Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

This time of year is filled with highs and lows, isn’t it? One moment it’s a play with little ones singing their hearts out on stage. The next, there’s something broken in the house that needs fixing urgently. That sound of water running, and no one’s in the shower. Not good! Then my heart is with sick friends in hospital and ones far away. There’s missing loved ones you’re apart from. And sometimes difficult moments with others whose words jar and barb rather than heal. Sickness seems inevitable, and a rush of memories from wonderful times and rough ones all meld together. There’s new friends to be grateful for and ones who’ve moved far away but you want them to remain close in heart. It’s all mixed up in a whirlwind of trying to make sure the emphasis isn’t on stuff but on sending a moment of heartfelt love in every circumstance.

I wanted to stop for a brief time here and just thank you for your support and encouragement as the year draws to a close. It’s been such a blessing to hear from people who’ve needed a boost in a difficult season of life and found a nugget of hope to carry on and thrive. And I loved sharing exciting times on the road to publication with finding my wonderful agent with Waterside Literary and developing ideas for future projects like the new website and media work to come.

I am reminded over and again how special each individual simple moment is when I’m making cookies with my boys (and their lips are suspiciously red or blue in hue), when we visit with a sick friend and bring a smile, when we meet a new neighbor and share some joy, when I count all the blessings in my path. You are very high among them. Thank you!

My boys have become very fond of making slow-motion short movies of a water fountain dripping, or something flying in mid-air. (You can see some of their videos at and bloopers at MakeUsSmile.com). Somehow I want to choose that setting for this holiday. The slow-it-down and cherish-the-little-things button is close by. I hope you find creative ways to be captivated with cooking, take a walk and really listen to your loved one’s dreams, and count blessings more than negative things as you look at this past year.

Here’s wishing you wonderful, warm moments, times that recharge and rebuild, and a touch of God’s whispers of love in Christ this Christmas. Bless you all!