Christmas Brunch

One of my favorite events of the year is the women’s Christmas luncheon. Our simple gymnasium is transformed into a winter wonderland, with incredible table displays and beautifully dressed women. Each year we gather to sing Christmas carols, eat delicious food, laugh and visit, and listen to a special message. I had the sweet opportunity to speak in 2009. It was a humbling, joyful honor.

This year, because of the blessings and growth in our church, the annual celebration became not one, but two events – a brunch in the morning and a tea in the afternoon. Both affairs were lovely! Tricia Knack, our speaker, shared some of her story of New Beginnings. As usual, the men served the meal and catered to our needs for hot coffee, water, and seconds on the yummy brunch treats.

My colorful table this year - Tim was our private server!

My colorful table this year – missed getting a picture of Tim as our waiter.

Michelle helped me find the gorgeous silver chargers and place holders. I LOVED my bright, jewel toned table theme. Makes me smile!

Our annual Christmas bff picture.

Our annual Christmas picture.

Love seeing the different tables.

Michelle's table - David was her server.  :)

Michelle’s table – David was her server. :)

Of course, being with some of my favorite friends is the BEST part of the Christmas brunch.

Tricia, Michelle and Beckie

Tricia, Michelle and Beckie

Loved having Trisha at my table this year.

Loved having Trisha at my table this year.

So many different table styles.

Creative AND beautiful!

Creative AND beautiful!

The room was full of smiling faces, sweet friends, neighbors and family members.

Lynn, Panida, Sue and Judy - such wonderful, dear friends.

Lynn, Panida, Sue and Judy – such wonderful, dear friends.

Krystal managed to share the day with her daughter AND her sister.  Blessed!

Krystal managed to share the day with her daughter AND her sister. Blessed!

Stunning

Stunning

LC3′s Christmas Brunch/Tea is always the first Saturday of December. It is a wonderful way to usher in the holiday season. I am so thankful for the women God has placed in my life.

Shari and I went with gold to complement Tricia and Michelle in grey/silver.

Shari and I went with gold to complement Tricia and Michelle in grey/silver.

Project 365 – Day 339 (Dec 5)
Kathy

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What Daniel Found

In July, Daniel received an acceptance letter to Calvary Bible, and in August he and Tim set off for California. Watching the transformation and change that has gone on in Daniel’s life since he left for school has been incredibly moving.

I have seen the Lord grab hold of Daniel and fill him with a new power and passion for the Word.

Prayer has become one of his strengths.

He has faced the real temptations in his life with transparency and honesty, seeking accountability from other godly men.

In September we got a text (and pics) from Daniel.

“Hi Mom. This is a new chapter in my life. I got baptized!!”

DanielBaptism1

DanielBaptism2

DanielBaptism3

DanielBaptism4

DanielBaptism5

My heart rejoices to see Daniel grow in wisdom and maturity. It is clear that he longs to follow God’s leading and call in his life. The school ended it’s year with a banquet of celebration. Although we couldn’t be there to enjoy the final moments, a dear friend who works at the college sent me a picture.

Bethany and Daniel all dressed up.

Bethany and Daniel all dressed up.

Daniel completed his first semester at Calvary successfully. So incredibly proud of him!!! He applied and was accepted to the program in Israel next year, leaving in February. God’s hand is on Daniel, and we are earnestly praying for him as he takes each step.

Project 365 – Day 338 (Dec 4)
Kathy

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Pursuing Christ in Christmas

Celebrate HIM through whom all blessings flow!

Celebrate HIM through whom all blessings flow!

One of my greatest challenges in December is to keep my eyes on Jesus. I am easily distracted with the glitter and glam and fun of the holidays. This year, of course, was even busier/fuller than usual with Joshua’s wedding in Tennessee scheduled for December 18th.

Living a quiet, contemplative life does not come easy to me. My pace is usually more like – last minute, silly, occasionally frenzied, and very full.

We started an Advent family devotion through YouVersion. It was encouraging and meaningful, when we got to it. Many days we were busy with school, church activities, and our own lives to get to the devotion every night.

Grace.

I’m so thankful that God’s grace covers my failures. That His grace is sufficient. That He knows I am weak and slow to learn. That His mercies are new every morning.

I am humbled that He made me, loved me from the beginning to the end, died for me, forgives me, and enables me to walk victoriously after Him.

Seeking Him in the midst of every season and in everything I do.

Project 365 – Day 337 (Dec 3)
Kathy

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Project 365 – Less Noteworthy Attempts

I’ve been sorting and organizing my pictures, and I see that sometimes I was a bit, um, haphazard or would you say pathetic, in capturing the picture of the day.

Take, for example, this little collection from December 2nd.

A little bit of Paris in our very own neighborhood.

A little bit of Paris in our very own neighborhood.

Nothing says Christmas like a little bit of Snoopy

A Santa Snoopy makes me smile!

Although it doesn’t redeem the quality (or interest level) of these pictures, I should note that these were taken while Tim and I were out on a neighborhood walk. We have a route marked out that comes to just a little more than a mile. We can easily walk in our quiet cul-d-sac most any time of the day (or late evening, in this case) without encountering more than 4 or 5 people, and often less cars.

We have logged many miles, praying for our children and interceding for them. God has been so faithful to meet us on our walks. It is such a blessing to have a praying husband. I am very thankful for Tim’s leadership, love and wisdom.

Maybe tomorrow’s pictures are a little better….

Project 365 – Day 336 (Dec 2)
Kathy

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December (Advent) Begins

As 2015 races to a close, I find myself with a little bit of time. I’m not going to make any blogging promises or firm commitments, but I do think I have time, interest and energy to end the year with a final attempt at Project 365 blogging.

Sarah loves to read the blog.  She's one of my biggest Project 365 fans.

Sarah loves to read the blog. She’s one of my biggest Project 365 fans.

I love, love, love the wonder of the Advent season. I love anticipating Christmas. It makes me smile to come up with creative ways to make December special for my family. And we savor the coming celebration of Jesus’ birth a little more as we practice the daily Advent gift exchange. I’ve written about our family’s Advent celebrations before.

2008 Advent Ice Cream Outing w/Dad
2007 Advent Thoughts
2007 Advent Ideas

Tim and I have an unspoken agreement – I handle all the kids’ Advent treats as well as his and he fills my Advent calendar box.

Sometimes the little items are too big to fit into my small Advent box. Thankfully there is a lovely stocking right nearby, perfect for holding larger treats..

Tasty Advent treat

Tasty Advent treat

Ah, cheese popcorn and Starbucks Via – the way to my heart. Even Marco approves.

"Where's my Advent treat, lady?"

“Where’s my Advent treat, lady?”

Last year I sent Advent boxes to Joshua and Rachel at college, as well as their two cousins and Joshua’s girlfriend (now wife!). It was fun to come up with creative (different) things to give to each person – that would all fit in a small box.

Project 365 – Day 335 (Dec 1)
Kathy

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