Christmas Blessing (with Festive Beverage Recipes)

May you wake to the possibility of a miracle in your midst. May the twinkle of lights reflect the sparkle of joy in your world on this Christmas morning. May the unfolding of this day bring a sense of peace to your soul. May you unwrap the gift of hope anew.  (…and may there be

Advent Joy: Holiday Communing and Christmas Stollen Recipe

Holiday Communing  Wishlists exchangedLitanies of MermaidsDumptrucksDinosaursGift cards purchased Recipes bookmarkedCookies bakedWorry and anticipation mingle Guest rooms dusted and polishedMeals plannedPhone calls and textsElectronic prayers Wing across the milesWhat will you bring?When will you arrive? Mantel decoratedSpecial napkins washedPresents wrapped and waiting “What’s your ETA?” They arrive from distant planetsBrooklyn and IllinoisWith bags and good cheerHugs surround us

Advent Comfort: Making Space (Matthew 1:18-25)

“But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid…” -Matthew 1:20 Decision fatigue. Analysis paralysis. Perfect is the enemy of good. We’ve all been there! If only God would send an angelic messenger my

Advent Joy: Gift of Tradition & Fruitcake Recipe (Luke 1:46-56)

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…” -Luke 1:46 Songs connect with a deeper part of ourselves. Familiar melodies and lyrics memorized long ago can stir a well of emotion in us with just a few notes. The familiar words of Mary’s song recorded in the gospel of Luke

Advent Comfort: Christmas Prayer (Luke 1:46-56)

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…” -Luke 1:46 Holy God,Along with MaryWe are people of our time and placeWe wonder at the miracle of Your SonOur hearts sing praiseWhile our minds struggle to accept the mysteryWith our arms reachingWe welcome the unexpected gifts of this season. Thank youAgain

Advent Joy: Pecan Tart Recipe

“And blessed is she who believed that here would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” -Luke 1:45 When I use the Favorite Community Recipes: White Horse Fire Company Auxiliary Cookbook, I remember the already and not yet of Advent.  The melancholy beauty we treasure in others when they are

Advent Comfort: Hope is Alive (Luke 1:39-45)

“And blessed is she who believed that here would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” -Luke 1:45 While many of us are doing the things of this week with much haste, this familiar story of scripture offers new depths, promises and surprises when we make space to reflect.  Mary

And the winner is . . .

And the winners are . . .  Lois B. Miller and Jennifer Freed!!! We’ll be connecting with both of you about your tea preferences soon. Thanks to each of you for participating in our give-away and sharing Some Comfort and Joy with your communities. And thank you everyone for reading along. We look forward to

Advent 2022 Series Introduction with Sugar Cookie Recipe (Luke 1:37-38)

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”  Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:37-38 These verses capture the essence of the Christmas season.  A holiday that seems, in some ways, to suspend time for

Advent Giveaway

Every so often Sherah-Leigh and I have the fun of saying, “Thank-you!” to all of you our readers by having a give-away.  We know you each lead diverse lives.  We are thankful we have you reading along with us on this life (and writing) journey. For Advent this year we will be giving away two