Tucked into the nooks and crannies of our countryside there is an abundance of beautiful places to explore. Even in an age of travel blogs, tourism webpages, and GPS directions it takes a bit of an adventurous spirit to enjoy the less traveled roads. You have to be willing to traverse a bit of the … Continue reading In Awe and Wonder: blessing
Advent
In Awe and Wonder: promise
Have you ever been fascinated by the swing of a pendulum or found yourself mesmerized by “perpetual motion toys” as a child (or as an adult, if we’re being honest)? The “Drinking Bird,” Newton’s Cradle, Spinning Top, and the Gyroscope to name a few! Not only did these toys captivate our attention, we also learned … Continue reading In Awe and Wonder: promise
In awe and wonder: hidden
Have you ever let your mind wander into what Eden would have been like… if the goodness of creation in Genesis chapters 1 and 2 remained and the fall never happened? Yesterday I wrote that it is often difficult to stop and see creation without the shadow of sin darkening the view. And while I … Continue reading In awe and wonder: hidden
In awe and wonder: Creation
"I made this!” Speaking honestly, there isn’t much in life that I’ve created that has given me great joy. Or perhaps it's more accurate to say there isn't much in life I've created that has given me lasting joy. Very limited times that my culinary creations or writing pieces have me saying, “Wow, that is … Continue reading In awe and wonder: Creation
Wednesdays with Jillene: “God with us”
"Momma," said my little Calah, "follow the moon. It will show us the way home." I paused. Because while at first I wanted to laugh but something else quickly came to mind. "Like the star over Bethlehem?" I questioned. "Yes." Was the matter-of-fact reply. Funny thing was... she was right. When we turned down towards … Continue reading Wednesdays with Jillene: “God with us”
Wednesdays with Jillene: from the silence and solitude
Sometimes you get the news you've always wanted and you sing it from the mountain tops for everyone to hear. But that didn't happen for Zechariah. It isn't what Elizabeth did either. Working my way towards Christmas, delving into scripture has given me much needed focus in my scatterbrained heart, provided some deep insight in … Continue reading Wednesdays with Jillene: from the silence and solitude
Wednesdays with Jillene: the pause of Advent
I'm not sure how the days have slipped away so; tomorrow is December 1st. It doesn't seem possible that Advent has begun. In that I realized we should start our Jesse Tree tomorrow and I wasn't sure where I'd stored it. My children are eager to put up the Christmas tree, but with a very … Continue reading Wednesdays with Jillene: the pause of Advent
Wednesdays with Jillene: Do your Christmas plans seem to fall short?
So here's the thing... my Christmas plans almost always seem to fall short. No really, even when I try to keep them minimal, remove all the distractions, focus on the real meaning... it never works out. Start Christmas shopping early and make efforts to find meaningful gifts = last minute shopping and waiting for Christmas … Continue reading Wednesdays with Jillene: Do your Christmas plans seem to fall short?
Wednesdays with Jillene: count down to Christmas
Not sure if you've heard, but... Christmas is drawing near. I've a house-full of children and almost as many opportunities to hear the updated count down to Christmas tally. Calendars have always been a source of angst in our home; mostly due to the constant struggle to be the one to mark the passing of … Continue reading Wednesdays with Jillene: count down to Christmas
Wednesdays with Jillene: value and worth
Does grocery shopping ever give you a headache. Standing in a store aisle trying to determine which item is the best value or the lowest price per unit of measure can be frustrating! Value and worth are not solely evaluations based on money. Someone or something is of value when found to be important or … Continue reading Wednesdays with Jillene: value and worth
Thin Moments 