A most wonderful time

I took a long break for the holidays (obviously).  It was a hectic month but a great one as well.  Work was ever-stressful, but I found peace and rest with my family and friends.  I ate a lot, laughed a lot, reflected on Christ's love a lot.

I can't believe another year is drawing to a close.  As I head into the new year, I'm praying for renewed passion, renewed joy, renewed vision for His plan for my life.  I'm asking for more of Him and less of me. 

I love that a new year is dawning.  With it, so much hope and so much expectation comes.  I am excited about things that will be new, things that will change and the things that are steadfast.

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).

Laudable Links: 3rd Edition

Can you believe it's December? So, in honor of "the most wonderful time of year," this Laudable Links is Christmas-themed!

RECIPES

• Cathie Filian's How to be Domestic blog always has great ideas.  I love these recipes for chocolate-dipped goodies.  They would be so cute wrapped up to give as gifts.

(photo from How to Be Domestic)

CRAFTINESS

• This adorable yarn ball wreath is super simple to make.  The Pleated Poppy's tutorial is easy to follow.

(photo from The Pleated Poppy)

• The Crafting Chicks have a great tutorial for a cute-as-pie Christmas Countdown Garland with fun daily tasks to prepare for the big day!

FLUFFINATION (this phrase was coined by my friend Wanda and means "the art of fluffing the home")

• PeasandCarrotsToo's etsy.com store has these adorable Christmas tree napkins for sale.

(photo from PeasandCarrotsToo on etsy.com)

• The Inspired Room has a great post about How to Decorate a Christmas Mantel.

GOOD FOR THE SOUL

• Advent season is upon us.  I posted earlier in the week the link to the outline that I follow. Here it is again.

• Another book that is an excellent resource is by Nancy Guthrie. Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus can be found HERE.

Traditions

Christmas is officially here! I love this time of year.  It's full of fun and meaningful traditions and the opportunity to love on your family and friends a little more!  Over the past few weeks I've been taking part in some "traditions." Some are silly and fun while some are serious reminders about the true meaning of this time of year, but all remind me how blessed I am.

An annual shopping trip with friends around Thanksgiving...12 years running.

Celebrating Thanksgiving and taking family pictures.

Decorating the tree while watching a favorite Christmas movie.

Reading Scripture for Advent. I follow this outline.

Drinking Peppermint Mocha creamer in my coffee out of my Christmas mugs.

What traditions do you and your family have around this time of year?