The first time I heard “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton, when I was just a girl, it struck me so deeply I began to cry. I ran downstairs, with urgency, to tell my mother how much I loved her. Do you remember that song? Dolly’s family was poor, so someone dropped off a […]
Tag Archives: Christmas
I am sitting peacefully in my in-laws’ living room now, but a week ago, I was all lit up in Christmas stress. I felt guilty about the stress, for I love Christmas. I tease that I was raised by elves. I start listening to Christmas music as soon as the heat of summer lifts. I […]

The December garden’s last flash of beauty was glazed in ice. I bid farewell to the delicate petals and colored leaves while peering through their frozen casements. Cold though it was, this month “bloomed” with warmth and beauty. * Decorating cookies with my extended family * Cozied up on the couch, a son on either […]
I know my name is Carol for a reason . . . because I am at my best when Christmas is before me. But, on Wednesday of this week, I was less of a joyful song and more of a worried lament. Little One and I were out shopping. I was browsing for presents as […]
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19-20 I’d like to put the world on pause today. Keep my three-year-old cuddly in his footy […]
A little while ago, my children and I were driving in the car, listening to the audio recording of Little House on the Prairie when it arrived at the Christmas chapter: “Mr. Edwards Meets Santa Claus.” Laura Ingalls Wilder’s writing is so charming, so full of vivid descriptions and the warmest of family moments. In […]