5 Things On Friday: 10th Anniversary and Christmas Fun! {12.18.20}

#1 Yesterday we celebrated our 10th anniversary! We have a fun trip planned in a couple weeks, but we celebrated last night with a leisurely dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants.

I’m really thankful for the level of comfort we have with each other after 10 years, but that doesn’t mean things are always easy or perfect. God in his grace draws us to himself and to each other.

Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Every moment of our obedience is an evidence of and a celebration of the grace that not only forgives but rescues, and not only rescues but transforms. We live…not in our own strength, but only by grace. (New Morning Mercies)

#2 This week before Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year! It comes with all of my favorite things: good food, cozy home decor, gift wrapping, a little time off work, family time and the good news of Jesus’ birth! I’m trying hard to soak it all in and savor every moment!

#3 Last weekend I mixed up the slice and bake sugar cookies from Southern Living. They came together really easily! I let the dough chill overnight and baked half of them the next day. The other half of the dough is in the freezer for next week!

These cookies are supposed to come out much more round in shape, but they still taste delicious! They’re almost like a cross between a shortbread and a sugar cookie – perfect with a cup of coffee or hot tea!

#4 While it’s not Christmas until I’ve watched Tim Hawkins talk about his favorite Christmas carol, I’m also loving Trey Kennedy’s take on Santa in 2020. “Do you know how hard it is to fly my sleigh with reindeer six feet apart?” 🙂

#5 Finally, I want to share two blog posts that I hope will encourage you. I know that many of you are dealing with hard things right now – loss, sickness, uncertainty and heartache. These blog posts speak specifically to those things.

• Christmas is for the Hurting
• What To Do On Those Sleepless Nights

I’m praying that Emmanuel will bring light to your deepest gloom today! ❤