Happy New Year! 🎉 As we step into a fresh year, there’s no better time to start a life-changing habit: keeping a gratitude journal. About five years ago, I began mine after reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. The book challenged me to notice what my friend and I call “God Kisses”—those everyday blessings that make life beautiful. Gratitude journaling is all about capturing the little moments that warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. Over the years, I’ve recorded memories like sweet phone calls with my dad, the sound of rain, birds at the feeder, and even my 13-year-old reaching for my hand in a crowded place—a fleeting treasure I’ll cherish forever. Why Keep a Gratitude Journal? Helps you focus on the positive. Cultivates joy in the small, everyday moments. Encourages mindfulness and slows you down. Boosts your mood and lowers stress. Creates a record of happy memories to revisit during tough times. Deepens your connection with God by thanking Him for life’s bl...
As I sit here in my kitchen, listening to the pitter-patter of rain, I find myself reflecting on the whirlwind that was November. I adore the calming sound of rain, but tornado warnings this late in the year? Not so much. It’s strange how quickly the holiday season sneaks up on us. Every year, I tell myself I’ll be prepared, but instead, I over-plan and overwhelm myself. I make lists upon lists, brainstorm ideas until my I drive myself crazy, all in an effort to create a holiday that feels precious and memorable.When I was a child, this time of year was pure magic. The sights, the smells, the sounds—it all captivated my imagination. Growing up in a house where I believed in Santa, I pondered the mystery of how he’d squeeze down our chimney to deliver toys. The true magic, though, was Christmas morning: waking up at the crack of dawn and running to the living room to see the gifts Santa had left. That joy, that wonder, is something I’ve worked hard to recreate for my own kids. For years...