Friends! It's mid-December!
Can you believe how quickly this year has gone by? At times. . . especially during many long nights in the hospital. . . time seemed to drag along this year. And yet, of course, time never does drag. It flies.
In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the season, I hope you've had a chance to take a deep breath and really take in the wonder and beauty of Advent. My Advent looks very different this year from years past. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have already seen this photo:
My decorating is pretty bare-bones this year. I'm not hosting any parties. But the miracle of the Incarnation is such that, even when I feel desperately alone, I am not. God is with me. God is with you. God is with all of us, all the time.
And today I am grateful to share a little of seasonal joy by welcoming you to the Grace at Home party, where we celebrate all the ways we make our homes places of grace and beauty. Here are a few highlights from last week's party.
Even though I'm not doing a lot of decorating this year, I surely love looking at beautifully decorated spaces, so I was glad to see this Christmas home tour from Shelley at Calypso in the Country.
If you're preparing for a party and need a wonderful serving tray, you'll love this idea for a DIY snowglobe tray from Nicolle at Our Tiny Nest.
Need a quick, fun little Christmas gift for someone? Check out this darling stencilled potholder from Beth at Creatively Beth.
Need an easy recipe for a luscious Christmas dessert? Lenny from Fat Dad Foodie shares Chocolate Peppermint Pie recipe, and it looks delicious!
Or for a quick and yummy treat, try the saltine toffee from Jodi at Create Kids Club. She even includes directions for making it gluten-free.
If you want to capture some of the beauty of Christmas in your photos, you'll be glad to learn some great photography tips from Pam at An Artful Mom.
Christmastime is a time of joy for so many—but not for everyone. If you know someone who is struggling with depression this Christmas, you'll want to read this post from Dr. Michelle Bengtson at Hope Prevails.
Thank you to everyone who joined last week's party!
Here at the Grace at Home party, you can link up any post you've written that demonstrates how you're filling your space with truth, goodness, and beauty. I invite you to link posts about
- DIY projects
- decorating
- recipes
- hospitality
- homemaking tips
- parenting
- marriage
- faith
- self-care
- soul care
Whatever you do to make your home or sphere of influence a place of grace, I'd like to hear about it. Here's what I ask of you. Please include the permalink to your post, not your blog's home page. Please let people know that you've linked up. No more than three posts per person, please. Note that if you link a post here, you are giving me permission to share your post, including a photo. And visit at least one of the other party participants--that's what really makes it a party!
I love your tree Richella and the pops of plaid in the pillows. It looks perfectly cozy! I've been following along on your husband and your sons journey and continue to loft you guys up in prayer. I know this season has not been an easy one for you and I'm thankful you have lots of people around willing to step in as needed. Hang in there and know you are loved. Big hugs and thanks for hosting, CoCo
ReplyDeleteI know this has been a challenging season for you and your family. Praying that you sense God's presence in both powerful and quiet ways.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting, Richella! Your home looks lovely as it displays the glory and grace of God as you love and care for your hubby and son. I am blessed as you speak words of contentment in this unexpected season. Praying for continued grace upon grace.
ReplyDeleteThanks you for hosting even with all you have going on. Your room looks warm and cozy! I saw a meme the other day that said, "It's okay if your Christmas is simple. The first one was, too." May God grant healing and grace for your family and a very special Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThere are some years that necessitate a bare-bones approach, and I'm sorry this has been one of those seasons for you, Richella. Every year is different. I hope next year will be a very healthy one for your husband.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU SO MUCH for featuring my Oven Mitt Cookie Gift this week, Richella!
ReplyDeleteSimple is perfect! Your home looks lovely. Enjoy your husband and son and all your family as that's what's most important. Wishing you a blessed season and keeping you in my prayers. XO- MaryJo
ReplyDeleteHoping your hubby & son are feeling better Richella.
ReplyDeleteI haven't put my tree up yet, so you're ahead of me in that aspect.
Blessings, Jennifer
Thankyou for having us over Richella. You bless us with your insights and personal journey. I'm praying you all will have a beautiful and blessed Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYour home looks so pretty and cozy. Hopefully, you're enjoying the peacefulness during this stressful time. Prayers for a happy and healthy new year. Thanks for hosting - and thank you for featuring my Christmas tour!
ReplyDeleteShelley
Bless you, Richella ...
ReplyDeletexo
Richella I am keeping your sweet family in my thoughts and sending lots of healing energy your way! Hang in there! And thank you for featuring my DIY snowglobe tray!
ReplyDeleteRachella, thank you so much for the feature. Continuing to pray for you and your family, that next year will be one of blessing and favor.
ReplyDelete