddies in their element

11.13.22

Giving Thanks For:

a "just right" surprise in the mail from my Best Good Friend

11.14.22

Giving Thanks For:

Brand New Days that begin like this!

"God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns"

Psalm 46:5

11.15.22

Giving Thanks For:

my bestest November gift ever!!!

Ever thankful God gave Emma Katharine to our family!!

11.16.22

Giving Thanks For:

Fellowship with Friends

and this super cute almost two year old!

"WatchWatchWatchWatchWatchWaurenWatch"!!!

11.17.22

Giving Thanks For:

a kind and compassionate therapist 

who meets with me in the comfort of my own home

11.18.22

Giving Thanks For:

an early appointment and then a nice breakfast date with my Dad

11.19.22

Giving Thanks For:

Cousins, Comedy, and Cheerful Company in Chattanooga!!!

11.20.22

Giving Thanks For:

a welcoming congregation and Scandalous Grace 

11.21.22

Giving Thanks For:

the new additions to our herd...

Meet Phyllis, Pam, and Angela

11.22.22

Giving Thanks For:

the opportunity for Enoch to share Chiaroscuro with the students of ACMS

from Darkness to Light ⛓💥💡

11.23.22

Giving Thanks For:

the arrival of the Kentucky cousins

Let the Thanksgiving weekend shenanigans commence!

11.24.22

Giving Thanks For:

God's Abundant Mercy and Grace 

and His ability to hold our hearts 

and more than one big emotion at a time

I'm so grateful for a full house for Thanksgiving Day!

And while it wasn't as full as it could have been, 

 Mom was with us in our hearts for sure!!

Great is HIS Faithfulness

by Charity Gale

"If you've wrestled with the ache of loss

And why this has been your road to walk

He bore your pain, He wore your cross...

Oh, lift your head

Morning is coming, There's more to the story

Don't forget, in grief and in glory,

Still Great is HIS faithfulness"

(This song has been on repeat for a while now.

To listen to the whole thing, just click the title above ♡)

11.25.22

Giving Thanks For:

Fun Traditions and Big Joy courtesy of The Holly House 

11.26.22

Giving Thanks For:

Plenty of time for creativity and artistic expression

11.27.22

Giving Thanks For:

 A super sweet seat mate for the first half of worship this morning!

And the big grin all these pictures gave me when I realized she had discovered 

my phone right before the prayer time ❤

11.28.22

Giving Thanks For:

Getting to accompany my girl for her special dress fitting appointment!!

11.29.22

Giving Thanks For:

the kindness of these two to include me in today's traditional adventure in Our Town

11.30.22

Giving Thanks For: 

early morning quiet moments

"Taste and see that the LORD is good.

Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!"

Psalm 34:8