Faith L. Potts's Blog, page 2
February 13, 2021
When Calls the Heart '21 || Guest Post: Pros & Cons of Lucas & Nathan
Yo fam!
Today we have a guest post from my When Calls the Heart buddy... talking about the elephant in the room, the lingering love triangle.
!! Disclaimer: The following article contains opinions that are not necessarily approved or endorsed by this blog. Stories by Firefly cannot and does not recommend joining #TeamLucas but leaves the final decision in the capable mind of the reader. Proceed with caution. !!
You can click over to Rebekah's blog here to read my pros and cons for each guy. ;)
If you’re keeping up with When Calls the Heart you know that there is a love triangle going on. Who will Elizabeth fall in love with? Lucas the saloon owner or Nathan the Mountie??
I’m Team Lucas all the way! Before I ever “met” either guy I was not wanting Lucas actually. I mean he’s a saloon owner and I thought Nathan was better looking. I don’t think that anymore! You can’t tell that kind of thing from a picture, you have to see them in action to decide for yourself. ;)
Okay, here are my pros and cons for each guy!
1. He is caring.
2. He is good with little Jack. (I mean there hasn’t been that many interactions, but one specifically stands out.) He also really cares for his niece.
3. He does a good job of protecting the people of Hope Valley.
1. Nathan is slightly boring. He likes Elizabeth but won’t make any moves, but he gets mad when Lucas asks her out? Like, don’t be mad Nathan, if you want Elizabeth you have to try.
2 .Nathan has a very obnoxious niece named Allie. I am sorry, I really like the story of Nathan raising his niece I just can’t stand Allie... (I can only hope she gets better in this new season)
3. I just don’t think he’s good for Elizabeth. I mean Nathan is caring but yeah, I don’t think Elizabeth should go for another Mountie…
1.Lucas is very romantic. (and good looking. ;))
2. He is supportive of Elizabeth’s writing.
3. He is helping bring progress to Hope Valley.
1. Lucas does have a bit of a past, and it did catch up with him and put Elizabeth in danger. But it all worked out. Just because someone doesn’t have a great past doesn’t mean they are a bad person.
2. Some people think he’s trying to buy Elizabeth’s love. He’s not he is just like me and has the gift of giving. Anyways, Jack was also really romantic and I like that Lucas is too.
3. At one point he was a bit too supportive of Elizabeth’s writing and did something he should’ve had Elizabeth’s permission for, but it all worked out and she forgave him.
*
giveaway details are here + leave your comments today to get extra entries!
February 12, 2021
When Calls the Heart '21 || Season Eight Collaboration
Happy Friday, lovelies!
And welcome to the unofficial fifth annual When Calls the Heart blog party, hosted by yours truly and my friend, Rebekah. It's a fun thing we do every Valentines week/weekend, as much for our own enjoyment as sharing with y'all. :)
For day one, we wrote a collab/convo about our speculations for the new season, which premieres in just over a week!
Rebekah: Welcome to the When Calls the Heart blog party!
Faith: Woot, woot! Fifth year in a row :D
R: I can’t believe this is our fifth year doing this!
F: Me either! We must be getting old…
R: Haha, I know right?
F: But you know what the best part about another year of this party is? Another season of our beloved series. ;)
R: Yes! I am so excited to see where season 8 goes!
Only a week left until it premiers!
F: *tosses confetti* I was thinking about this last night and trying to remember if the new season was season 7 or 8. (I always combine 6 and 7 in my mind for some reason… :P) But wow, 8 years of Hope Valley!
R: Yeah, 8 years! It’s hard to believe there’s been that many seasons already.
F: What would you say you are most looking forward to about season 8? Or do I have to ask? ;)
R: I am really looking forward to Elizabeth picking a guy. ;) A certain saloon owner would be nice. ;)
F: Saloon owner, you say? I’m sorry, my dear, you must be mistaken about the fellow’s occupation… He’s a mountie. ;)
R: No, no...he is definitely not a Mountie. ;) I do like Nathan, but not for Elizabeth!
F: *laughing* okay, I tried… We’ll never agree on this one… I guess we’ll have to wait and see!
R: Haha! I think the only Hope Valley couple we actually have agreed on is Lee and Rosemary.
F: Yes, true… And Jesse and Clara. But we never did agree on a suitor for Abigail.
R: How could I forget Jesse and Clara! They’re a cute couple.
Yes, we never could agree on Abigail’s love life…. (although Frank was great!)
F: I hope to see more of their relationship growth and such in season 8! Wait… who’s Frank again? .... Okay, okay, I’m kidding. xD
R: I do too!!
Faith, you’re killing me here! ;D But Abigail’s not around anymore so I suppose it doesn’t matter too much anymore…
F: Hehehe… Okay, since Abigail is no longer on the show, I guess I can drop the Frank thing… Bill is still around, so I’m pleased with that. ;)
R: Well, since Frank and Abigail are gone I don’t really mind Bill being around still. ;)
F: I’ve always thought Bill was an interesting character. Shady enough to keep me guessing (and wondering if he was actually a bad guy sometimes), but I always end up liking him. I especially liked his relationship with Jack.
R: Exactly! Like I always go between liking Bill and disliking him!
But yes! I really liked his relationship with Jack too.
I really like how Bill looks out for Elizabeth and baby Jack. <3
F: Yes! And I’ve liked what I’ve seen so far of his relationship with Nathan, how especially in most recent episode they were teasing each other a bit and such.
Awwww, yes. <3 Proof that Bill does have a heart.
R: Oh yeah, I had kinda forgotten about Bill’s relationship with Nathan…
Bill doesn’t seem to really be a fan of Lucas though…
F: I don’t remember a lot from season 7 (I need to re-watch next week before the new season starts airing!) but I’m specifically remembering the scene before Bill and Nathan leave for the *spoiler* prisoner transfer that ended in that other Mountie getting killed *spoiler* and Bill was like “yes, we’re leaving now. Get your stuff, let’s go!” And Nathan’s just like, “okay, fine.” xD
Hmmm… maybe Bill knows something about Lucas that we don’t…? ;)
R: (I should do that too!)
Oh right, I do remember that. (I mean how could I forget with that leading to the whole ending of the season?!)
Yeah, I don’t know about that. ;)
F: Right?! (That hug though… *heart eyes*)
Hehehe… Maybe he’s just being cautious because he’s looking out for Elizabeth… we’ll see. :P
Okay, now that we’re thoroughly sidetracked… any other expectations/speculations about season 8??
R: Yes...the hug...I feel like the hug though was just because of the situation... because I mean there was that sweet scene with Lucas shortly before… ;)
Haha, right?! Well, I really hope Lee and Rosemary have a baby or adopt a kid. Since about season 6 I think it’s sort of briefly been in there but nothing has happened.
F: Maybe… but it was still super sweet. Ahh, yes, Lucas the charmer… how could I forget? ;)
Oh, I’d forgotten about that! Yes, I would definitely like to see some progression in that possibly-forgotten side-plot. I truly would love to see them adopt a child. I love adoption plots and I think they’d be great parents. <3
R: Okay, it was kinda sweet. ;) But the look on Lucas’s face about broke my heart when he saw Elizabeth hug Nathan! (okay, I’m being slightly dramatic. ;))
It would be so sweet for them to adopt, the two of them would be amazing parents!!
F: Poor guy… I’m not even being sarcastic this time—either way this goes, one of the guys will get hurt… :’(
Right?! Plus I always enjoy when they bring in characters from When Hope Calls to WCTH and the other way around. (Speaking of which, did WHC ever get confirmed for a second season?)
R: I know! Like I want Elizabeth to pick a guy, but I’ll feel bad for the other guy no matter which one it is.
I love it when they do that too! When Hope Calls has such a fun cast and I love it when they show up in When Calls the Heart. (No, I never heard anything about a season 2 of WHC. I hope they decide to do one though because I was really enjoying that show!)
F: I know, right? Reason #1 that I’m typically not a fan of love triangles. All the accompanying drama being a close #2. But still, I hope the love triangle gets settled in the new season, one way or another. I don’t like lingering unanswered questions… :P
(I wish they would!)
R: Exactly!
I feel like the love triangle will get resolved towards the end of the season, because you know how they like to draw things out… ;)
F: Don’t I know it! ;) Yeah, I think it probably will be. Especially after seeing the video *sorta spoiler* of Elizabeth taking off her wedding band. I’m thinking that’ll happen further into the season maybe before she actually “picks” someone.
R: Oh my goodness! Yes! That video is both sweet and kinda sad.
Yeah, probably…
F: It definitely shows the bittersweetness of a changing season of life… I’m excited to see what it signifies for a future/growing relationship for her.
Another thing I’m curious to see in season 8 is how the writers take Faith and Carson’s relationship. I’m struggling to remember where they were with things when season 7 ended. I haven’t always been a total fan of their relationship (sometimes I think he’s too old for her xD), but I’m interested to see how that plays out.
R: For sure! <3
Yes, I’m also excited to see where things go with Carson and Faith. I cannot remember where season 7 left things with them. I remember them saying how they felt about each other and kissing, but I think that was earlier on.
I like them together, but yeah, sometimes it does seem like he’s too old for her.
Speaking of relationships, I’m excited to see where season 8 goes with Jesse and Claras as newlyweds!
F: Yes, I remember that too, but I don’t recall whether or not anything specific happened after that. I know Carson is in that scene with the Elizabeth/Nathan hug, but I don’t remember when we last see Faith. I really do need to rewatch. ;)
Agreed! They’re so cute. <3
R: Right, Carson was in that scene, but yeah, I cannot remember about Faith. I totally need to rewatch season 7 as well. ;)
I think it would be sweet to see Clara and Jesse have a baby, but I feel like that would be too soon for this season since they just got married in the middle of season 7.
F: I was just thinking it would be cute for them to be pregnant in the new season! But yeah, I don’t know if the writers will want for that to happen so soon. They let Elizabeth have a baby right away though… ;P
R: That would be so cute!
True, so there is hope! ;)
F: As long as Jesse doesn’t have to die in order for it to happen…
R: Right! I don’t want any more deaths to happen!!
F: No character deaths this season, please!
The only other expectation I have for the new season is that I hope to see storylines with Fiona! She’s a fun character.
R: Oh yes! Fiona is a really fun character. I hope we get to know her more in the new season. :)
F: We could seriously talk about WCTH for days on end. ;) Anything else to add?
R: We definitely could! ;)
Nothing else comes to mind at the moment, although I’m sure I’ll think of more stuff later. ;D
F: Haha, right? I’ll think of something as soon as I sign off… xD This has been so much fun!
R: Same here. ;)
Yes, it has been lots of fun!
F: Until next time, lovely friend! *waves*
R: Goodbye! <3
<3
Yep, there's a giveaway too. ;) To enter, simply comment on my post and Rebekah's today and tomorrow. Each post commented on counts as a entry, so there's a total number of four possible entries. (In other words, multiple comments per post don't gain additional entries.) Two winners will be chosen at random and announced in Sunday's post. :)
In the prize stash we have...
- When Calls the Heart: The Christmas Wishing Tree DVD
- When Calls the Heart: Heart of the Family DVD
- When Calls the Heart: Heart and Home DVD
- When God Calls the Heart to Love Devotional
First place winner will receive their choice of two items from the list, and the second place winner will receive the other two items. Each will also receive a few Valentines themed stationary items (journal, cards, stickers, pens, etc.).
January 15, 2021
Top 15 New Reads of 2020
Hello, lovelies!
In the midst of reflecting on all that 2020 was and all it wasn't, I decided to delve into the less-serious sides of 2020. Namely, my reading material over the past 12 months.
I read 81 books in 2020, which sounds good compared to 68 in 2019, but lousy compared to 201 in 2018 or 168 in 2017... Still, it was a nice number, in light of the limited reading time I had for most of the year.
So yeah, I picked my top five reads in three categories to spotlight! I removed a few books from this list that were Christmas, since I'd already talked about them during 12DoC, or were re-reads to help narrow down the list. Because...I'm terrible at picking favorites. *throws up hands*
A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano/ beautiful eloquent prose / deeply woven mystery / pretty names: Tressa, Trevalyn, Donegan / vineyard setting / one first person POV & one third person POV / oceanside estate / buddy read /
Untitled by Jesseca Wheaton/ raw, heartfelt prose / WWII - war in the pacific / brotherhood / harsh war fiction / painful / indie fiction / totally broke me / spotlighting the untitled, forgotten ones /
Never Say Goodbye by Sarah Grace Grzy/ single father trope / bookstore vibes / broke my heart and put it back together / stunning cover art / sequel to Live Without You / adored the audiobook /
Tattered Wings by Kassie Angle/ working dog rep / spunky girl MC / strong brotherhood relations / fragments of a memory / wounded soldiers / tattered wings still fly /
He Wore Brass Buttons by Willowy Whisper/ beautiful historical collection / intoxicating writing style / one novelette + three short stories / The Tiny Gift was my fav <3 /
All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols / thoughts for boundless living / free-style poetry / inspiring artwork / encouragement for every heart /
He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado/ lingering at the foot of the cross / soul-stirring thoughts and reflections / well-done audiobook /
War Letters compiled by Andrew Carroll/ genuine letters from America's wars / revolutionary war through Iraqi conflict / over 500 pages of history / a total treasure / aside from being abridged, epic audiobook /
Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris/ inspiration to use the middle and high school years as something more / teen encouragement / upstart of the Rebelution blog / late to the party on this one / best suited for teens /
Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon / "10 things nobody told you about being creative" / insight into the life of an artist / humorous / oddly inspiring / includes original art /
Off Course by Angie Thompson/ sibling relationships / foster care and juvenile detention rep / cemeteries always get me / might have cried a lot /
A Touch of Purple Paint by Hailey Rose/ broke my heart into pieces / childhood cancer rep / amputee rep / grief and loss / cried so dang hard / 
What the Cat Dragged In by Angie Thompson/ perfect winter story / adorable little kid / foster care rep / reunited / sibling relationship /
Lockdown by Angela R. Watts/ prequel to the Infidel Books / 2020 vibes / all the feels / "America forgets too much." /
Tin Can Serenade by Amanda Dykes/ epistolary historical story / adorable story / deeper story than I expected / precious Christmasy tale /
January 9, 2021
2020 || He is Still Good.
Hello, lovelies <3
I'm here today to talk about 2020. Ya know, that "dumpster fire of a year we're calling 2020." (It's like... a train wreck. Except the train is just rows of dumpsters. And they're all on fire.)
Slightly kidding... ;P It was a rough year, but God is good. At many times, it felt like the whole world was shrouded by pain and fear and grief and loss. So much loss. But no matter what, I know He is still good.
So yeah, I'm gonna talk about a few things from this year and throw out some random highlights from each month and dump some photos on y'all... Here goes.
My words of the year for 2020 were fearless and faithful.
By fearless, I meant I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. I wanted to do things that intimidated me. I wanted to work past the fear of the unknown.
By faithful, I meant I wanted to be faithful to the people in my life. I wanted to be faithful to following the Father's leading and spending time at His feet. I wanted to be faithful to spending quality times with family and friends. I wanted to be faithful to giving my all, no matter the task ahead of me.
Welp.
2020 was not what I expected.
Fearless came to mean being present in the moment, when it was uncomfortable and difficult and painful. It meant showing up to work, when work was exhausting and wearying. Satisfying my heart with peace from my Creator, mustering a smile, and setting forth into another long day.
Faithful... ahh, what a special word. Instead of me being faithful to others, time after time I experienced others being faithful to me. Friends who showed up and showed love. People—special, lovely, broken, amazing, beautiful people—who loved me through the hard times this year and let me love them back. Faithful friends are an incredible thing and realizing you have several is even better. <3
(I might talk about faithfulness more sometime... we shall see...)
• Discovered the early 2000s TV show, Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye and my life will never be the same.
• Ventured off to the Atlanta AmeriMart with work peeps. It was fun, but exhausting. xD
• House-sitting/pet-sitting for a week.
• Make plans/goals for the year—most of which didn't happen, ahaha.
explored cemeteries
• Took a trip eastward to spend the weekend with special friends. <3
• Lots of reading and writing.
• House-sitting/pet-sitting several times.
• More snow.
• Discovered Murdoch Mysteries as a result of watching Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye and quickly became hooked.
• Talked about my poor, neglected WIP on here.
• Work started back up full-time as we prepped and received inventory for what turned out to be a crazy busy summer/fall season.
• A dear friend, teenage son and brother of a family very close to us, went home to be with Jesus. It was totally unexpected and a very difficult month in many ways.
• Lockdowns began. Work wasn't immediately affected, but church and other activities were.
crazy bro ;P
• Yellow flowers brightened my room, a thoughtful gift from a friend. <3
• Apparently I had iced coffee + shrimp&grits for lunch at work a couple times?? #whattacombo
• Sending lots of snail mail.
• We started having church services in the parking lot and gathering with other believers was breath of light air in an otherwise heavy time.
• Work Work Work.
• Wrote a three-part Easter series that meant a lot to me. <3
{ friday • saturday • sunday }
My family... xD
• Spent a Sunday afternoon on the lake with dad.
• Work shenanigans... like microwaving Doritos. Don't ask.
• Baking every time I got bored. What is it they say about #QuarantineLife?
• A weekend visit from friends. <3
• Golf cart races in the dark + getting a plastic cup of Cheerwine thrown in my face during one such race.
sweet sis <3
• Began the summer semester with a math and English course.
• Exploring creepy backroads with the fam.
• Wore overalls and plaid tops to work many days and felt like a total southern country girl. ;)
• More work shenanigans. Like wearing cowboy hats and racing in the rain and who-can-carry-the-most-beer... The store where I work opened a deli on the property, and I got to experience working in food service for the first time. It's a lot more fun than I expected.
• Published Window Fellow on Amazon Kindle. <3
• Spent the Fourth of July weekend pulling long shifts at work. But hey, I decked out in red, white, & blue from head to toe. ;)
• Sunday afternoons on the lake with the fam, spending every extra minute soaking up the sunshine, and long Jeep rides with the tops off.
• More house-sitting.
• Cows! Meet the newest additions to the Potts family farmstead...
Rain. So much rain.
• Finalized enrollment for the fall semester + ordered textbooks and student ID. First day of official, on-campus classes was the 19th. I feel like such an adult, what is this madness??
• Went on an adventure! A lovely gang of us girls took off to the beach for a super sweet 4 day weekend (three and a half days? it felt wwayyy too short). We lounged on the beach, explored the island, and visited Fort Sumter and the USS Yorktown. So many memories. <3
my favorite dress ever *heart eyes*
• I took very few pictures this month, compared to others?? Oh, right, because I was SWAMPED in homework. Ahahahaa... But yeah, seriously, college + a 3hr roundtrip commute a couple nights a week kills your free time, but also allows for lots of audiobook/music jam time, soooo... We ain't complainin'.
• House-sitting multiple times. The kind where you're home for like one night, gone somewhere, home again, gone again. Add in work and school, and I basically lived in my car sometimes. xD
• Hung out with the bro one night and helped him change the wheels and tires on his truck, so I'm basically a certified mechanic now.
• Life update + 9/11 Tribute.
• More school, more work, more long weeks, more COVID, more being tired all the time.... but never running out of grace. <3
• Church cookout on the banks of the river was a special time. <3
• Bought a new ball cap and I LOVE IT.
• Watched all four seasons of Chesapeake Shores after considering it for awhile. I liked it a lot more than I expected to. ;)
• Dressing up as Toy Story characters with the work squad. I was the little toy soldier/army dude guy. (<< this coming from the girl who hasn't actually SEEN Toy Story).
ahahahaha...
• The election...happened.
• My ASL teacher brought his dog to class and succeeded at distracting everyone from the lecture.
• Work busyness with holiday crowds + people looking for Christmas tree farms, haha.
• Enjoyed Thanksgiving with the fam—which consisted of Thanksgiving dinner, and then hauling logs with the bro. xD
0% battery life? #mood
• Christmas decorations + Christmas baking.
• Final shifts at work. The company I work for closes during the winter, so we worked to shut down + do inventory the week before Christmas.
• Hosted 12 Days of Christmas again and loved it.
• Work Christmas party + church Christmas gathering.
• We woke up to a beautiful snow on Christmas morning and it made me deliciously happy. <3
• New Years Eve visiting + dinner with the cousins. :D
// list of accomplishments
• grew closer to my Savior than I've ever been before
• bemoaned everything that got canceled...
• worked 45-50 hours weeks for most of the summer
• started college & am now 24 credits toward my degree
• house-sitting/pet-sitting sooo many times
• only traveled once *sob*
• read 81 books
• published my short story, Window Fellow
December 25, 2020
12 Days of Christmas || Day 12 || Merry Christmas + Favorite Posts
Merry Christmas, beautiful souls!
A special reminder this morning... Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby for you. He came for you. He came to be with you. The hope, the love, the peace He brings—it's all for us. The gift of Christmas was always meant for us.
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. // matthew 1:23
Thank you all for sticking it out through these almost-two-weeks of Christmas-y-ness. I appreciate it so much. <3 I'll enjoy finishing reading and commenting on everyone's posts tonight or tomorrow. We had 122 posts this year!
First up, the giveaway winners are Lilly W. and Marion. Congratulations, ladies! I'll be emailing y'all about your prizes shortly.
To wrap up the party, I picked my favorite blog post from each participating blog. Which was a lot of fun. ;)
Angela Watts, Author >> Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?
Kaitlyn Krispense, Author >> Wake Up
Faith on the Farm >> Word Study on "Lamb"
Farm Life: Autumn's Adventures >> Christmas Devo
Life of Heritage >> Merry Christmas + 2 Surprises
Little Blossoms for Jesus >> 7 Favourite Christmas Covers
Maidens for Modesty >> Hope was Born
Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors >> My Must-Watch Christmas Movies
Old-Fashioned Book Love >> As in Olden Days by Jesseca Wheaton
Qadash - Set Apart, for Him >> Jesus Christ
Read Review Rejoice >> 12 Days of Christmas Blog Party: Day 1
RebekahAshleigh >> Christmas Decorations
Reviews from the Stacks >> Battle of the Christmas Book Covers
Showers of Blessings >> Why He Came
Soldier Girl Stories >> 12 Days of Christmas — Day Twelve (read in order!)
Tower in the Plains >> Christmas Favorites: Favorite Thing
Whimsical Writings for His Glory >> Short Story
1 Reason to Celebrate Christmas @ Little Blossoms for Jesus
12 Days of Christmas — Day Twelve @ Soldier Girl Stories
The Christmas Story @ Farm Life: Autumn's Adventures
Christmas Surprise @ Life of Heritage
The Greatest First Line Friday @ Reviews from the Stacks
Merry Christmas @ RebekahAshleigh
Merry Christmas @ Faith on the Farm
Merry Christmas @ Tower in the Plains
Short Story @ Whimsical Writings for His Glory
December 24, 2020
12 Days of Christmas || Day 11 || Your Pain is Not Forgotten
This isn't the post I had planned for today. If you had told me during previous Christmases that I would be writing this now, I'm not sure I would have believed you. Yet this is the only thing I feel peace about sharing today, Christmas Eve 2020.
*
Christmas has always been my favorite time. But after this year, it feels tarnished. The pressure to be happy and get "into the spirit" seems almost silly after a year marred by heartache, brokenness, and loss. The typical Christmas movie with a scrooge-like character who, through a series of events, discovers the "true meaning of Christmas" isn't a plot I've found as much enjoyment in this year.
And you know what? That's okay. It's taken me a few weeks to realize, understand, and make peace with the fact that Christmas isn't the same this year and it's not a bad thing. While the earthly things of Christmas—the supposed feeling in the air, the movies, the books, even the gift-giving—doesn't feel as special or meaningful right now, the real reason of Christmas can never change or lose it's glory.
I have known many families to experience unimaginable loss and pain throughout the course of this year, and it weighs heavy on my heart. While talking with a sweet friend a few weeks ago, she reminded me of a beautiful truth.
Your pain is not forgotten.
My pain, your pain, the pain of everyone on the globe... is not forgotten by the Lord God who created each and every one of us.
In the midst of a season focused on happiness, it's okay if our hearts still ache. Because He is right there with us, holding us through our pain, healing our hearts.
To the family with an empty seat at the table this year, an empty truck in the driveway, and presents under the tree addressed to one who won't be here to open them... your pain is not forgotten. You are seen. You are loved.
To the service members far from home, away from family and missing Christmas and all it brings. Just because you signed up for this doesn't mean you aren't allowed to have sadness in your heart.
To the one with a worry-filled heart for the addicted family member thats gone astray. Jesus knows and hears and welcomes you both into His loving arms.
To the couple unable to have a child in the midst of a season with emphasis on family and children... your pain is not unnoticed, your prayers are not unheard.
To the elderly locked away inside nursing homes, unable to see beloved family members this Christmas... You are not forgotten. You are loved and missed and cherished.
To the grieving, to the lonely, to the estranged, to the broken, to the hurting, to the worried, to the fearful...
Your pain is not forgotten.
You are seen. You are heard. You are loved. You are held. You are broken, but you are healing.
We can rejoice, even with heavy hearts.
We can rejoice, even though our souls are weary.
We can rejoice, knowing our pain is not forgotten.
2 Christmas Freebies @ Little Blossoms for Jesus
12 Days of Christmas — Day Eleven @ Soldier Girl Stories
And There Were Shepherds @ Maidens of Modesty
“Beasley’s Christmas Party” by Booth Tarkington @ Old-Fashioned Book Love
Christmas Favorites: Favorite Thing @ Tower in the Plains
Christmas Story: Expected End, pt.7 @ Life of Heritage
A Few of My Favorite Things: Room Tour of My Favorite Decorations @ Reviews from the Stacks
Jesus Christ @ Qadash - Set Apart, for Him
Living Like Jesus @ Angela Watts, Author
Movie/Book Comparison @ RebekahAshleigh
Movie Review: The Nativity @ Farm Life: Autumn's Adventures
Silver Nights {part 1} @ Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors
Word Study on "Reign" @ Faith on the Farm
December 23, 2020
12 Days of Christmas || Day 10 || Celebration of LIGHT
Another random peek into the Christmastime ponderings of Faith on this Christmas Eve Eve...
Christmas is a celebration of light. Of all that is good in the world. Of goodwill toward men. Of looking out for each other. Of kind deeds and words of love.
A celebration of light in darkness.
We celebrate with earthly, glowing, shimmering lights. Christmas lights on houses and in yards. Christmas trees adorned in strands of light, whether glowing white or hues of varying color. The light of candles inside homes and at Christmas candlelight services. Lights shining against nativity scenes and Christmas settings on street corners. Lighted snowflakes, angels, and stars stretch out from streetlamps.
Everything is lit and glowing at Christmastime.
But also, more importantly, its a celebration of the Light that came into the world that long-ago night in the village of Bethlehem. The Light that came to save us from our inherent sinfulness. The Light that would once and for always break the bonds of darkness.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
// John 1:5
The secular world, while claiming no allegiance to Christ, still unknowing celebrates light at Christmas. Christmas lights are still put up, candles are lit, lights adorn everything. Yes, because they’re pretty, but we don't do it year round.
They're all reminders of light in darkness. They're a demonstration that goodness can still overpower evil. No, not because of any goodness that we may think to obtain without ourselves, but because of the goodness of God.
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
// Ephesians 5:8
Christmas is a season of sharing light and spreading light. Not just holding onto it and keeping it for yourself, but sharing it with those around you so that all can benefit from seeing the Light inside of us.
For many, 2020 has been a particularly dark year. If you don't feel like your light is very bright this year, that's okay. It was never your light to begin with. God can and will still shine His Light through you, even when we don't feel good enough or faithful enough. Hold your light out and like God do the work and have all the glory.Even after a year like 2020, we can still celebrate LIGHT.
3 Traditional Christmas Foods @ Little Blossoms for Jesus
5 Things I Want to Do on Christmas @ Life of Heritage
12 Days of Christmas — Day Ten @ Soldier Girl Stories
Book Review: The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs @ Reviews from the Stacks
A Christmasy Story, Part 2 @ Farm Life: Autumn's Adventures
Favorite Christmas Books @ Angela Watts, Author
In Which I Attempt to Write a Christmas Story @ Faith on the Farm
Why He Came @ Showers of Blessings
December 22, 2020
12 Days of Christmas || Day 9 || The Innkeeper by John Piper: Review
Good morning, lovelies <3
Today I'm reviewing a tiny little book that I picked up at my favorite used bookstore on a whim and totally knocked me off my feet. And just... yeah, everyone should read this.
Then I'm off to do some official last minute Christmas shopping, and hopefully catch up on reading y'all's posts. What are y'all up to today? <3
The Innkeeper by John Piper
Only two weeks from His crucifixion, Jesus has stopped in Bethlehem. He has returned to visit someone important--the innkeeper who made a place for Mary and Joseph the night He was born. But His greater purpose in coming is to pay a debt. What did it cost to house the Son of God?
Through this imaginative poem, John Piper shares a tale of what might have been. The story of an innkeeper whose life was forever altered by the arrival of the Son of God. Ponder the sacrifice that was made that night. Celebrate Christ's birth and the power of His resurrection. Rejoice in the life and light He brings to all. And encounter the hope His life gives you for today--and for eternity.
This.Was.Incredible.
Picture this. In the weeks before the Crucifixion, Jesus journeys back to the village of Bethlehem, to the innkeeper who had to turn Mary and Joseph away from his roof, but offered them a place among his livestock.
There He meets a man, a man who has lived a broken, lonely life for the past thirty years. A man who lost everything because of a choice to unknowingly offer shelter to the infant Messiah.
The words in this tiny book gave me literally chills. Every Christian should read and ponder this. 10/10 recommended. <3
"I am the boy
That Herod wanted to destroy."
"God's ways are high, and you will know
In time. But I have come to show
You what the Lord prepared the night
You made a place for Heaven's Light."
4 Favourite Christmas Posts @ Little Blossoms for Jesus
12 Days of Christmas — Dat Nine @ Soldier Girl Stories
Battle of the Christmas Book Covers @ Review from the Stacks
Christmas Favorites: A Tradition @ Tower in the Plains
Christmas Photography @ Farm Life: Autumn's Adventures
Christmas Story: Expected End, pt.6 @ Life of Heritage
Encouragement & Exhortation at Christmas @ Faith on the Farm
Hear Them Ring // Book Review @ RebekahAshleigh
“In the Heart of the Christmas Pines” by Leona Dalrymple @ Old-Fashioned Book Love
Silent Night @ Angela Watts, Author
December 21, 2020
12 Days of Christmas || Day 8 || Favorite Christmas Music of 2020
How are y'all doing during this last-few-days-before-Christmas? ;) I'm running errands, doing some cleaning, and maybe hopefully figuring out last-minute gift items. :P
Today I'm sharing some of my current favorite Christmas songs. These aren't necessarily new songs this year, just ones that are special to me right now.
The Baby in the stable is the only One who's able
To bring comfort and peace that's never gonna leave
Love came down on Christmas Day
Now my Hope is here to stay
Hallelujah, the King is here, given for all men
Baby Jesus, do You know You'll die for all our sins?
Don't be afraid for in three days, You will rise again
I was a lonely seeker, I sought both day and night
And I asked the Lord to help me, and He showed me the way
He made me a watchman upon a city wall
And if I am a Christian, I am the least of all
Those born in darkness have seen a great light
The Redeemer of our hearts has been born this night
5 Christmas Decor Items @ Little Blossoms for Jesus
12 Days of Christmas — Day Eight @ Soldier Girl Stories
Book Review: The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson @ Review from the Stacks
Christmas Challenge @ RebekahAshleigh
Christmas Cookies @ Farm Life: Autumn's Adventures
A Christmas Devotional @ Faith on the Farm
Favorite Cookies @ Life of Heritage
December 20, 2020
12 Days of Christmas || Day 7 || God With Us
Happy Sunday, lovely souls. I hope you all have the opportunity today to gather with believers, celebrate Christmas, and worship the Savior. <3
*
Another ramble inspired by On This Holy Night. You’re welcome. ;)
Maybe it's because I was listening to the audio narration of this book while driving home from school with nothing else to do but think and ponder. But I was totally struck dumb by something I realized. Something that I’d never realized and/or considered before. Maybe I had learned it at some time in the past, but I had never grasped it fully or understood the deeper meaning.
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.
// luke 1:30-32
In the past, whenever I read about the angel visiting Mary, I didn't pay a lot of attention to the fact that she was also given a name for the baby. Of course His name would be Jesus, He was God's Son. The name means "to deliver, to rescue" because that's what He came to do.
What I didn't realize until recently is that, at the time of His birth, the name “Jesus” probably wasn’t uncommon. Jesus in Greek, or Yeshua in Hebrew, translates to Joshua in English. Same root word. Nearly same meaning.
Jesus: Greek - to deliver, to rescue Yeshua: Hebrew - to deliver, to rescue Joshua: English - God is salvation
Wait wait, hold up...
Joshua. Joshua means "God is Salvation."
Joshua, of the Old Testament, was chosen of God to led his people into the Promised Land.
One day, Jesus will gather His people home to the ultimate Promised Land.
It was likely a name that Mary and Joseph had heard before. It's reasonable to consider that at the time that Jesus was a growing up boy, living with His family in Nazareth, there were other boys nearby who were always given this name.
Somehow this realization served to deepen my understanding of the total humanity of the Son of God.He lived among ordinary people. He had normal, ordinary parents. He had a name that wasn’t uncommon or unheard of, the name of a Jewish leader in early Old Testament times.
Not only did He live among dirty, messy humans for thirty-three years, He was fully human. The only distinction was His inability to sin. Fully God and fully man.
And the reason for it? Because the only way He could relate to us in our earthly times of pain and suffering was to come to earth and experience such for himself. He did it all for us.
Son of God.
Son of man.
Emmanuel.
God with us.
6 Christmas Scriptures @ Little Blossoms for Jesus
A Christmas Devo @ Farm Life: Autumn's Adventures
Christmas Favorites: A Hymn @ Tower in the Plains
Christmas Story: Expected End, pt.5 @ Life of Heritage
Christmas Tag @ RebekahAshleigh
Christmas Traditions to Carry on in 2020 @ Reviews from the Stacks
Word Study on on "Emmanuel" @ Faith on the Farm
