Merry & Bright

Our Christmas season was so wonderful -- the closeness of family, amazingly delicious food, plenty of laughter, blessings all around. I am so thankful for every one of my siblings, their spouses and children, and all of my in-laws. My parents and grandmother are so special to me, and I can't imagine Christmas without them. As much as I tried to soak up every sweet moment, it passed all too quickly, especially in light of all of the anger and sadness this world has experienced of late.

 {My mom and I made an orange pomegranate punch with rosemary and ginger. So delicious! And so fun to see the guys drinking from the dainty vintage milk glass punch cups.}

Most of all this Christmas season, I am grateful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who left His Father's throne in heaven to live as a man on this earth and to pay for my salvation with his very life.

Hope you had the merriest of Christmases.

xoxo

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New Directions

Priorities are altering... focus is shifting... dreams are changing.

And in light of that, so is this blog.

I will be taking more time to spend in the word, listening to these podcasts, continuing to make healthy changes, enjoying weekends with my husband, and serving my community. As a follower of Christ, I am called to more than a life focused on myself; I am called to grow, serve and minister. I am confident that the Lord can use any part of my life for His glory, and I hope that this blog will be something He can use.

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I don't mean to be offensive, and I hope that's not the case. I am being honest and open about the truth of the gospel, and I hope that you can find inspiration in that. 

I'll still post about the things that I enjoy... cooking, camping & hiking trips, and even outfits, but I needed you to know that my heart is changing. There's nothing wrong with physical luxuries, as "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows," {James 1:17} and I consider my home, nature, and even my wardrobe good and perfect gifts. However, I don't want these things to consume my time or become my focus.

So here's to new beginnings, healthier lifestyles, and service to those less fortunate.

xoxo

copyright Hiking in Stilettos