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

|| 12 Days of Christmas

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

merry Christmas & happy new year <3

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. 

|| 12 Days of Christmas

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

how can I be praying for you this Christmas? 

last day to enter the giveaway! 

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. 

|| 12 Days of Christmas

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

what has made you pause and appreciate the Light among us this year? 

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." 

|| 12 Days of Christmas

4 Favourite Christmas Posts @ Little Blossoms for Jesus

12 Days of Christmas — Day 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

have you read this book? 

have you entered the giveaway? only two more days!

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. 

Here to Stay // Hannah Kerr + Cochren & Co. 

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

Born in Bethlehem // Third Day

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 

Go Tell it on the Mountain // Zach Williams

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

Christ is Come // Big Daddy Weave

Those born in darkness have seen a great light 

The Redeemer of our hearts has been born this night 

|| 12 Days of Christmas

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

what's your current favorite Christmas song? 

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. 

|| 12 Days of Christmas

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

only 5 days until Christmas... O.o

12 Days of Christmas || Day 6 || Why Nativity Scenes Shouldn't Be Pretty

A thought occurred to me while reading On This Holy Night a few weeks ago. It's something that has stuck with me ever since, and I felt inclined to share. 

*

Nativity scenes. We see them everywhere during this time of year. Hearths, chimneys, coffee tables, kitchen counters, front lawns, street corners. Anywhere from fit-in-your-pocket tiny to life-sized large, you can find imitations of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the shepherds, the angels, the wise men, sheep, donkey, camels... the whole Christmas cast, right? 

Now, let's further consider how they usually look. Are their appearances true to their roles in the true Biblical story of Christ's entry to the world? 

Mary is usually depicted as beautiful, innocent, serene, contented, almost angelic. Almost always wears blue while kneeling beside the manger. She typically does not look like a woman who just gave birth. Joseph, the strong, handsome husband, often holding a light over Mary and also looking perfectly content. The manger looks cleaner than any feeding troughs I've ever seen. Perfectly clean hay. Perfectly clean Baby. 

(Sometimes the Christ Child even has a halo or a glow of golden glory around Him. Sorry, people, but the Bible doesn't mention this. He was the fully and totally God, clothed in fleshly humanity!) 

For the sake of not boring y'all, I won't even get off on the shepherds... But overall, it's what one might call pretty, isn't it? Visually appealing. Nice to look at. 

But...what if nativities shouldn't be pretty? What if that's the whole point? 

What if—in our self-focused drive to make Christmas more appealing, more trendy, more comfortable—we lost the very thing that gives the story power? 

Mary and Joseph were completely human. Was God with them? Yes. Absolutely. 100%. But that doesn't mean they weren't scared. Gosh, I can't even imagine how scared they were. Not only were they tasked with raising the Son of God in their own home, but who was going to believe their story? It's common for new parents to be scared and apprehensive of what's to come. How much more were the couple in our nativity scenes burdened by what the future may hold for the two of them and their child? 

It's my belief that we make nativity scenes pretty because we don't enjoy looking at ugliness. Dirty, ugly, marred things (and people) make us uncomfortable. We want to view, be around, and associate ourselves with pretty things and homes, put-together people and flawless relationships. 

We. Don't. Like. Ugly. 

But we should. 

Jesus did. 

Jesus loved ugly, dirty people. 

Jesus died for dirty, ugly me and dirty, ugly you. 

He didn't enter this world because we were good enough for Him. 

He came because we are ugly and dirty and need saving. 

He didn't come because we deserve it. 

He came because He loves us and wants better for us. 

He didn't come because He needs us. 

He came because we need Him. 

When we beautify the nativity scene and story, we take away the power of the story. 

Holy, sinless, life-giving Savior chooses to come and dwell among broken, sinful, depraved humanity. 

Nativity scenes shouldn't be pretty. They should be dirty, because that's the whole point of the story. 

* 

(Little issue with the blog this morning, but all is running well now. :) )  

|| 12 Days of Christmas

7 Favourite Christmas Covers @ Little Blossoms for Jesus

12 Days of Christmas — Day Six @ Soldier Girl Stories

Christmas Decorations @ RebekahAshleigh

Christmas Story, Expected End Pt.4 @ Life of Heritage

Christmas Traditions @ Faith on the Farm

It's Christmas Time! Tag @ Farm Life: Autumn's Adventures

My Favorite Christmas Movies @ Reviews from the Stacks

“A Police Force for Christmas” by Rebekah A. Morris @ Old-Fashioned Book Love

Proof of Your Love @ Angela Watts, Author

thoughts on my little spiel? :P 

12 Days of Christmas || Day 5 || Favorite Christmas Stories of 2020

Only a week until Christmas... what a lovely season, eh? :)  Today I'm sharing four lovely Christmas books that I've enjoyed so far this Christmas season. And then we have oodles of posts by everyone else, linked below!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway! 

Tin Can Serenade by Amanda Dykes

Two homes in the mountains 

Snowed in for winter’s keep; 

A river in between them, 

A rope tight o’er the deep 

… 

So begins the plucky correspondence of Timothy and Genevieve, two children about to uncover a story long-buried... one filled with love, with loss, and with hope. An enchanting Christmas story laced with joy, God's healing hand in the broken places of life weaves through each letter passed over the river in that tin-can strung from the rusted pulley. 

This one was just too cute. I loved the epistolary style, and the kids' personalities were shone very well. Somewhat predictable, but that didn't subtract from the loveliness. <3

Go Tell It by Rebekah Morris

When an alleged shortcut leads Frank passed a group of mountain homes on Christmas Day, he discovers something shocking– No one celebrates Christmas. The children doesn't even know what Christmas is about. Is Frank's shortcut a chance to "go tell it on the mountain"?

A heartwarming short story about sharing the gospel of Christ at Christmas time! The characters were sweet and charming and I loved the heart of the story. <3

Far as the Curse is Found (Joy to the World) by Amanda Barratt

In Joy to the World, three popular romance authors come together to offer a heartwarming collection of holiday Regency romance. Based on lines from a beloved Christmas carol, these three novellas have depth, faith, and satisfying stories all packed into the perfect length for readers to curl up and take a brief break from their holiday busyness. 

Far as the Curse is Found: One winter night, a woman struggling to provide for her illegitimate child encounters a scarred veteran of the Napoleonic Wars on the streets of London. Can love conquer the darkness of two broken pasts?

What a beautiful story. I didn't start reading this until late one night and stayed up until wee mornings hours to finish it. So precious, so lovely. It's broken hearts healed and lives mended and love conquering evil. It was neat to see how the title tied into the storyline, too. 

A truly beautiful story, definitely my favorite Christmas tale so far this year. <3

 

(Out of this collection, I've only read the middle story—Far as the Curse as Found. I'll probably go back and read the others soon.) 

A December Bride by Denise Hunter

What started as a whim turned into an accidental—and very public—engagement. Can Layla and Seth keep up the façade in Chapel Springs this holiday season—for the sake of her career...and his heart?

Under normal circumstances, Seth Murphy—the best friend of Layla O’Reilly’s ex-fiancé—would be the last person she’d marry. But the news of their upcoming (and phony) nuptials convinces a big client that Layla may be high-society enough to work for his agency—a coup that would put her fledgling home-staging business on the map.

Seth has secretly loved Layla for years, even when she was dating his best friend. Maybe she’ll never forgive him for the way he hurt her back then, but he has to try. And Layla is willing to keep up their engagement farce until she’s landed her client.

For Layla, it’s the chance to save her career. But for Seth, it’s his last chance to win her heart.

Having watched the Hallmark movie adaption of this story (several times, actually), I knew the basic storyline. Still, it was fun to read and catch the differences and similarities between book and movie. Not an all-time favorite, but a cute story. 

(Apologies for the late posting—everything *should* be on schedule after today. <3)

|| 12 Days of Christmas

8 Christmas Activities @ Little Blossoms for Jesus

12 Days of Christmas — Day Five @ Soldier Girl Stories

Book Review: The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury @ Reviews from the Stacks

Christmas Books @ Maidens of Modesty

Christmas Favorites: A Story @ Towers in the Plains

Christmas Story: Expected End, pt.3 @ Life of Heritage

A Christmasy Story @ Farm Life: Autumn's Adventures

Circle C Christmas - Book Review @ RebekahAshleigh

Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani @ Angela Watts, Author

My Must-Watch Christmas Movies @ Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors

Pictures/Aesthetics @ Faith on the Farm

have you read any of these? 

what new favorite Christmas story have you discovered recently?

12 Days of Christmas || Day 4 || Favorite Christmas Movies of 2020

Good morning, lovelies! 

Can you believe it's only eight days until Christmas? School is officially finished and after I take care of some work things today + mail Christmas goodies, it's time for full-on Christmas baking. ;) 

Today, I'm sharing three of the few Christmas movies I've seen this year! 

USS Christmas 

Maddie, a reporter for a Norfolk newspaper, embarks on a Tiger Cruise during Christmastime where she meets a handsome naval officer and stumbles upon a mystery in the ship's archive room.

Having been aboard the USS Yorktown (where much of this movie was filmed), my bestie and I knew we had to watch this movie as soon as it was announced. It ended up being a lot sweeter than I expected, and I adored the "mystery" story. <3 

Angel of Christmas

Susan gets a chance at her first real article, writing about the family angel, which were handcrafted by her great-grandfather. It is said to have a history of bringing people together. Working hard to get the article done on time, she is torn between the handsome, successful Derek and the free-spirited artist Brady.

I watched this one with a friend too, and it also had a background/mystery story! It was really sweet and had some laughable moments as well. Susan's friend was my favorite. 

Hitched for the Holidays

An attractive pair agrees to be each other's supposed significant other throughout the holidays to keep their meddling families at bay.

This one was...almost totally comedy. Not an all-time favorite, for sure, but it was funny and amusing. I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a sweet Christmas movie with a lot of heart, but if you need a laugh and something entertaining, this isn't a bad choice. :)

|| 12 Days of Christmas

9 Christmas Writing Prompts @ Little Blossoms for Jesus

12 Days of Christmas — Day Four @ Soldier Girl Stories

“The Birds’ Christmas Carol” by Mrs. Kate Douglas Smith Wiggins @ Old-Fashioned Book Love

Book Review: The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson @ Kaitlyn Krispense, Author

Movie Review @ Life of Heritage

Movie Review: Christmas Oranges @ Farm Life: Autumn's Adventures

Top 10 Songs on My 2020 Christmas Playlist @ Reviews from the Stacks

Word Study on "Gift" @ Faith on the Farm

have you seen any of these? 

what's the best Christmas movie you've seen so far this year? 

12 Days of Christmas || Day 3 || Once Upon a Dickens Christmas - Series Review

Good morning, lovelies! 

I had hopes of getting this up earlier, but after Christmas shopping most of yesterday and then doing homework all evening/night, I didn't get my post written and readied ahead of time. So here we are. ;) 

I had the joy of diving into some darling books by Michelle Griep in the not-too-decent past. And now, I will attempt to scream about my love for them enough to convince you to read them while also refraining from divulging spoilers. Also can we talk about these covers??

When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas 1850 at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of five hundred pounds. That’s enough money to bring her brother back from America and reinstate their stolen family fortune. But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane.

Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on the unknown person who stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is blindsided by the anger of the woman he left at the altar.

Brought together under mysterious circumstances for the 12 Days of Christmas, Clara and Ben discover that what they've been striving for isn't what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

• Started reading last Christmas and finished shortly into January. The beginning was slow, but the rest of the book made up for it. 

• A group of strangers (except two and that wasn't planned) trapped in a dark creepy mansion, all uncertain what they're doing there and why? Mysteries and adventures and secrets abound! 

• Clara and Ben were my favorites until I read book #2 and loved those people just as much... But I dunno, these two might still be my favs... I loved the full-circle effect of their past history and the way it shaped their futures. 

• The Victorian style (in relation to literally everything) was so well done. 

• THE PROSE. So beautiful. So amazing. 

London, 1853: Innkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life, for there’s nothing more mundane than serving customers day after day. Every minute she can, she reads lovely stories and dreams of someday becoming a real lady—and catching the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn.

William is a gentleman’s son, a charming-but-penniless rogue. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either William or his scheming cousin Percy. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married—a perfect plan until Uncle invites William to bring his wife for a visit.

William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t. So does William. Deceiving the old man may mean that more than just money is lost. 

• There is something about let's-pretend-to-be-a-couple plots that always draw me in. Whether it's a Hallmark movie or a book like this one, something about the trope always draws me in. Sometimes I end up enjoying the story that follows and sometimes not, but this was definitely one of the good ones. 

• Will and Fitz's relationship <333

• Can we talk about the beautiful prose again?? I will most assuredly be reading more of Michelle Griep's eloquent words. 

• Alllll the Dickens references and connections. <3

• I listened to most of this one on audiobook driving to and from school, and I absolutely adored it. The narrator did such a fantastic job with the accents—it was a true delight. 

• May or may not be lowkey crushing on William Barlow. 

• Miss Whymsy. Miss Whymsy. Miss Whymsy. <3

I've just started reading book #3, The Old Lace Shop, and I'm hoping I enjoy it was much as these two! <3

|| 12 Days of Christmas

10 Songs From my Christmas Playlist @ Little Blossoms for Jesus

12 Days of Christmas — Day Three @ Soldier Girl Stories

The Best of Hallmark Take 2 @ Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors

Book Review: Yesterday's Christmas by A.M. Heath @ Reviews from the Stacks

The Carpenter @ Maidens of Modesty

Christmas Favorites: A Song @ Tower in the Plains

Christmas Recipes @ Faith on the Farm

Christmas Story: Expected End, Pt.2 @ Life of Heritage

DIY Christmas Cards @ Farm Life: Autumn's Adventures

Christmas Book Recommendations @ RebekahAshleigh

have you read this series?

don't forget to enter the giveaway! 

12 Days of Christmas || Day 2 || 20 Little Christmas Lovelies

Because this year has been a continual lesson in learning to find the good among the bad, savor the moments while you have them, and remember what's truly important in life, I thought I would share 20 things that I've found a fuller appreciation for during Christmas 2020. 

• christmas lights everywhere on my drive home •

• peppermint everything •

• a lighted and decorated tree gracing the living room • 

(even if it took us nearly three days to get around to getting it finished)

• discovering new books <3 • 

• the fact that I had many more ideas for this post before I actually sat down to write it •

• the two light snows we've already had + a chance of snow later this week • 

(winter weather is my JIVE)

• christmas movie nights with special people • 

• speciality coffees + drinks •

• the need for coats and scarves and leggings and sweaters and boots and the like • 

(warm comfy clothes make me happy)

• christmas-y church services + hymns • 

• those people who go all out and even attach christmas decor to their vehicles • 

(saw an adorable decorated jeep last night and I'm kinda diggin' it)

• planning + picking out gifts for my people •

• christmas music on every. single. station. • 

(is it just me or does it seem like even the country stations started playing Christmas music earlier this year?)

• looping christmas lights through my bookshelf and giving my space a sweet glow •

• sales. sales. sales. • 

(this totally counts)

• Zach William's version of Go Tell It on the Mountain • 

• hugging people •

(do not yell at me. I miss the days when no one frowned at hugging people randomly and fully and without judgement)

• the fact that there's not actually twenty things on this list, but you wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't told you • 

• this blog party and all it means to me <3 • 

|| 12 Days of Christmas

11 Favourite Indie Christmas Books @ Little Blossoms for Jesus

12 Days of Christmas: Day 2 @ Soldier Girl Stories

12 Days of Christmas: Day 2 @ Read Review Rejoice

“As In Olden Days” by Jesseca Wheaton @ Old-Fashioned Book Love

Bing Crosby Christmas Songs @ Life of Heritage

Book Review: A Storybook for Advent Series @ Farm Life: Autumn's Adventures

Christmas Books @ Faith on the Farm

Christmas Movies @ RebekahAshleigh

Spell the Month in (Christmas!) Books // December 2020 @ Reviews from the Stacks

Wake Up @ Kaitlyn Krispense, Author

what's making the Christmas season special for you this year? <3

(please say a prayer for some friends of ours today—they got the worst kind of news.) 

12 Days of Christmas || Day 1 || Intro + Flash Fiction Challenge

 

Happy Monday, friends and acquaintances! Welcome to the first day of the sixth year of the 12 Days of Christmas blog party <33

It's a bit difficult for me to realize that this party has been a sweet part of my Christmases for that long. I'm so happy that, in spite of some challenges and difficulties to work through, it's happening again this year. We have a bigger group of bloggers than I originally expected, several excited newbies, and I couldn't be more pleased. <33

If you're familiar with how the party works, feel free to buzz on ahead and enjoy all the posts for today. If you're new to 12DoC, let me just explain what's going on. Every day, today through Christmas, I'll be posting something Christmas-related. At the end of each of my posts will be a list of links to direct you to the blog of every other participant who's sharing Christmasy joy on that day. Sound fun, huh? :)

You'll get to know some possibly new-to-you bloggers, add to your TBR, read Christmas stories and devotionals, and be bombarded with Christmas joy. It's an absolute treat. <3

Alright, moving on... 

|| Flash Fiction Challenge

Allow me to be completely honest here. 

I haven't written anything in over a month. I haven't written anything worth reading in months. I haven't completed a whole story in over a year. 

(And she still calls herself a writer? I know, such irony.) 

BUT, I've always loved writing Christmas stories. Even though I still don't have a lot of free time, and it's now 11 days until Christmas, I want to make sure I work in some time to spin a new Christmas story. 

So here's the deal. Maybe you haven't been writing a lot lately either. Or maybe you have but you want to try something new. Maybe you're stuck with your current project and need a fresh batch of characters to work with. 

Whatever the case, I've got an idea—flash fiction. If you want to write some Christmas flash fiction with me, go for it and share it on your blog because I'd love to see what you came up with! Don't have a blog or already have your 12DoC posts planned and your blog fully-loaded through Christmas? Shoot me an email and I'll share your flash fiction here on Day 9 (the 22nd) if you'd like! 

I'm adding below some prompts I found Pinterest, but you don't have to work from a prompt. You could start with literally anything. These already have my mind whirling... :D

|| Giveaway

This year's 12DoC giveaway is a bit different than previous years, in that I'm not going to tell you all that's in the prize pack. I have several Christmasy items set aside—books, candles, hair ties, ornaments, things like that. But in hopes of making it a little more special for the winner, I'll alter the exact items to hopefully accommodate the winners likes/dislikes a little bit. And we'll probably do a first and second place winner, so go ahead and get all your entries. ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

International friends... I'm sorry, loves. Shipping is unjustly expensive. If an international entrant winners, they will receive 3-4 Christmas ebooks, including Coffee Shop Christmas by Ryana Lynn Miller (a 12DoC-er!). <3 Then, the second place winner with receive the other goodies. 

|| 12 Days of Christmas

12 Christmas Traditions @ Little Blossoms for Jesus

12 Days of Christmas Blog Party: Day 1 @ Read Review Rejoice

12 Days of Christmas — Day One @ Soldier Girl Stories

Christmas Favorites: A Book @ Tower in the Plains

Christmas Story: Expected End, Pt.1 @ Life of Heritage

Hope was Born @ Maidens for Modesty

The Joy of Christmas Book Tag @ Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors

My Christmas Playlist @ Farm Life: Autumn's Adventures

My Christmas TBR @ RebekahAshleigh

Tackling the TBR Super Special: Christmas 2020 Edition @ Review from the Stacks

Word Study on "Lamb" @ Faith on the Farm

anyone writing flash fiction with me?! 

which blog are you scampering off to first? 

12 Days of Christmas... 2020?

Hello, lovely souls! 

I hope you’re all doing well and hanging in there as we welcome in the holiday season at the close of a long, tiresome, worrisome year. 

This hasn’t been the best year for many of us. Between a pandemic, civil and political unrest, and a wacked-out election (for my US homies, anyway). Due majorly to this fact plus a hectic schedule, I’ve been debating lately whether or not we should have the 12 Days of Christmas blog party again this year. 

And God promptly smacked me upside the head for continuing down this thought-track. 

“You’re not going to celebrate the birth of my Son because it’s inconvenient for you? You’re skipping the Christmas festivities you love so much because you ‘just don’t feel like it’?” 

(Talk about a dose of humility.) 

And then He proceeded to knock all other possible excuses out from under me. Work? The business I work at closes for the season a few days before the party begins. No reasoning there. School? I have finals the first two days of the parties, but that’s not a legitimate excuse. Even professional-procrastinators like me study before the day of the test...usually. 

All that to say... 

We're doing this. I got over myself. It’s happening—assuming at least a few of y’all are game. (Can’t do it all by my lonesome… that would be boring... I asked on Instagram the other day and got an almost 100% positive response, so like... where y'all at...) 

But hey! The party will run December 14th through the 25th, just like it was every year since 2015. (Please don't go back at look at our sad beginnings—I cringe just thinking about it.) Sixth year in a row, woot woot! I'm excited. :P 

If you're interested in joining, we would LOVE to have you. Legit all you've got to do to get involved is 1) email/message/comment and let me know you want to take part and 2) start planning/prepping your posts. This is later than I used to start planning, but we still have like 26 days, so we totally got this. 

Back to what I said about Instagram—if you have social media but not a blog and still want to participate, you're totally welcome. Just message me or something so we can work out details and figure out the best way for me to direct readers to your content.

I'll be posting every morning through the 12 consecutive days, and you're all welcome to post as many or as few times as you like. Remember that this is about Christmas, but beyond that, you can post whatever Christmasyness you want... If you need inspiration, you can find all the previous 12DoC posts here or a list of popular ideas for post topics in the past here. 

So uh,... yeah, I think that's all I need to say right now. Any questions?

who's in?!

Stop the Rain by Kassie Angle | release

Annddddd I'm back. With the other Veterans Day indie release. I love this spirit of patriotism we've got going on around here. Stinkin' amazing. ;)  

My friend Kassie's newest novel is centered around PTSD. These stories matter SO much. And I have total confidence that this gal has poured her whole heart into this story, and it'll rock your world. So, uh, go get it and read it, mmkay? 

(I'm not very far into it and my heart is already breaking. Accepting chocolate donations. </3 ) 

"...he said all I ask is that you don't forget, 'cause the war's not over when the fighting ends..." 

Synopsis

He left his entire world in Iraq. So why did the war follow him home?

Harley Keane and his best friend Nigel were just kids when 9/11 rocked their world and changed their lives forever. When they're finally old enough to join the Army, all their childhood dreams seem about to come true. But war wasn't supposed to be like this. A kid's dream isn't supposed to become a living nightmare. Fellow soldiers aren't supposed to bleed out in front of your eyes.

Back home, safe and unwounded, Harley feels anything but. Why would God spare him when so many others were taken? Why won't the nightmares stop, even when he's awake? And how long can he hide the truth that threatens everything he has left? When Harley's invisible scars refuse to stay hidden, will he let anyone close enough to help? And how do you go on with life when "okay" isn't okay at all?

Author Bio

Kassie Angle is a teenaged Christian author, cowgirl, therapy dog trainer, stereotypical INFJ, and Army girl to the core. Her first love, i.e. debut novel, O to be Like Thee, swept her unexpectedly into the world of indie authors. She tries to use her stories to fill the silences in literature, helping more people understand the world of the Army and showing how God heals the broken-hearted. You can find her and more of her writing at SoldierGirlStories.com.

Kindle + Paperback + Goodreads + Soldier Girl Stories

have you read anything by Kassie Angle?!